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This morning I was reminded 
of a subtle Christian culture belief 
that is not true: 
"When I follow Jesus 
and do the 'right things'  
life will go easier...."      

While it is true that walking 
in scriptural principles 
creates a life path that is not  
self-destructive 
it doesn't make me 'immune' 
to the impact of evil.    

This morning I was reminded of that 
when I read of Hezekiah's situation.    

Years of serving God, 
- making the land pure of idols 
- celebrating passover 
- loving God well.... 

and then....
2Chron 32:1 After all that Hezekiah had so faithfully done,
Sennacherib king of Assyria came and invaded Judah.
He laid siege to the fortified cities,
thinking to conquer them for himself.

"But didn't I love and serve You God?"
"Didn't I carry out Your commands and rules?"
"What's up...  Why don't You protect me.....?"

I am sure those and many other questions
ran through Hezekiah's mind....

God did deliver them from Sennacherib
Miraculously.
and the nations around saw
this God who can deliver
even when evil seems to take the upper hand....
for the moment....

So why do I sweat it?
when life impacts me negatively.....
'Run and Hide'
'Give up, God's ways aren't worth it...'
'It doesn't matter what I do, God won't protect me....'

Hmmm....
The lies come crowding in....

But what if God uses evil (against itself).....
To demonstrate to the world
He has power over it?
That it can't stand before Him?
That evil is no match for my God.....

What if a man were born blind
Just to show people that Messiah had come?  ref Jn 9:1-7

What if I miss this principle of
allowing God's glory to shine through adversity
by believing the lie;
'Loving Jesus should make life easy'....

Hmmmm....
Lord Jesus,
thank You for saving me
not only from Hell,
but from the forces of Hell
that seek to destroy me....
and the 'byproduct' is
wonder
and amazement
and glory
to You.

I rest
and trust You...
today.
no matter what.

PJ