Dear Daily Message Readers,
READ: Jeremiah 2:1-9
Jeremiah 2:5 (ESV) Thus says the LORD: What wrong did your fathers find in me that they went far from me, and went after worthlessness, and became worthless?
As a young ministry worker, I often have the privilege to preach for pastors on vacation or in need of a break. The experience is invaluable to me as I learn to feed the flock of God from the pulpit.
Sometimes after a sermon I hear, You are such a nice young man. We really wish we had you! Before I let my ego expand, I tell the person, Praise God for His work. But if you really knew me, you would probably take back that statement!
Isnt true that the perception most people have of us is based merely on superficial knowledge or experience? Sure, God has gifted me to put words and sentences together quickly. Does that mean I am a God-fearing man biblically qualified to lead the church? If a person really knew me, he would find sound reasons why he should not give himself to me as a friend. He would also find reasons to be disappointed and angry with me. I am sinful, fallible, and battle with the flesh on a daily basis.
But the closer we get to God, can we find one reason to justify pulling away from Him? There are many things that God has ordained for our lives that we dont like. Maybe, for instance, it is a health problem or weakness. We try everything to make it go away except submitting to the providence of God. Or, maybe it is a privilege God has given to us for a time that is taken away quickly. We may not say, There is injustice with God. However, many times we complain against His providence for us instead of resting in that same providence, and consequently, we bring the very charge of injustice against Him.
From this side of eternity, we may question God and find reasons why every issue should or should not have happened. But when we get to the heart of the matter, lets ask ourselves these questions: Can we trust God with our lives? Can we rest in who He is and what He has for our lives?
Faith Lesson: Everything in your lifedeath, happiness, material blessing, health, etc.is under the sovereign and providential hand of God.
In Christ,
Darin Smith
READ: Jeremiah 2:1-9
Jeremiah 2:5 (ESV) Thus says the LORD: What wrong did your fathers find in me that they went far from me, and went after worthlessness, and became worthless?
As a young ministry worker, I often have the privilege to preach for pastors on vacation or in need of a break. The experience is invaluable to me as I learn to feed the flock of God from the pulpit.
Sometimes after a sermon I hear, You are such a nice young man. We really wish we had you! Before I let my ego expand, I tell the person, Praise God for His work. But if you really knew me, you would probably take back that statement!
Isnt true that the perception most people have of us is based merely on superficial knowledge or experience? Sure, God has gifted me to put words and sentences together quickly. Does that mean I am a God-fearing man biblically qualified to lead the church? If a person really knew me, he would find sound reasons why he should not give himself to me as a friend. He would also find reasons to be disappointed and angry with me. I am sinful, fallible, and battle with the flesh on a daily basis.
But the closer we get to God, can we find one reason to justify pulling away from Him? There are many things that God has ordained for our lives that we dont like. Maybe, for instance, it is a health problem or weakness. We try everything to make it go away except submitting to the providence of God. Or, maybe it is a privilege God has given to us for a time that is taken away quickly. We may not say, There is injustice with God. However, many times we complain against His providence for us instead of resting in that same providence, and consequently, we bring the very charge of injustice against Him.
From this side of eternity, we may question God and find reasons why every issue should or should not have happened. But when we get to the heart of the matter, lets ask ourselves these questions: Can we trust God with our lives? Can we rest in who He is and what He has for our lives?
Faith Lesson: Everything in your lifedeath, happiness, material blessing, health, etc.is under the sovereign and providential hand of God.
In Christ,
Darin Smith
