In Spite of Me

Did I do that? Have you ever said that yourself? As Christians, sometimes we can make the same mistakes over again. Even after prayer and hearing sermons, we can still choose to conduct ourselves in a manner that is inconsistent with the faith of Jesus Christ.

Because of this, some feel that God will leave them and will not help them when they are in trouble because of their mistakes. However, the story of Abraham shows us that God may not always allow us to reap the consequences of bad decisions.

But God came to Abimelech in a dream by night, and said to him, Behold, thou art but a dead man, for the woman which thou hast taken; for she is a man's wife. Gen 20:3 (KJV)

Abraham lied to Abimelech, not revealing that Sarah was his wife. Just like with Pharaoh, Sarah was taken. However, we discover that God showed up to protect Sarah and Abraham, though they were in the wrong. What a demonstration of God’s graciousness!

On today, what mistakes have you made? Have you resolved to live with the consequences while not asking for God’s intervention? There are times when we will have to live with the consequences of bad decisions, but we find that God may show us mercy as He did Abraham. He did it in spite of their error. Just know that God will remain faithful to you, in spite of you. He will be faithful to me, in spite of me. Trust in His love and graciousness to bring you from the failures of the past and into successes of the future.

Prayer of the Week: 

“Lord, grant me grace to receive forgiveness and invite you into my present situation. You will be faithful unto the end. Amen.”

God is Just

Ever wonder why God allows certain things? Have you ever struggled with some of the biblical accounts of God’s judgment and justice? Some think that the righteous judgment of God is unfair and arbitrary. However, as Christians, we must trust in the goodness and justice of God. Abraham had to face his conceptions of God’s justice when God revealed His plans to judge Sodom and Gomorrah.

And Abraham drew near, and said, Wilt thou also destroy the righteous with the wicked? Shall not the Judge of all the earth do right? Gen 18:23, 25b (KJV)

After hearing of God’s plans, Abraham asks God, in essence, are you right in doing this? He knew that Lot and his family were in those cities. However, we know that God was just in His decision by further reading of this story. Now, let us look at ourselves. God does allow things in our lives to happen that seem unfair. 

We can look at the numerous ills of the world and think how these things could be if He is good and just. On today, trust that God cannot operate in unrighteousness. 

Trust that His ways are just. He will do what is best for us even if it does not always feel good to us. You may not understand all things, but trust in the goodness of the  One that has offered such a great salvation in Christ.

Prayer of the Week:

 Lord, give me grace, peace, and strength to accept the unfavorable events of this life. I will trust in your character. Amen.”