Trusting in God: More Than A Cliché What do you do when what you want and what God wants differs? Why is it important to trust God? A story from the Babylonian destruction of Jerusalem tells us why. Nebuchadnezzar appointed Gedaliah governor of the people who survived. When Israelites who had fled the country heard this they returned, “And they harvested an abundance of wine and summer fruit.” Ishmael, an Ammonite, invaded Judah, assassinated Gedaliah and his Babylonian guard, took Israelites as slaves and headed for Ammon. When remnants of the Israeli army heard this, led by Johanan, they pursued Ishmael, defeated him, and brought the people back. However, Johanan was afraid the Babylonians would return and destroy them all. They planned to flee to Egypt, but sent for Jeremiah asking him to pray to God about their plans. “Whether it’s favorable or unfavorable, we will obey the Lord our God so that it will go well with us.” Jeremiah prayed, came back and said to stay where they were, Nebuchadnezzar would show them compassion. If they went to Egypt they would be destroyed there. Their response, “You are lying! God didn’t say that.” They went to Egypt – and died. Why? They weren’t trusting in God for guidance, they only wanted him to agree with them. They weren’t genuinely seeking God’s leading. God answers our prayers for guidance because he can see the future and wants the best for us. But are we trusting in God and willing to follow him, or are we just asking him to bless what we want to do? Lesson: if you want God’s leading he will lead you. Then do it, for he sees what’s ahead! “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do depend not on your own understanding; seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.” Proverbs, 3:5-6.
Posted on: Wed, 07 Jan 2015 18:33:34 +0000
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