It seems so simple yet seldom realized.
I speak of our being delivered from the trials that we face and it being done in a way that furthers God’s plan for mankind. The reason is man’s nature is in conflict with Gods and our unwillingness to turn all that we have and are over to God for His guidance. Instead we place self before God and trouble ensues.
God will rescue us from evil and numerous examples of this are seen in His Word. We begin with Noah’s deliverance from a flood (Genesis 8) brought on by mankind’s sin where hearts were filled with evil thoughts. Wanting to remain positive in this life I can’t help but look around me and see how the evil nature of man is growing while that which is good is ever more limited and restricted much as it was in the days of Noah.
Lot and his daughters were delivered (Genesis 19:29-30) from the sins of Sodom and Gomorrah after removing them from where evil persisted. The lesson today is for good to flourish evil must be removed. This may require something dramatic to happen in our lives but God must be placed first even if it means a new start in a new place such as Lot encountered.
Jacob after doing wrong to his brother Esau was delivered from potential evil by making peace with him (Genesis 33). When we have done wrong let Jacob be our guide and let us make peace with the injured party also.
Israel was delivered from Egypt (Exodus 13) by honoring God and continuing to do so in the celebration of Passover. Deliverance by God to us likewise needs to be remembered as well and not just once with a simple “thank you Jesus”.
The key is to remain in touch with God staying faithful and He will give you victories over your enemies (ex. David in 1 Samuel 23) whether it be individual or as a nation seen in the Jewish nation overpowering the enemy of their King. In return they were saved as well which is recorded in the book of Esther.
Numerous other examples exist in the Bible of those who after prayer stayed faithful and God gave them the insight on what was necessary to be done and by so doing salvation of some sort was theirs. This is God’s plan for His followers. Whether it be something miraculous in this life (ex. Acts 5:17-28) or in the next we must always remember GOD DELIVERS.
THOUGHT FOR TODAY: God delivers those dedicated to doing His divine will.
DEVOTIONAL VERSE FOR TODAY: Esther 9 “an example of God’s deliverance”.
PRAYER FOR TODAY: Lord thank you for delivering me.
QUESTIONS TO THINK ABOUT:
1. How do you control the thoughts of your heart?
2. Is there something evil in your environment you should remove yourself from?
3. Is there someone you have wronged you should make peace with?
4. How have you been delivered in this life and prepared for the next?
*** Gary Jerke *** Is a former State Representative, author and Life and Liberty News contributor
