The notion that we are accountable as believers, is one that I believe is often overlooked. In a perfect world, we'd like to go about our day, attending to our own needs while spending minimal time with We may even engage in being led by our flesh on a daily basis. Then disaster strike and in our time of distress, we need God to be close.
I caution you to read what the word says about this in Psalm 34. There are several versus that indicate our responsibility as believers to acknowledge God and His Word before we can reap all the benefits of our salvation.
Psalm 34:6-7 "In my desperation I prayed, and the Lord listened; he saved me from all my troubles. For the angel of the Lord is a guard; he surrounds and defends all who fear him".
Psalm 34:12-18 "Does anyone want to live a life that is long and prosperous? Then keep your tongue from speaking evil and your lips from telling lies. Turn away from evil and do good. Search for peace and work to maintain it. The eyes of the Lord watch over those who do right; his ears are open to their cries for help. But the Lord turns his face against those who do evil; he will erase their memory from the earth. The Lord hears his people when they call to him for help".
These passages show us that God is able and willing to help you in your times of need. However, they also tell us that in order to receive the promise, our lives must reflect who he is! We were created in God's image and likeness (Genesis 1:26). When we took a vow of salvation, we signed a contract. We welcomed the Holy Spirit. We acknowledged that we'd worship the one true savior and abide in his ways. We said that we would make our bodies temples that were a suitable home for him to inhabit.
Accepting that I play a part in whether or not I receive deliverance used to be a hard pill to swallow. Especially during times when I was facing depression, feelings of despair, and feelings of hopelessness. There I was suffering, and I just wanted to be set free. How in the world was I supposed to muster up the strength to seek God during a time like this? Why couldn't I just pray and be given the life I desired? After all, it is my right as a believer isn't it?
Let me give you a couple of analogies. Consider two relationships: One between husband and wife. The other between an individual and the company they work for. Each of these arrangements require give and take. In some form, there was a document signed that stated the roles, responsibilities, and promises of each party. But, one of the individuals decides to stop performing on their end or maybe they never did in the first place. A husband or wife may decide that they will simply come home and do nothing. They refuse to tend to the growth and stimulation of the marriage or set a positive example for the children. They refuse to communicate with their spouse or spend time with him. The worker in our other case becomes fed up with his job and decides to no longer complete job tasks. He's late for work, takes extended breaks, and even causes the company's performance to decline.
Now, in both of these cases, I can almost guarantee that the neglectful parties are still expecting performance from their other half. Maybe the husband/wife is still in expectation of sexual gratification and financial support. Maybe the employee still expects a paycheck and a promotion. I can guarantee you one thing further: The other party will not be willing to give those things to them! Now, I can't speak on the set of circumstances that may have caused these individuals to back out of their agreements. Maybe the other spouse was abusive or the job didn't appreciate the employee. I don't know ...
I do know however, that the nature of God is different from man. His willingness to help you never changes based on your performance. He's still there. But you have to realize that the degree to which he extends help to you lies in your willingness to serve him. God never forced you to be saved. He simply made a plea with you to live according to His word so that your soul may be saved. At the time this probably sounded like a very good deal to you, then the work came.
Some of us have never taken the time to open our Bibles and simply learn what is requires of us. The amazing thing, though is that whatever he asks of you is intended to help you! You will still face struggles and experience tragedies, because sin entered this world after Adam and Eve's disobedience. But, God wants to help you. He wants you to get to know him through his word so that he can get to you everything he has promised. His word is meant to help you possibly avoid some of the pitfalls of life and to emerge from them when they do come. I caution you to spend time in the word now. Be prepared for whatever may come your way and you will be able to confidently cry out - Abba father!
I caution you to read what the word says about this in Psalm 34. There are several versus that indicate our responsibility as believers to acknowledge God and His Word before we can reap all the benefits of our salvation.
Psalm 34:6-7 "In my desperation I prayed, and the Lord listened; he saved me from all my troubles. For the angel of the Lord is a guard; he surrounds and defends all who fear him".
Psalm 34:12-18 "Does anyone want to live a life that is long and prosperous? Then keep your tongue from speaking evil and your lips from telling lies. Turn away from evil and do good. Search for peace and work to maintain it. The eyes of the Lord watch over those who do right; his ears are open to their cries for help. But the Lord turns his face against those who do evil; he will erase their memory from the earth. The Lord hears his people when they call to him for help".
These passages show us that God is able and willing to help you in your times of need. However, they also tell us that in order to receive the promise, our lives must reflect who he is! We were created in God's image and likeness (Genesis 1:26). When we took a vow of salvation, we signed a contract. We welcomed the Holy Spirit. We acknowledged that we'd worship the one true savior and abide in his ways. We said that we would make our bodies temples that were a suitable home for him to inhabit.
Accepting that I play a part in whether or not I receive deliverance used to be a hard pill to swallow. Especially during times when I was facing depression, feelings of despair, and feelings of hopelessness. There I was suffering, and I just wanted to be set free. How in the world was I supposed to muster up the strength to seek God during a time like this? Why couldn't I just pray and be given the life I desired? After all, it is my right as a believer isn't it?
Let me give you a couple of analogies. Consider two relationships: One between husband and wife. The other between an individual and the company they work for. Each of these arrangements require give and take. In some form, there was a document signed that stated the roles, responsibilities, and promises of each party. But, one of the individuals decides to stop performing on their end or maybe they never did in the first place. A husband or wife may decide that they will simply come home and do nothing. They refuse to tend to the growth and stimulation of the marriage or set a positive example for the children. They refuse to communicate with their spouse or spend time with him. The worker in our other case becomes fed up with his job and decides to no longer complete job tasks. He's late for work, takes extended breaks, and even causes the company's performance to decline.
Now, in both of these cases, I can almost guarantee that the neglectful parties are still expecting performance from their other half. Maybe the husband/wife is still in expectation of sexual gratification and financial support. Maybe the employee still expects a paycheck and a promotion. I can guarantee you one thing further: The other party will not be willing to give those things to them! Now, I can't speak on the set of circumstances that may have caused these individuals to back out of their agreements. Maybe the other spouse was abusive or the job didn't appreciate the employee. I don't know ...
I do know however, that the nature of God is different from man. His willingness to help you never changes based on your performance. He's still there. But you have to realize that the degree to which he extends help to you lies in your willingness to serve him. God never forced you to be saved. He simply made a plea with you to live according to His word so that your soul may be saved. At the time this probably sounded like a very good deal to you, then the work came.
Some of us have never taken the time to open our Bibles and simply learn what is requires of us. The amazing thing, though is that whatever he asks of you is intended to help you! You will still face struggles and experience tragedies, because sin entered this world after Adam and Eve's disobedience. But, God wants to help you. He wants you to get to know him through his word so that he can get to you everything he has promised. His word is meant to help you possibly avoid some of the pitfalls of life and to emerge from them when they do come. I caution you to spend time in the word now. Be prepared for whatever may come your way and you will be able to confidently cry out - Abba father!
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