Isaiah 42:24 NIV – ‘Who handed Jacob over to become loot, and Israel to the plunderers? Was it not the Lord, against whom we have sinned? For they would not follow his ways; they did not obey his law.’
Sometimes God permits Satan to carry out his evil plans. We all face situations that we don’t like, situations that force us to make choices. This is why our reference scripture for today is important; It brings clarity to unfortunate situations encountered by Christians. The bible says here that God was the one who gave Jacob (the Israelites) to be destroyed and plundered. God did this because his people had turned away from him and were refusing to listen to the truth. “For they would not follow his ways; they did not obey his law.”
God certainly loved His people, but He had to allow them to suffer so that their hard hearts could be broken. He wanted, and still wants, people to turn to Him and follow Him wholeheartedly. Because the Isrealites decided it was better to trust themselves and their own ways, God allowed them to see the fruit of their actions.
God allowed many of them to die, to be hurt, to feel physical and emotional pain. This pain was not what God desired for them, but what His people chose when they decided to serve other gods, leave God’s protection, and follow the ways of the world.
The enemy creates a lie by twisting the truth. The truth is that God does not desire any of us to be sick, or to be destroyed or hurt. Satan lies by suggesting that IF you have experienced something bad it MUST not come from GOD, and as a result he tricks many people out of repentance.
God is willing to let our souls and bodies suffer if it means we will humbly return to Him and trust Him. We need discernment from the Holy Spirit, so that we don’t ignore God when he’s trying to get our attention.
Search for God’s heart in every situation recognizing that He doesn’t only show up in comfort especially in these last days! God’s desire is that He be glorified in his creation, the salvation of our souls. His glory, not our comfort.
PRAYER: Father, forgive me for ignoring your warning signs and for looking for an easy way out. Please Lord, help me to discern the times where you are calling out to your church through unpleasant and unfortunate situations. Lead me to repent and believe again. Lord help me to be ready when that time comes, to know your will and respond accordingly. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.