If my people would but listen to me, if Israel would follow my ways, how quickly would I subdue their enemies and turn my hand against their foes! Psalm 81:13-14
I've heard people sometimes speak about the Old Testament as if it has nothing to do with our world today. They seem to be saying, "That is the way God was." Their only focus is on the New Testament.
What a foolish thing to believe! If I know anything for sure, it is the fact that the word "was" can never be used to describe God.
He always "IS."
There is so much to be learned from the lives of the patriarch. The Israelite journey to the promised land, their loss of it, and their eventual restoration bring hope to me. Christians are not immune to sin anymore than the Israelites were. Falling down is in our nature; we live in a fallen world. I have learned this lesson all too well. Another lesson that amazes me is how quickly God responds when we listen to Him - when we follow His ways.
Years ago, He told me that if I would follow Him, He could use me more in ten years than in a lifetime of trying to do it by myself. I listened for awhile, then I grew impatient. Taking back my destiny, I discovered that the enemy is ready to snatch us away. Here I sit, a decade later, wondering how I did it. How did I so easily turn back to the ways of the world?
Lord, come quickly to rescue me from the enemy. Restore what has been destroyed. Return what I have given away. Bring me to a new place of understanding that can bring greater glory to You that I could have imagined at the start of this journey.
I'll follow You anywhere!