We turn to God when all else fails
Rod Smith
April 26, 2008
It should be the opposite. We should be going to God as a first resort, not the last. The Christian who says he believes should not be rushing to the doctor at the first symptom - as many do - but to God’s word in the Bible, which provides for the healing.
It’s sad that so many refuse to believe; until they resemble the prodigal son, and find themselves “eating pigs’ food” before coming to their senses and bringing God into the equation. Why wait to hit rock bottom when it could have been avoided in the first place?
God has provided the means through His word to have a happy, overcoming life with (mostly) things going well. Why then do so many choose to reject divine help; instead choosing to struggle and get themselves into strife?
The Master Director wants to guide us but we won’t let Him. Pride tells us to do it our way, but God says do it His way.
The man and wife who stick together (as God instructed) have none of the problems of divorcees: stepchildren by remarriage who hate their new mum or dad; bitter and expensive court battles; suddenly-single parents struggling financially for years, often living in dingy accommodation.
Consider the following answers to life’s problems found in God’s word. No money – “My God shall provide all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” Ill health – “I am the Lord who heals you.” Lack of wisdom – “In whom [Christ] are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.” Addictions – “Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” Of course to have those godly benefits we must trust and believe.
The Bible is not a killjoy book - it is a fill-joy book! It is a how-to for living, as a car manual is a how-to for maintaining the car. The psalmist said: “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” Those are lights where the batteries never fail! Anyone who trusts in God will vouch for that.
Why do we choose the pot-holed, body-jolting road rather than God’s smooth road? Why do we drink from the polluted well of this world rather than the pure, clean water of God’s word?
Contrary to the mantra of the prosperity preachers, God does not promise us financial riches, or a storm-free life without trials. He does promise to be with us always as we go through any tribulation.
The woman giving birth forgets the preceding labour pains the moment she sees the new-born child. So it is for the Christian. In chains in the dark, dank prison, the Apostle Paul had his mind fixed on the eternal light at the end of the tunnel - which is in God’s promises. That light is there for all who will believe.
The way to the overcoming kind of life described here is to trust and believe in Jesus. He says He is the way, the truth and the life, and no-one comes to the Father [God] except through Him.
It’s sad that so many refuse to believe; until they resemble the prodigal son, and find themselves “eating pigs’ food” before coming to their senses and bringing God into the equation. Why wait to hit rock bottom when it could have been avoided in the first place?
God has provided the means through His word to have a happy, overcoming life with (mostly) things going well. Why then do so many choose to reject divine help; instead choosing to struggle and get themselves into strife?
The Master Director wants to guide us but we won’t let Him. Pride tells us to do it our way, but God says do it His way.
The man and wife who stick together (as God instructed) have none of the problems of divorcees: stepchildren by remarriage who hate their new mum or dad; bitter and expensive court battles; suddenly-single parents struggling financially for years, often living in dingy accommodation.
Consider the following answers to life’s problems found in God’s word. No money – “My God shall provide all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” Ill health – “I am the Lord who heals you.” Lack of wisdom – “In whom [Christ] are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.” Addictions – “Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” Of course to have those godly benefits we must trust and believe.
The Bible is not a killjoy book - it is a fill-joy book! It is a how-to for living, as a car manual is a how-to for maintaining the car. The psalmist said: “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” Those are lights where the batteries never fail! Anyone who trusts in God will vouch for that.
Why do we choose the pot-holed, body-jolting road rather than God’s smooth road? Why do we drink from the polluted well of this world rather than the pure, clean water of God’s word?
Contrary to the mantra of the prosperity preachers, God does not promise us financial riches, or a storm-free life without trials. He does promise to be with us always as we go through any tribulation.
The woman giving birth forgets the preceding labour pains the moment she sees the new-born child. So it is for the Christian. In chains in the dark, dank prison, the Apostle Paul had his mind fixed on the eternal light at the end of the tunnel - which is in God’s promises. That light is there for all who will believe.
The way to the overcoming kind of life described here is to trust and believe in Jesus. He says He is the way, the truth and the life, and no-one comes to the Father [God] except through Him.