It makes some scratch their heads in bewilderment.
It was clear, as long as he didn’t tell anyone where his strength came from, he’d be fine. He got into a relationship and his girl wanted to know and after he teased her for a while and she wore him down with nagging, he gave up the key information. So when he got up to activate his strength as he usually did and it failed him, it should not have come as a surprise.
What did he expect?
It was clear, as long as they honoured their part of the arrangement in being faithful, His protection would be on hand to help out in time of need. Over time, though, they took it for granted and treated the arrangement like it was a loose and open affair. So when they had a surprising setback in their initial encounter with the opposition, they thought they could activate their strength as they usually did. It should not have come as a surprise to them when it abjectly failed and rather they were soundly defeated.
What did they expect?
It was clear, as long as she looked after herself and avoided those substances and excesses in alcohol, she would be fine. This went find at first, but seasons came and seasons went and she took the advice of those around her who told her it wouldn’t hurt to just have a little now and then to celebrate her self-control and moderation. Soon she didn’t need the advice to indulge in ‘celebrating her moderation’. She had an attack and looked to activate her strength as she usually did. It should not have come as a surprise to her that it was not forthcoming at all and great was her fall when it came.
What did she expect?
It is clear. The invitation is evident and what comes with it is not shrouded in mystery. The choice set before you is made plain. Times may change and growth might take place, but that initial outline remains the same. You can trust Him and stay faithful to what He outlines, or you can seek to take matters into your own hands and see if a compromise or a mish-mash or your own method will work out when you look to activate the strength given to you.
When you choose your own way, however, and the strength doesn’t kick in but something else rather the reverse does, it should not come as a surprise.
What do you expect?
Yet – the remarkable thing in all of this is that even when we choose to do our own thing and fail spectacularly – there is still a hand of mercy outstretched. There is redemption. There is forgiveness. There is restoration. As long as we once again choose to trust and reject everything option on offer, however long we last in the journey, however tempting the ‘advice’ that’s given. If we choose to trust again, we can enjoy that strength that enables us to do all that He calls us to do. He does it with grace and joy. That’s how awesome He is.
After all, what do you expect?
(Photo by Pablo Heimplatz on Unsplash)
For His Name’s Sake
Shalom
C. L. J. Dryden
Life With CD 