How is it that we do all these things for God yet He seems so distant at times? We go to church, we volunteer to help the needy, we work hard for our employer, and we try to show our children right from wrong but do we diligently seek out God’s heart for us? Are we too busy to stop and listen or even ask for direction when decisions stand in front of us? Do we make a habit out of deciding for ourselves or do we really understand the impact of placing God first?
If you are like me we all too often take the easy road because, well it’s easy. You don’t have to consider anyone else or even the impact your decisions have on your own life and living this way continues from day to day as you make a habit out of taking the easy road but when you hit rocky ground you call out to God for His help and surprise – you can’t hear His voice. We see Paul instructing the Corinthians (2 Corinthians chp.13) and giving them a stern warning for living this way. He also gives them the opportunity to make the necessary corrections before he arrives so he wouldn’t have to be tough on them, as they know from previous teaching right from wrong. However, we can see into Paul’s heart for the Corinthians as he provides the secret for getting back on the right track.
(2Co 13:11 NLT) Dear brothers and sisters, I close my letter with these last words: Be joyful. Grow to maturity. Encourage each other. Live in harmony and peace. Then the God of love and peace will be with you.
This is nothing new to the church but instead a simple reminder of who they are to be and it applies to us today. If we do these things Paul instructed the Corinthians to do then when we call out to God for His help we won’t be left wondering where He is.
(Psa 18:2-3 NLT) The LORD is my rock, my fortress, and my savior; my God is my rock, in whom I find protection. He is my shield, the power that saves me, and my place of safety. I called on the LORD, who is worthy of praise, and He saved me from my enemies.
(Psa 18:30 NLT) God's way is perfect. All the LORD's promises prove true. He is a shield for all who look to Him for protection.
