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EXPERIENCING TOMORROW'S REALITY TODAY -- Daily Bible Study Devotionals

Tuesday, October 04, 2011

If you've been waiting for God to speak to you, then this is it. Here is what He has to say to you today:

"the LORD is with you when you are with Him. And if you seek Him, He will let you find Him; but if you forsake Him, He will forsake you. But you, be strong and do not lose courage, for there is reward for your work." (2 Chronicles 15:2,7)

While these words were actually spoken by a prophet of God named Azariah to a Jewish king, Asa, they directly speak to each of us. The LORD God is with His people as they seek Him. But, to forsake Him is to be forsaken by Him. So, find strength and courage in knowing that there is benefit in serving the one true God.

Honestly, aren't these words spoken through Azariah just what we need to hear? The easiest thing in the world is to wonder if God is indeed with us. As Azariah said, He is "with you when you are with Him". When your heart's desire is for Him, be assured that He is with you. And, of course, the opposite is true. As a stern warning, never forget that He forsakes those who forsake Him.

And there is "reward in your work". Ever feel like you are the only one trying to serve the LORD? Ever wonder if it really matters? Time to 'fess up: I've asked those questions more times than I care to count! I've succumbed to the "Elijah complex" as I'm sure you have ("I have been very zealous for the LORD ... I alone am left" 1 Kings 19:10). While everyone else seems to be partying down in the world, we feel we're the only ones rolling up our sleeves and doing the kingdom dirty work. Except ... deep down, we know that's not really true.

So, the two key watchwords for the day are, "seek", and "serve". If we seek Him, He will let us find Him. If we serve Him, He will faithfully reward our service. All in due time.

Our Father places a premium on steady faithfulness. I have the greatest respect for elderly servants of God who have stayed the course, through thick and thin, and continue with resolute determination in their service and devotion. These are the tried and true ones. They have had every opportunity to turn tail and run amidst adversity and opposition, but they have stayed the course. They are beacons of hope to novices in the faith. Many, even though now sleeping the sleep of death in the dust of the ground, still speak by their example. And I earnestly desire to emulate their example.

God's word to king Asa is His word to you and me. Listen, and really hear them. Let them sink in to the depths of your being. Claim them as promises to sustain faith and hope.

Steve
©Steve Taylor, 2011

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