Post #93 - Don't Test God

Then the devil took him to the holy city, Jerusalem, to the highest point of the Temple, and said, “If you are the Son of God, jump off! For the Scriptures say, ‘He will order his angels to protect you. And they will hold you up with their hands so you won’t even hurt your foot on a stone.’” Jesus responded, “The Scriptures also say, ‘You must not test the Lord your God.’”  -Matthew 4:5-7

Are you taking care of yourself?

Are you taking the mandates of the quarantine and the suggestions of the CDC seriously?

I know many of us are continuing with life as usual, not concerning ourselves with taking precautions, standing only on our faith. And there’s nothing wrong with that, but we’ve got to remember that “faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead” (James 2:17 NKJV). We must remember that God requires us to put action to our faith. That means not ignoring those things that we are supposed to be doing to keep ourselves and our families safe.

We definitely should depend on our faith and on what we know that God can do. That goes without question. But that does not mean we should be reckless. Jesus knew, as illustrated in Matthew 4, that God could and would protect Him from all things. But He also understood His responsibility to not place Himself in a potentially dangerous situation – to not test God.

Cocky faith is awesome and admirable, but we have to be sure it doesn’t lead to arrogance. We still have to be humble in our faith, submitting all things to God and trusting that He will work them out.

Saul had faith, in 1 Samuel 13, when he offered a burnt offering unto God. He believed that His offering would give confidence to the Israelites who were scattering as the Philistine army prepared to attack. Though Saul’s offering was well intended, it was arrogant, impatient, and disobedient. Only priests could burn offerings to God and Saul was instructed to wait for Samuel to offer the sacrifice. Because of his misguided faith, because he did not heed the commands of God, the kingdom was taken away from Saul and God appointed another king to reign over Israel.

Obedience is better than sacrifice (1 Samuel 15:22). God desires that we listen and obey. He has commanded us to “submit to governing authorities” and follow the law of the land (Romans 13:1-2). Our obedience is the work we put behind our faith. And God blesses our work. Without work, our faith alone is void. Your faith to get a car is useless if you don’t work to make and save the money to buy one. Don’t be fooled by your super-saved mentality and your over simplified view of faith. Faith, alone, will not save you!

Listen to God’s word and apply it. Don’t add to it or take away from it. And don’t twist it to fit your own beliefs. Hebrews 11 tells us what faith is and how God’s people demonstrated their faith. In every instance, they did something to show their faith in God’s promises. Abel presented a superior offering, Noah built an arc, and Sarah believed and had a child in her old age. They all put in work, and that is what God is saying to us today.

He recognizes our faith… when it is demonstrated… and demonstrated according to His word. So, during this time of uncertainty, it is our duty to demonstrate our faith by doing what is required of us to ensure we do not put ourselves, our families, and our communities in danger. This is about more than just washing our hands. This is about understanding that there is not a high degree of understanding about COVID-19. Only God knows the details and only He can deliver us from these uncertain times.

So, yes, we should have faith in God and believe that He will deliver us from the virus and speak Psalm 91 over ourselves and our families. But, though we have faith that God will send his angels to protect us, let’s not forget Jesus’ warning to not test God. Instead, we are to “live… by every word that comes from the mouth of God” (Matthew 4:4). What is He telling you to do in this season? To lean on your own understanding and potentially perpetuate the spreading of COVID-19? Or should you, instead, lean NOT on your own understanding and acknowledge God and His word and allow Him to direct your paths (Proverbs 3:5-6)? I say trust in the Word of God. Be obedient and follow His commands completely, not altering them to fit your understanding or beliefs.

Let’s let God bless our faith by applying our works and watch Him lead us to safety.

Post #92 - Now is the Time!

Times are hard and uncertain.

We are forced inside and locked down. We are wondering how the COVID-19 pandemic began and how long it will last. We are wondering who it will affect. And if it will affect someone we know. Someone we love. We are given conflicting information concerning the virus everyday. And every source of information works hard to inflict fear.

We have so many questions and so many emotions. We are alone and worried and scared.

Now is a great time to turn to God.

Only God knows the REAL how or why. Only God knows how long these times will last and whether or not we've seen the worst of it. Only God knows.

Only God knows who will be affected and who will be passed over. Only God knows the plans He has for each of our lives and which day we are to breathe our last. Only God knows.

Only God knows when life will go back to normal and what the next day will bring.

And only God can give us peace.

So, now is the time to tell Him your fears and concerns. Now is the time to cry out for yourself and your loved ones. Now is the time to repent of your sins.

The right time isn't just during the uncertainty of a worldwide pandemic, but during every NOW that we have, because we are not promised the next one.

We have been taking the lives we have been gifted for granted. We've taken the time we have left on earth for granted. We don't know when our last NOW is going to be so we have to take advantage of the NOW we have before us.

Call on God NOW. Tell Him you love Him NOW. Tell Him you need Him NOW. Submit to His will NOW. And let His good and perfect will be manifested in your life.

Let Him heal you NOW. Let Him save you NOW. Take steps NOW in assuring that your salvation is secure and your sins are forgiven.

We do not know the day nor the hour... But God knows. And He is willing to receive, comfort, heal, and bless you... if you turn to Him.

So, turn to Him... NOW.