Can I pray for you in any way? Send any prayer requests to faithhopegodlove@aol.com In Christ, Mark
"Moses said to the people, "Do not be afraid. God has come to test you, so that the fear of God will be with you to keep you from sinning." The people remained at a distance, while Moses approached the thick darkness where God was." Exodus 20:20-21
I wanted to revisit Exodus 20, verses 20 and 21, because there is one other matter to address beside the awesome assurance that God gives us to not be afraid. This is the matter of testing.
For Moses tells the people of Israel, "God has come to test you, so that the fear of God will be with you to keep you from sinning." This verse offers us a great deal of insight and wisdom into how we are to live each and every day as God’s children and Christ’s disciples.
Here’s a truth to keep in mind: God is watching and assessing us every day. As we walk through each day, we face a multitude of experiences…some good and some bad…some requiring us to make decisions…some requiring us to react and respond…some requiring us to love…some requiring us to listen…some requiring us to help others...I could go on and on but you get the point. No day goes by that we aren’t presented with circumstances and situations that will require us to act, speak or think in whatever way we choose.
So how will we choose to act, speak or think?
Well, that decides on your principles, attitudes and beliefs. And they will be dictated by one of two things: the world or the Lord.
The world, Satan’s domain, would test you through its sinful enticements. God would test you by watching to see if you stay obedient to His word, will and way. For no way of the world is sanctioned by God. We, His children are in the world but are expected to not be of it. For the Lord has called us to a higher standard and a way of living that will always run counter to the world’s way. And if the fear and respect for the Father is in us, then we won’t dare give into temptation. In other words, "the fear of God will be with (us) to keep (us) from sinning."
Need some reinforcing scripture? Consider these words from the first chapter of James, "Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him. When tempted, no one should say, "God is tempting me." For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; but each one is tempted when, by his own evil desire, he is dragged away and enticed. Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death." (James1:12-15) Yes, life is challenging but remember, God is with us and He tells us over and over again, "Don’t be afraid." Keep your eye on the target for we’re not living so much for the present as we are for the glorious future that awaits us in Christ Jesus…"the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him."
Friends, is this not good news for us today? We have a God who has promised to never leave us nor forsake us…a God that has told us that He would never give us a burden we couldn’t bear…a God who has told us that nothing is impossible with Him…and a God who is always with us, loving us unconditionally as a parent to His children. Truly, if God is with us, who and what could ever be against us? (Romans 8:31b) For we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. (Romans 8:37)
So what is our appropriate response to this God who protects us, comforts us, heals us, guides us, loves us and, yes, tests us. How about this plea from the Psalmist David…a man after God’s own heart to a people who should be seeking that same Holy Heart for themselves. David said, "Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting. (Psalm 139:23-24) Amen.
In Christ,
Mark
PS: Please share this with anyone you feel might be blessed by it.
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