Have We Abandoned God?

One of our worst enemies as christians is DISCOURAGEMENT. As I talk to people or maybe even just watch them, I see that so many are struggling and grappling with different situations in their lives which has produced discouragement. The reason I write about discouragement is that I also struggle and battle with it daily. In as much as I know that God is at work in my life (and your life), I still battle, still you balttle. But does how we feel change the fact that HE is ALONE IS GOD? Absolutely NOT!!!

My very dear friend Dervon who I have known for a few years now had the opportunity to share the Word of God yesterday at Church and his topic was "Rejoice and a gain I say Rejoice". He talked of how we need to give God thanks even in our bad times but equally as important, rejoice in the Lord at all times. Trust me, its hard some times especially when things are going the opposite direction.

Some of us have been on a journey and have been blessed by God and maybe are currently not facing troubles (yet) and have raised ourselves up to certain heights. We have forgotten where God found us and how He saw us. How He picked us up and placed us where we are now. Some of us used to have nothing and were no-bodies and He picked us up and transformed our lives into beauty itself, and surrounded with His favor. But...the sad part of this is that along the way on this journey, while others are going through tough times and wondering when God will rescue them, others have quickly forgotten and ABANDONED GOD who blessed them. It is very easy for us to forget where He brought us from. But allow me to submit to you at this point that it is A GRAVE MISTAKE to abandon the Lord. Beacuse without Him, we ARE NOTHING and without Him we will NEVER find our own direction. No matter what we face, even DEATH itself, we need to stand and remember His love, mercies, grace and goodness. We would have never been where we are now or today had it not been for God. I personally would have been dead by now had it not been for GOD. He has rescued us numerous times from the hand of the enemy even when we cant see it. The battle is in the spiritual realm. Surely, we CAN NOT boast that we got here by our own efforts. It may seem that way BUT...it has been the LORD who carried us ALL ALONG!!
Moses had led the Israelites out of Egypt and it was 40 years after. During their years of wandering in the desert, God demonstrated His faithfulness as well as His holiness. Now, as the people were finally ready to cross the Jordan river into the promised land of Canaan, Moses gave one last encouragement.

Deuteronomy 6:10-12
"When the Lord your God brings you into the land He swore to your fathers - a land with large, flourishing cities you did not build, houses filled with all kinds of good things you did not provide, wells you did not dig, and vineyards and olive groves you did not plant - then when you eat and are satisfied, be careful that you do not forget the Lord, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery."

Truth is that we have all lived in the land of slavery - a land where we were controlled by sin. We were born as slaves, but Jesus came to set us free: "Though you used to be slaves to sin, you wholeheartedly obeyed the form of teaching to which you were entrusted. You have been set free" (Romans 6:17-18).

The Bible tells us that while we were still lost in our sinful condition, Jesus gave His life as a sacrifice (payment) for our sin; but He also broke the chains which kept us slaves to sin. Though we still struggle, we need not be mastered if we have placed our faith in Jesus and daily submit to the leading of His Spirit. His sacrifice provides a way to be "heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ" (Romans 8:17). This IS the victorious life!

One will say, Jesus set us free and end of story. Very true, we have been set free but we did nothing to earn this freedom. We did not dig a well of righteousness or plant a field of forgiveness. Our "promised land" of freedom is a gift, given by a loving Father to those who believe.

For as long as we as we continue on our Christian walk, with its many peaks and valleys, twists and turns, we often forget. We become discouraged over trivial matters which are quickly fading away and forget the gift of eternal life we have been given. We wander in the dry desert of ungrateful hearts and ask, "Where is God?" We forget the joy we once had of abiding in His presence and forget His promise to always be near; "Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you" (Hebrews 13:5).

This alone should give us reason to praise His Name with every breath and live a life holy and pleasing to Him. Whether we are currently in a time of crushing trials or unparalleled peace, we must continually remember from where we were rescued. His gift is a blessing we can hardly comprehend! Through God's precious gift, we have an eternity to worship our Heavenly Father. And as we draw near and give Him all of our heart, His grace continues to bless us even more. Let's worship with a thankful heart, glorify His Name in ALL we do, and be careful to never forget about the God of Love who sent His son to become a sacrifice for us. LET US NEVER FORGET WHERE GOD BROUGHT US FROM! Having said that, let us NOT withhold our lives from HIM who has been faithful to us from birth. QN: Have we ABANDONED GOD and is our FIRST LOVE for Him still alive.
THIS IS OUR GOD!!


Have a blessed day!!