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- Oct 26, 2007
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Then the Spirit of God came upon Zechariah son of Jehoiada the priest. He stood before the people and said, "This is what God says: Why do you disobey the LORD's commands and keep yourselves from prospering? You have abandoned the LORD, and now he has abandoned you!" 2 Chronicles 24:20 NLT
While it’s impossible to give a clear-cut diagnosis for everyone who feels far from God or is suffering through adversity, Zechariah offers a helpful starting point. Consider if you have abandoned God or disobeyed His commands. Jesus Himself assured His disciples that illness is not always punishment from God for sin, but that doesn’t rule it out as a consequence of disobedience. God will permit everyone who chooses their own way to pursue their own course, taking what comes of it.
God will permit you to strike off in your own direction, much like the Prodigal Son, but don’t blame Him when you end up eating pig slop. Following God’s path is hardly smooth sailing, Jesus promised adversity and even persecution at times. However, obedient sons and daughters of God will have the benefit of God’s presence comforting them in their trials and adversity.
Although the stakes in your daily choices are high, God’s mercy reaches even higher, beyond what you can imagine.
Prayer: Lord, thank You for Your commandments and for Your promises of mercy when I turn to You. Please help me to remain on Your path always.
While it’s impossible to give a clear-cut diagnosis for everyone who feels far from God or is suffering through adversity, Zechariah offers a helpful starting point. Consider if you have abandoned God or disobeyed His commands. Jesus Himself assured His disciples that illness is not always punishment from God for sin, but that doesn’t rule it out as a consequence of disobedience. God will permit everyone who chooses their own way to pursue their own course, taking what comes of it.
God will permit you to strike off in your own direction, much like the Prodigal Son, but don’t blame Him when you end up eating pig slop. Following God’s path is hardly smooth sailing, Jesus promised adversity and even persecution at times. However, obedient sons and daughters of God will have the benefit of God’s presence comforting them in their trials and adversity.
Although the stakes in your daily choices are high, God’s mercy reaches even higher, beyond what you can imagine.
Prayer: Lord, thank You for Your commandments and for Your promises of mercy when I turn to You. Please help me to remain on Your path always.
