Breach of Faith

"Saul died because he was unfaithful to the LORD;

he did not keep the word of the LORD

and even consulted a medium for guidance,

and did not inquire of the LORD.

So the LORD put him to death

and turned the kingdom over to David son of Jesse."

1 Chronicles 10:14

His unfaithfulness was obvious.  He disobeyed then tried to justify his defiance toward the God who put him on the throne.  (1 Samuel 15:1-9)  Instead of relying on God's guidance, he turned to a medium when he was in a tight spot.  (1 Samuel 28:3-25)  In place of seeing God as sovereign and just, he treated Him as if He could easily be ignored and put off.

My unfaithfulness may not be as blatantly obvious as that of Saul's but it is no less serious.  How do I offend God's jealous nature and His supreme authority in the way I live my life?  I may be surprised.

Lean on my own understanding.  I know the words well because they are one of the most popular and well-memorized portions of scripture.  "Love the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.  In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make your paths straight."  (Proverbs 3:5-6)  I've meditated on the meaning of this verse, thought about it's significance to the Christian walk, and discussed it's merits with other believers.  When facing everyday challenges, however, I don't always put it into practice.

The moment my health turns South I run to the doctor and seek medical advice for how to preserve my vigor and remove my pain.  I love God but figure this is out of His realm.  After all, I justify, doctors are there to heal the sick.  While God can use doctors to bring about a cure, it is ultimately the Lord who is in control.  I would be wise to then place my confidence more in Him then on modern medicine.

As soon as I experience money issues I rely on what I know and am able to comprehend, looking for all the input I can find on how to remedy my difficulties.  Instead of trusting God to lead me through these rough waters I look for ways to circumvent the hardships, forgetting that He has promised to use everything I face for my good and His glory.  

When the circumstances of my life don't make sense leading me to wonder what kind of plan God might have for me, I offend His mysterious and lofty ways in my insistence on being able to see every detail of the plan before I will take a step forward.  Walking by faith means I'll have to leave the "how" in His capable hands, letting Him lead me one tiny step at a time.  

I am just as unfaithful as Saul was when I fail to recognize His presence in and control over every single aspect of my life.

Double-minded.  I believe God is the One with the plan for my life.  I tell people that He is in control and that I trust Him.  I think He is the source of all the wisdom I need.  However, as soon as I face perplexing times, my actions show that I believe guidance can come from other sources.

If I am to receive the wisdom I need today, I must put all my eggs in His basket, believing that all other sources of wisdom fall short (James 1:5-8).  I often doubt His resources, however, believing in my heart that there are some areas where I need advice apart from Him.  When my budget needs tweaking, for instance, I ask God for help but tend to believe the answers really lie with the financial experts I hear in popular circles.  

People are quick to give me advice about my career and although I say I trust God, I often choose the route that will lead to the most benefit for me instead of believing God has a specific path laid out for me to follow that will bring Him ultimate glory. 

I also ask God for wisdom in how to spend my time but would rather take the advice of efficiency experts.  After all, I rationalize, God wants me to maximize my time, right?

I am just as unfaithful as Saul was when I don't really believe that God has all the answers to every problem I face.

Losing heart.  I got tired of waiting, desiring to see results instead of hearing promises.  Therefore, I ran ahead, attempting to make things happen so I could feel good about the progress I made.  Waiting might work for someone else, but I'm a woman of action.  Now is as good a time as any to make my life amount to something, I think.  After all, God helps those who help themselves!

This foolish thought process leads me to make foolish decisions, choosing any action over waiting in an attempt to keep from looking passive or lazy.  Waiting can be difficult because it feels weak.  I'd rather be actively working toward a goal than sitting around waiting for something to happen.

In God's kingdom, however, I must remember that He's the One with the plan and only He knows the route I will take to get to where He wants me to go.  Therefore, if I try to make things happen in order to avoid inaction, I risk getting off-track.  Once I'm outside of His will, dependent upon my own strength, discouragement sets in as my limited resources run dry. I will never run out of steam, however, if I put all my hope in God, expecting to see His plan unfold in His time (Isaiah 40:31).

I am just as unfaithful as Saul was when I blaze my own trail in an effort to avoid any delays or idleness.

I may not be as blatantly unfaithful as Saul turned out to be, but I do offend God by not totally trusting him in my own way.  I do this by depending more on what I can comprehend than on the incomprehensible mind of God, putting up pretenses that I am seeking God's wisdom when really I want something more palatable, or choosing action over waiting on God's perfect timing.  In so doing, I am showing a breach of my professed faith in a faithful God.

As I begin this day it is my prayer that I will trust God completely in all my ways.

When do I stray away from Him because I don't feel like waiting around for His answers to be revealed?

How does this impatience result in discouragement?

Not What it Seems

"The men said,

'This is the day the LORD spoke of when he said to you,

"I will give your enemy into your hands

 for you to deal with as you wish."'

Then David crept up unnoticed

 and cut off a corner of Saul's robe.

Afterward, David was conscience-stricken

for having cut off a corner of his robe."

1 Samuel 24:4-5

It couldn't have been more perfect.  His enemy, the man who had been hunting him down like a lion stalks his prey, was finally delivered into his hands.  Unbeknownst to this persistent huntsman, his target hid in the shadows, watching his every move.  Surely this was God's providence, delivering Saul into David's hands.  Finally, David could put an end to this nonsense once and for all, killing the man who seemed to have lost his mind to anger and was obsessed with an evil intent to kill the young man he once loved. (1 Samuel 24)

It is easy to see the circumstances unfolding before me and assume that God is giving me a chance for revenge, or justice, or to defend my rights.  If I pay attention to His leading, however, I will come to the same conclusion as did David.  This man after God's own heart knew that "the battle belongs to the Lord" (1 Samuel 17:47) and that the Lord would rather His people demonstrate His mercy, love and forgiveness to a world bent on our destruction. (Hosea 6:6)

Mercy

The people pushed Him to the point of breaking, constantly doubting His provision, questioning His goodness, and wondering where He had gone, leaving them to suffer in solitude. (Exodus 16:3, 32:7-8)  In reality, God always gives His people what they need, is intent on lavishing His love upon them, and never leaves them nor forsakes them. (Ephesians 1:3, 2 Peter 1:3, 1 John 3:1, Deuteronomy 31:6)

Even though I am just like the Israelites, showing myself to be unfaithful to the God who loves me, His mercies are new every morning.  He doesn't ever give up on me even though I often give up on myself.  He never throws in the towel as if to say, "Forget it!  She's never going to trust me enough to let me give her what I want.  I'm tired of her wishy-washiness!"  He doesn't give me what I really deserve.  (Psalm 103:5)

As His child by faith in Jesus Christ, He is grooming me to exhibit these same character traits of Christ. (Romans 8:28-29)  Therefore, when I am wronged, I can extend mercy.  When my flesh cries out to enact revenge, desiring to feel whatever satisfaction I may think will come out of getting back at those who hurt me, He has another path for me to follow.  His indwelling Spirit enables me to choose mercy over revenge.

When it seems God is setting me up to take vengeance upon those who hurt me, I must realize He desires for me to instead show His mercy.

Love

From the beginning they were nothing but trouble.  They refused to do as He commanded.  His most beautiful masterpiece constantly gave Him heartache.  In fact, the sin of mankind made His image bearers out to be His enemies.  Still, He demonstrated His great love for His wayward children by sending His own Son to live a wanderer's life and die a criminal's death.  (Romans 5:8,10, 1 John 3:16)

There is no greater love than the love God showed me by giving His precious Son as a sacrifice for me.  He sent His own down to become sin, suffering greatly as a result, so that I could taste freedom. (2 Corinthians 5:21) In order to give me a chance at life, He allowed His Son to taste death.  

How, then, can I even consider my own rights?  Jesus gave up all so that I could live an abundant life, yet I often am obsessed with so much less. (John 10:10) I get caught up in defending my privileges, what I think I deserve.  I focus too much on how I'm being treated by those around me.  I lose sight of my eternal hope and instead hone in on my temporary troubles. 

Since Jesus gave all out of love, I can likewise extend His brand of love to others.  When my flesh clings to all the ways I've been wronged, His love calls me to forget.  When it is so easy for me to seek my own best interests, His love calls me to do what most helps others.  When I naturally feel a bit of satisfaction to see someone get what I think they deserve, His love calls me to show compassion for their suffering. (1 Corinthians 13:4-8)

When it seems God is setting me up to defend my rights, I must realize His love demands a loving response.

Forgiveness

He could not forgive such an offense.  Due to His perfectly just nature, He cannot simply extend grace and mercy, overlooking His sense of justice.  He is not able to let things slide, even out of love.  The only way God could forgive the darkness of my sin is through the blood sacrifice of His perfect Son. (Hebrews 9:22)

It is easy for me to think that God forgives me because He loves me.  Yes, He does love me beyond measure.  But it goes against His sense of justice to simply overlook how I have offended Him and continue to do so.  My sin keeps me from God. (Isaiah 59:2) 

It is only through the cleansing blood of Jesus that my sins are covered so such a holy and just God is able to look upon me with love. (1 John 1:7) Through faith in Jesus, then, I am able to boldly approach the throne of grace to receive the grace and mercy I need. (Hebrews 4:16)

With such a rich heritage of forgiveness bought for me through the costly sacrifice of Christ, I am able to extend this forgiveness to those around me. (Ephesians 4:32) Instead of seeking my own brand of justice, I can let it go, allowing the blood of Jesus to cover the offense that wounds me so deeply.  In the place of going after what seems fair to me, I can turn away from the hurt and pardon the crime committed against me.  When I am tempted to carry out a sentence I have deemed as appropriate, I can instead put my hurt in God's hand and forgive those who seek to destroy me.  

When it seems God is setting me up to defend justice, I must realize the price He paid to empower me to forgive.

There are many times when circumstances seem to be working in my favor, giving me a chance to seek revenge, defend my rights or demand justice.  A closer look at God, however, reveals a nature that demands quite the contrary.  Instead, He desires for me to extend mercy, love and forgiveness as a way to show the world that He is the Lord my God, proving that things are not always as they seem.  

As I begin this day it is my prayer that I can stop going by what I perceive and instead follow God's lead.

When do I let my flesh lead me to revenge?

How can I let go of the hurt that is developing a bitter root in my heart?

Obedience Trumps Sacrifice

"But Samuel replied,

'What is more pleasing to the LORD:

your burnt offerings and sacrifices

or your obedience to his voice?

Listen!

Obedience is better than sacrifice,

and submission is better than offering the fat of rams.'"

1 Samuel 15:22 NLT

I wouldn't do it.  There is no way that I would spend my free time after school cleaning the house.  Even though my mom left a note for me giving those specific directions, I chose to ignore her wishes, deciding instead to hang out with my friend and watch t.v.  To make up for my indiscretion, I took the time to make a nice dinner.  You see, as a teen I liked to cook.  I didn't, however, enjoy cleaning.  I figured the luxury of coming home to a home cooked meal would soften my mother's resolve, encouraging her to overlook the fact that I had blatantly disregarded her orders.

As a sinful being, it's easy for me to tailor the commands God has given me in the same way that I did with my mom's instructions, picking and choosing to comply to only what suits my tastes and desires.  Then, to make up for my rebellion and stubbornness, I try to butter God up with my exuberant offerings.  This is Saul's sin.  He tried to tweak God's commands to fit his circumstances, relying only on his own point-of-view instead of trusting God in His omnipotent perspective.  When I follow suit, I may think I'm on solid footing, but there is a reason why God values obedience more than sacrifice.

His Plan

One sunny day my daughters and I were walking our dogs through our busy neighborhood.  As we approached a wetlands area, the road narrowed and the sidewalk veered dangerously close to the speeding cars.  Ahead, I spied a young woman running with her Pit Bull.  Taking note of the breed of dog and keeping in mind that my two lab mixes tend to bristle at such types, I made the decision to cross the road.  "Let's cross to the other side."  Immediately, we all made our way to the far side of the road except my youngest.  Defiantly, she decided this would be a good time to conduct some desensitizing training for our older canine.  As a result, the young woman was forced to run down the center of the road to keep her dog from interacting with ours.  Thankfully, there was a lull in traffic which allowed her to do so.

What my daughter didn't perceive when making her rash decision was the woman's anxiety in encountering our dogs.  I noticed her reaction when she took sight of us with our two canines; she immediately stiffened up and looked for a way out.  My baby-girl, however, didn't perceive this bit of information. The other factor my daughter didn't consider was the close proximity of the road, leaving no room to pass at a safe distance.  This close call was a good opportunity to teach a lesson in obedience and the importance of trusting your parent's leadership and insight.

In the same way a child must learn to obey without question, realizing the parent has knowledge and understanding she has not, I must recognize God's sovereignty and complete comprehension of every situation.  Since His plan is unknown to me and all the variables involved are fully beyond my grasp, I must trust that He knows what He's doing while I haven't a clue.

When He allows a dreaded illness into my life, for instance, I may feel like my suffering is without purpose.  As I wallow in self-pity, feeling sorry for myself because the doctors don't know what is wrong, I can remind myself that everything God allows into my life will work together for my good.  Nothing happens without reason and especially the hard times serve the purpose of forming me into the image of Christ.  (Romans 8:28-29)

When my life seems to be dragging along and it appears I'm going nowhere fast, I can be assured that God is working out the details according to His perfect timing.  When He has deemed me ready and when all the necessary pieces are in place, He will move things along in accordance with His plan. (Isaiah 40:31, Proverbs 3:5-6)

When my financial outlook is bleak, I may feel like I have no hope.  As I submit to Him, however, I discover lessons about His perfect provision and learn to trust Him in a way I never before have.  Without the security of my bank account, I have been given the opportunity to see God provide in mysterious and miraculous ways, teaching me that He truly knows my needs and is much better equipped to give me what is necessary for life than am I. (Matthew 6:31-33)

Obedience to God's tender leadership is better than any sacrifice I could make because His plan is always better than mine.

He is God

Parting the waters of the Red Sea.

Creating the seen out of the unseen, forming all things from nothing.

Delivering a new kind of food specially made for His chosen people.

Curing the sick, raising the dead, healing the lame.

Softening the hardened heart.

These are God-sized tasks that only He is capable of accomplishing.  There is nothing that is impossible for Him.  Still, I often limit God in what I expect of Him.

I'm not the only one who possesses this weakness.  Moses, who knew God so personally that he was considered to be His friend, (Exodus 33:11) also doubted God's mighty power and scope of abilities.  When leading the people through the difficult time of wandering in the desert, the multitudes starting whining again.  While all their needs had been met, they craved meat and were not shy about voicing this desire. (Numbers 11)  

When Moses incredulously approached the Lord with their unreasonable request, himself adding some complaints of his own about the burden of leading such an ungrateful lot, God replied that he would give them meat.  He told Moses to tell the people that, "the LORD will give you meat, and you will have to eat it. . . You will eat it for a whole month until you gag and are sick of it." (Numbers 11:18, 20 NLT)  Moses, unable to figure out how God would supply such bounty said, "Even if we butchered all our flocks and herds, would that satisfy them?  Even if we caught all the fish in the sea, would that be enough?"  (v 22 NLT)

God's response told the doubting leader everything he needed to know, "Is the Lord's arm too short?" (v 23a)  In other words, is there anything He cannot do?  Is there any job too big for Him, any dilemma outside of His grasp, any need He is unable to meet?  No.  God is perfectly able to give me what I need, solve any problem I am facing, rescue me from even the most impossible of predicaments. Therefore, I can trust Him enough to do as He says.

Obedience to God's tender leadership is better than any sacrifice I could make because He is God and it is not my desire to limit His omnipotent power in any way.

Faith

All the good deeds, best efforts, or noble intentions can't please God.  My dedication to going to church regularly, serving dependably or studying diligently won't make God's heart sing.  Even my constant attention to Him, my desire to speak of Him often or to testify of His great works will not generate as much pleasure for God as this one intangible. 

Faith.  It is that belief that even though I have no physical proof or tangible evidence of God's existence, I still choose to believe He is who He says He is and is capable of doing all that He has promised.  Despite the apparent lack of a guarantee that everything will turn out okay in the end, faith gives me the hope to believe just that impossibility.

Without my blind trust in a God I can neither see nor touch, there is no way to please Him. (Hebrews 11:6)  But my faith is not in word only.  It may be easy for me to say I believe God will deliver me from my troubles, or that He will provide for my needs, or He will draw a calloused heart toward Him, but talk is cheap.

The only evidence that exists of the authenticity of my faith is found in my actions.  Do I cower in fear when danger draws near, or do I step forward boldly in the face of difficulty, knowing without a doubt that my God will come through on my behalf?  

Do I waver in my resolve when confronting the anemic state of my bank account in comparison to the mammoth strength of my debt, or do I sleep soundly each night, knowing without a doubt that my God will provide all I need?  

Do I observe my wayward loved one with skepticism, wondering if a leopard can change his spots, or do I have the freedom to bear with him in love, knowing without a doubt that my God will usher His child into His kingdom?

James tells me that, "For as the body apart from the spirit is dead, so faith apart from works is dead." (James 2:26)  My faith is only real faith if I act on it, trusting God enough to operate the details of my life as if what I believe but can't see is, in fact, a reality.  In order to prove to God that I trust Him, I must act like what I profess to be true as if it were true.  I must back up my mere words with action.  I must live as if what I believe God will do has already come to pass.

Obedience to God's tender leadership is better than any sacrifice I could make because it proves my faith as real.

Saul took matters into his own hands, thinking his way was better suited for his current situation than was God's.  When he did so, Saul did as I often do; he thought his sacrifice would make up for his disobedience and rebellion against God's specific instructions.  There is a reason why obedience is far superior to any act of surrender I could make.  When I do as God says, I am acknowledging His superior plan, recognizing His omnipotent power, and showing that my faith is authentic.  For these reasons, obedience trumps sacrifice every time.

As I begin this day it is my prayer that I can trust God enough to do as He says.

When do I think my plan is better simply because it is visible and known?

How am I guilty of doubting God's good intentions for me because I'm afraid of the unknown? 

Done Foolishly

"'You have done a foolish thing,' Samuel said.

'You have not kept the command

the LORD your God gave you;

if you had,

he would have established your kingdom

over Israel for all time.'"

1 Samuel 13:13

Saul had good reason to take matters into his own hands and make offerings to the Lord without Samuel.  His troops were scattering, the courage of his men was waning, and the enemy's forces were mustering, gathering more and more strength with each passing hour.  He was the leader:  He must make a decision!

Adding to the justification of his resolve to cease waiting and start acting was the fact that Samuel did not show up when he said he would.  Saul felt he had no choice but to go ahead without the judge and prophet.  He would never attempt such a feat as fighting the Philistines without first seeking God's favor.  Therefore, it seemed he was left without an option; it was time to offer up the sacrifice himself. (1 Samuel 13:1-10)

It is easy to do what seems right and what looks like the wise choice, but to completely disregard God's command.  If I am to avoid this pitfall of Saul, I had better stop acting foolishly.

According to Man's Wisdom

God helps those who help themselves.

Don't worry, be happy.

A penny saved is a penny earned.

Cleanliness is next to godliness.

It seems right to my common-sense-way-of-thinking that God probably does want me to make an effort in solving my own problems, to simply replace my worry with a smile, to save as much money as possible, and to keep my house, belongings and body clean as a way to get closer to Him.  

If I ask God for wisdom, however, and study His Word, I will find something quite different.  In reality, God gives strength to those who wait on Him (Isaiah 40:31), the only anecdote to worry is prayer (Philippians 4:6-7), a wise investment is one that is made in Him and His kingdom (Luke 12:16-21, Matthew 6:19-21), and godliness comes through self-sacrifice and seeking God and His kingdom above all things (Romans 12:1, Matthew 6:33)

When stress is building and I'm looking for something to grasp onto, it's easy for me to reach out to what is convenient and readily available.  If the advice seems right, I'm ready to jump in with both feet, accepting the wise words as truth.  

Since it doesn't seem to be working to wait on God's timing and I'm wondering if He might have forgotten about me.  I'm tempted to find my own solution and start making things happen.   Or, I tirelessly search for different treatments to cure what ails me, constantly trying alternate remedies and seeking the advice of medical professionals, never once committing my health to the Lord who is the Great Healer. (Jeremiah 17:14)  Or I constantly hear messages about smart, financial investments and I start believing the only responsible thing is for me to go after what I need, forgetting that I have a Father who already knows what is necessary for my life.  (Matthew 6:31-33)

I am acting a fool when I live my life according to man's wisdom instead of God's.

Disregarding God's Commands

I know what God said, but it doesn't really apply to this particular situation.

God will understand.  It's just this once. . .

I usually don't but I have no other choice.

I can come up with a million justifications for my rebellious actions but when God sees my unwillingness to do as He has commanded, it's only called one thing:  Disobedience.   Therefore, it should be my highest desire to pay attention to what God teaches to me and to do as He says.

When a coworker stabs me in the back, jeopardizing my job, my natural response is to defend my reputation and preserve my position.   If I honestly seek the Lord in this situation, however, I might find that it is His desire that I respond in love, graciously forgiving my attacker and letting God use this trial in a way that glorifies Him.  Handling the crisis my way might have saved my job, but a prime opportunity to further God's kingdom and produce godly fruit was lost. (Matthew 6:14-15, Luke 3:8)

When I'm laboring over the tax forms, stressing about all the money I owe the federal government, a friend shows me a way out.  As I ponder her suggestion I realize it seems like a fail-safe plan.  Making the necessary adjustments would save me thousands of dollars in taxes, but would cost me much more in my relationship with the Lord.  (Matthew 22:21, Romans 13:6-7)

When I pass by the homeless people sprawled out on the sidewalk, I feel disgusted at the way they are ruining the atmosphere of the downtown area.  When I get home, I am so bothered that I write a letter to the editor of the local newspaper, demanding action by the authorities to "clean up the mess."  My way of thinking may garner much support, but it flies in the face of God's desire for me to love the unlovable and reach out to those in need.  (Matthew 5:42-48, Luke 10:25-37)

I'm acting a fool when I disregard what God has taught me through His Word.

Led by Desperation

The birds cowered in the bush, listening to the sound of the hunter quietly approaching.  One of the pheasants grew anxious, finding it hard to stay put.  Even though her friends implored her to hunker down and stay in the safety of their cover, this nervous Nellie suddenly fluttered out of the tall grasses, unable to sit there while danger lurked so close.  She must have felt doing something was better than doing nothing.  Unfortunately, she paid for such a foolish decision with her life.

This tragic scene in the movie Bambi always touches my heart.  I can relate to the little pheasant who wanted to fly to safety, far away from the predator who sought her life.  I often share her faulty line of thinking, believing that doing something, is better than just sitting there like a lump on a log!

Godly decisions are not made in a state of panic and desperation is not a wise counselor.  Instead of letting my anxious heart be my guide, I would exhibit wisdom if I first took the time to seek God's counsel. (2 Chronicles 18:4, James 1:5)

Recognizing God as the sovereign planner of my life, granting Him dominion over my days, means I'll watch for Him to guide me down the path He designed for me to follow.  (Hebrews 12:1, Proverbs 3:5-6)  

This probably means my decisions may look foolish to those who are in the world.  Most people won't understand why I do what I do.  Some may even call me irresponsible or just plain stupid for following such a path.  In the end, however, I will be glad that I paid attention to God's leading and went where He called me to go.

I'm acting a fool when I let desperation be my guide.

I can relate to Saul when he felt stuck between a rock and a hard place.  In the stress of the moment, he made the decision he thought was best.  Unfortunately, he leaned on his own understanding, disregarded God's commands, and let desperation lead him  Consequently, he lost favor with the Lord.  If I want to avoid a similar result, I would be wise to let God's Word be my guide, to pay close attention to what He teaches me, and to follow Him and Him alone.  In these ways, I will avoid acting as foolishly as Saul did.

As I begin this day it is my prayer that I can seek God in all my ways, even when I'd rather take the first advice that sounds good to me.

When do I disregard God's ways as if they aren't important?

How do I let desperation be my guide? 

  

Unstoppable

"Therefore, in the present case I advise you:

Leave these men alone!

Let them go!

For if their purpose or activity is of human origin,

it will fail.

But if it is from God,

you will not be able to stop these men;

you will only find yourselves fighting against God."

Acts 5:38-39

There is a nail-biting 2010 movie starring Denzel Washington and Chris Pines in which an unmanned half-mile-long freight train is barreling toward a metropolitan area.  A veteran engineer and his newbie conductor take on the task of finding a way to stop the inevitable catastrophe that's coming if the train continues on its present course.  In the end, the two men are successful in their endeavors and in so doing, form a strong bond and gain new respect for each other.

While this train was, contrary to the title, able to be brought to a standstill, God's plan is truly unstoppable.  Proverbs 21:30 reminds us that, "There is no wisdom, no insight, no plan that can succeed against the LORD."

God's purpose is inevitable.  It is not limited by man's frailties, endeavors or lack of knowledge.  God's plan will go forth despite anything His created beings do or don't do.

Man's Weakness

He was insecure, hot-headed, spoiled and prideful.  It took forty years to humble him to the point that God could use him.  When he finally did receive his marching orders from God, he still couldn't get past his own doubts. (Exodus 3-12)  

Moses was a man plagued with flaws, just like any other human.  Despite his limitations, God used him to deliver His people from the hands of a ruthless Pharaoh and lead them through the desert for 40 years.  God is not limited by my inabilities, faithlessness or insecurities.  Instead, He is a good who overcomes my weaknesses.

When I can't picture myself telling anyone about Jesus, He will give me the words when I step forward in faith.  For the times when I know I need to make a change in my life, like improving my diet, adding exercise to my routine, studying God's Word or practicing hospitality, I can trust God to empower the transition even if I've never done anything like this before.  During times of depression, God can show me His power in inexplicable ways if I only stop focusing on myself and my problems and concentrate instead on the acts of His amazing hand.

As God told the Apostle Paul, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness."  Paul then went on to say, "Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me."  (2 Corinthians 12:9)  I will never truly realize the power of God until I'm emptied of myself.  It is then that I'l experience His mighty hand in my life.

God's purpose is not limited by my weaknesses.

Man's Effort

He was the greatest enemy of those who called themselves followers of "The Way." (Acts 8:1-3, Acts 22:4)  He conducted house-by-house searches, dragging Believers out and throwing them into prison.  He relished destroying this church, believing himself to be working on the side of God.  He gave approval to any action, including death,  that involved silencing the Gospel.  He made it his life's ambition to stop this so-called cult, that is until Jesus confronted his behavior.  (Acts 9:4)

Saul put forth his best effort to stop the work of God.  Instead of bringing the new church to an end, however, God used Saul, who became known as Paul, as an instrument to nurture, challenge and instruct His people.  Saul's greatest attempts at thwarting God's plan did nothing against His mighty power.  Instead, God turned Saul around and used his zeal for the good of God's kingdom.

Many times I have a different plan than God does.  Other times my desires stand in opposition to God's.  I can even stubbornly refuse to submit to what I know to be God's plan out of fear, doubt or pride.  No matter what, God's plan will go forth.  No one can fight against God and win. (2 Chronicles 20:5-6)

God's purpose is not limited by any effort that is contrary to His plan.

Man's Ignorance

He had perhaps the most tragic story in all of history.  In a matter of days, he lost his family, his wealth, and his health.  He went from being the greatest man living in the East (Job 1:3), to one who cursed the day of his birth. (Job 3)  

Job suffered greatly at the hand of Satan at the suggestion of God (Job 1-2).  He didn't know why he had to hurt so much, but He did trust God through it all, saying, "The LORD gave and the LORD has taken away; may the name of the LORD be praised." (Job 1:21)  He also said to his wife, "Shall we accept good from God, and not trouble?"  (Job 2:10)

Job did not have the privilege of perfect knowledge and understanding.  He had no clue of the discussion that had taken place between God and Satan.  He didn't know the suffering he was enduring was a test from God and not just some giant cosmic joke.  What he did know is that God is a good God and He is sovereign over all His creation.  He trusted that God knew what he was doing.

My inability to see the truth or understand God's plan does not stop His purpose from going forth.  Just because I'm a little slow and don't get it right away doesn't mean I'm going to hold God back in some way.  Instead, God wins out despite my lack of knowledge and understanding.

In the end, Job did not turn away from God but stayed faithful to Him.  As a result, God blessed the latter years of his life even more than he did the former.  (Job 42:12-13)   In the same way I can trust God's plan no matter how things look at this time.  It may seem all is lost, but God is at the helm of the ship of my life.

Even though I'm struggling with a lack of money, God is still on the throne.  Despite the fact that I can't understand why my health is so poor, God is still on the throne.  Notwithstanding all the family problems I'm going through, God is still on the throne.

God's purpose is not limited by my inability to understand my circumstances.

God is unstoppable.  Whatever is His plan, it will go forth despite my weaknesses, effort contrary to His purpose, or my ignorance.  God's purpose will prevail.

As I begin this day it is my prayer that I can trust God even when things seem to be falling apart.

How do I work against God?

When do I doubt God's ability to overcome my frailties?

The Tables are Turned

"When Daniel was lifted from the den,

no wound was found on him,

because he had trusted in his God."

Daniel 6:23

I came home from a busy night of teaching at the Vacation Bible School our church was hosting.  There were a couple of bills I needed to pay so I logged onto our bank's website.  As I  scrolled down the recent activity log, I noticed a few entries that did not look familiar.  

"My Love, did you go shopping at Marshall's last week?"  I asked my husband.  

"No, I've never even been there."

I noticed that all the suspicious charges were from my debit card and were transacted at merchants located in Chicago, Illinois.  Someone had stolen my card information, made a fake debit card and was walking around the Windy City pretending to be me and spending money that belonged to me and my husband.  Of all the nerve!

My mind went back to our theme that day at VBS: "When you're in trouble, God is with you."  Taking the lesson to heart, I put it all in God's hands, calling the bank to report the problem.

"Don't worry, Mrs. Boose," the fraud specialist told me. "You are not liable for those charges.  Our bank will reimburse you for all the money the thieves spent."

While I do hope they catch those responsible for this crime, I can rest in the knowledge that not only will God take care of me, but He will make sure that justice is served.  I can trust Him to, "judge the world in righteousness; he will govern the peoples with justice.  The LORD is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble.  Those who know your name will trust in you, for you, LORD, have never forsaken those who seek you."  (Psalm 9:8-10)

As I walk this path of faith, I can look to many examples of how God has turned the tables on those who were trying to bring His people down.  The LORD knows how to take care of His own.

Delivery from the Den of Death

He was highly respected in the kingdom of Babylon.  After serving in the king's palace under three administrations, his reputation over the years had grown to epic proportions.  God had placed great favor upon him, so much so that the present ruler, King Darius, planned to put him in charge of the whole government. . . much to the chagrin of the rest of the governors and administrators.  

None of his peers really liked Daniel.  They were, in fact, jealous because he had risen from the position of a lowly Jewish exile to a powerful leader.  Why should he get all the glory when he wasn't even a Babylonian?  

The plan was simple, really; maybe too straight-forward.  The governors would get together all the officials and advisers to present a new decree for approval by the king that would require no prayer except to the king himself for the next month.  Anyone caught defying the edict would be thrown into the lion's den.

As expected, Daniel did not bow in worship to the king because he only prayed to the One True God.  He was headed to his death.

Although I've never faced death, I know how it feels to have people out to get me.   It hurts to know that I'm the target of their hatred.  I can take on the same attitude as Daniel, letting God protect and defend me.  Just as God protected Daniel from tragedy in the mouth of a lion, He can shield me from the assaults launched by others.  

The part of the story of Daniel that I never really liked was how those who had falsely accused Daniel were then thrown into the lions' den along with their wives and children where their met their doom.  (Daniel 6:24)  It seems so mean that the women and children suffered such a cruel death because of the actions of their husbands and fathers. But God is a righteous God and I have to trust Him to do what is perfectly just.

In this way, I know He will take care of me.  Even when accusations are made, court orders are issued, false witnesses are called and it seems the cards are stacked against me, God is greater than anything a mere human can dish out.  

And as He delivers me from my accusers, I will do as David did and, "give thanks to the LORD because of his righteousness and will sing praise to the name of the LORD Most High."  (Psalm 7:17)

Liberation from the Gallows

He hated the man with passion.  Argghh!  He ruined a perfectly fine day!  Look at him sitting there, refusing to rise out of respect for me and my position.  The gall of him!  Haman had hated him the moment he set eyes on him.  There was something about the man that got under his skin.  His eyes never betrayed that flicker of fear as most other subordinates did.  Instead, he held his head high and bowed to no man.  

Later, as he raged to his wife and friends, they gave him a great idea; Build a gallows 75-feet high and have Mordecai the Jew hung in the morning.   And that is just what he planned to do!  But God is a righteous God and He has a way of giving credit where credit is due.  

You see, Mordecai had saved the king from an assassination attempt a while back but had never been recognized for his valor.  As the king lay sleepless that night, he listened to the reading of the record of his reign and learned of this lapse.  Immediately, he put into motion a plan to honor and recognize Mordecai for his act of heroism.  

Of course, this infuriated Haman even more as he was the one to carry out the tribute.  Shameful that this dirty Jew is honored in such a way.  It should be me!

There are times when I've been looked over for recognition or honor.  I work my tail off, doing my very best only to be treated with disdain.  As 1 Peter 5:6-7 reminds me, "Be content with who you are, and don't put on airs.  God's strong hand is on you, he'll promote you at the right time.  Live carefree before God; he is most careful with you."  (MSG) 

It could be that I'm not ready for accolades; most likely it would go to my head, working to build my ego.  Or perhaps God is breaking me of my people-pleasing habit and teaching me to work for Him and Him alone.  Or maybe I just need to learn to humble myself and be content with a job well done.  Whatever the reason, God will lift me up if and when the time is right.

As for Haman; he got what was coming to him.  As only God can orchestrate, the tables were turned and Haman was hanged on the gallows he had built for Mordecai. . . and the Jewish man who had never wavered in His faith took Haman's position. 

As I live my daily life, I can focus on all the injustice and rail against those who try to bring me down.  Or, I can do as Mordecai did and hold my head high, serving in the position God has placed me to the best of my ability.  When the time is right, God will act.

When I trust God to protect me from evil schemes, I can say, "My shield is God Most High, who saves the upright in heart." (Psalm 7:10)

Provision of an Unlikely Leader

He was a hard man in a position of power against those belonging to a cult called "The Way."  He worked hard to protect the integrity of his father's faith, preserving God's laws and rooting out those who preached about Jesus as if He were the Messiah. . . .saying He was God Himself.  Blasphemy!  How dare they profane the name of the Most High God in such a ridiculous way.  

Saul made it his life's mission to persecute the members of the early Christian Church.  He was there at Stephen's stoning as everyone looked to him for approval, issued warrants for the arrest and incarceration of anyone professing Jesus as Savior and threatened death to the Lord's disciples.  In short, he made the first Christians' lives miserable.  

But God had a plan for this young man's life.  Not only would he become a follower of Jesus Christ through a miraculous encounter on the road to Damascus, but he also became the writer of much of what we today call the New Testament.  

There are times when I've felt like my life could be of no use to God.  I think there is nothing worth salvaging within me; I'm a hopeless mess!  But as witnessed in Saul's transformation, he can use anyone to glorify His name. 

When Jesus died on the cross, He made it possible for anyone to become white as snow through simple faith in Him.  As my sins are covered in the blood of Jesus, God only sees the righteousness of Christ.  By giving my life to Him, it's no longer me who lives, but Christ who lives within me.  I am a new creation created in Christ Jesus to do good works that He had prepared in advance for me to do!


I am not bound by the limitations of my past behavior, my weaknesses or my lack of skills.  Instead, I am made new by a Savior who gives me the strength to do anything He calls me to do!


God has a way of turning the tables; saving me in the face of insurmountable odds, enacting justice when the time is right, and using even a wretch like me to glorify His Name.  I agree with what King Darius said after witnessing the miracle of Daniel's protection from the mouths of the lions:


"For he is the living God and he endures forever; his kingdom will not be destroyed, his dominion will never end.  He rescues and saves; he performs signs and wonders in the heavens and earth."  (Daniel 6:26-27)


As I begin this day it is my prayer that I can put all my faith in the God who is able to rescue me and save me.


How do I take matters into my own hands and fail to allow God to protect me?


When do I fail to believe that God can use even me?