Continuing Michael's message, he writes: God commended His love toward us in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for the ungodly. To follow Him, we must give up the right to ourselves. However, as Oswald Chambers said, “the kingdom of self is heavily defended territory.” God uses our habitual sins to keep us humble. As He answered Paul’s prayer to remove his thorn from the flesh, “My strength is made perfect in your weakness. My grace is sufficient for you.” To turn unto the Lord, we must first humble ourselves. We must come to the realization that God is Sovereign and we’re not.
We’re as close to God as we want to be. If we perceive we’re far from God, who moved? Even though we may feel that He is an unjust judge, an unkind master, and an unreasonable lord, He is not. For the Lord is good, His mercy is everlasting, and His truth endures to all generations. God works in ways we cannot understand in our own finite minds. However, all things work together for good to those who love God and are called according to his purpose. Our testing in this life will produce a testimony for Him. For tribulation works patience and patience experience, and experience hope, and hope makes not ashamed because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Spirit which is given to us.
Even when we have a hard time surrendering to God as Lord, when we reach the point of repentance, of turning around, God will run to embrace us as a loving Father. Therefore, taste and see that the Lord is good. Those who hunger and thirst after righteousness shall be filled. The word of God is an acquired taste. Jeremiah said, I found thy words and I did eat them, and they were unto me the joy and rejoicing of my soul. According to Psalm 19, the word of the Lord is pure making wise the simple. More to be desired are they than gold, yea than much fine gold, sweeter also than honey and the honey comb.
Jesus said in John 10:10 “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.”
The abundant life is in seeking the Blessor not the blessing. Our joy is in the object of joy. Therefore, rejoice in the Lord always, and again I say rejoice. The truths that God told Israel through His prophet at the dedication of the temple still holds true today: “If my people which are called by my name shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then shall I hear from haven, and shall forgive their sins and heal their land.”
God is still Sovereign over all. God does not worry over the results of man’s elections. The nations are but a drop in the bucket to God. Nations rise and fall, but the word of God lives and abides forever. Therefore, we lament not the results of man’s election. Rather, rejoice because we are the result of God’s election, that we may live to the praise of the glory of His grace!
Your brother in Christ, Michael
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