Scripture Reading: 1 Samuel 11:1-15, 1 Samuel 12:1-25, Isaiah 5:8-12, Micah 6:1-5
I still vividly recall my third year of law school, when graduation neared and I had no offer of employment. The plan had been to work at a Washington, D.C., law firm during the second summer and, by the end of my time there, secure a permanent offer to return upon graduation. But the firm suffered a financial downturn and could extend only two offers. (Another firm I’d turned down extended more than twenty.) Stressed out and covered in hives, I was sure I’d be forever unemployed.
Please, let me get this position. My heart uttered those words with every resume sent, every interview secured. Still, the rejections piled up. Then, one week before graduation, my resume found its way to the desk of a federal judge in Madison, Wisconsin. She conducted a phone interview, flew me out for a face-to-face, and offered a clerkship on the spot. It was one of the best jobs I could’ve gotten. And oh, how I celebrated, calling it as a blessing.
A month later, my fiancé and I ventured to Madison to begin our careers. We rented an apartment and moved in together. I didn’t know the Lord at the time. I wanted His blessings, but I didn’t want Him as Lord and King over my life.
Such was the state of affairs in Israel during the latter part of Samuel’s time as judge. The people asked for a king to reign over them “like all the nations” (1 Samuel 8:5), thus rejecting God as King. They got what they asked for. God chose Saul to be their king, and, empowered by His Spirit, Saul led the people to a great victory against the Ammonites. And oh, how they celebrated. They had their king! They had victory over the enemy!
With such immense blessings, they surely felt all was well. Don’t we tend to think the same? When we’re being blessed—especially if we’ve received the very thing we asked for—we don’t see “warning” flags. To the contrary, we feel good about ourselves and our situation, perhaps even about our relationship with God. After all, we must be doing something right in order for God to bless us, right?
But blessings have more to do with God than with us. They reflect His amazing grace and His long-suffering character. They flow from His lovingkindness and goodness. “For He causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous” (Matthew 5:45).
In the midst of great blessing, our hearts can still be far from God. And apart from Him, blessings are merely temporal and empty.
God was gracious in pointing this out to the people of Israel. Through the prophet Samuel, He interrupted their revelry to remind them that they had rejected Him and to point to where true prosperity lay.
“If you fear the Lord, worship and obey him, and if you don’t rebel against the Lord’s command, then both you and the king who reigns over you will follow the Lord your God.”
– 1 Samuel 12:14
Madison ended up being the place where I met the Lord, where He drew me to Himself and saved me. That was the true blessing—the greatest blessing. Now, when I think of that time, I’m reminded that no matter what is happening outwardly in our lives, whether hardships or joy, the true measure of our well-being is in the posture of our hearts before God. The ultimate blessing is in following Him and allowing Him to reign as King over our lives.
Kim Cash Tate is the author of several books, including Though I Stumble (2016) and Cling: Choosing a Lifestyle of Intimacy with God (2017). A former practicing attorney, she has a passion for studying and teaching the Word of God. Kim lives in St. Louis with her husband and their two young adult children.
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75 thoughts on "Samuel’s Final Speech"
I related so much to when she mentioned it being so easy to feel like if were being blessed were doing good, but Gods heart isn’t to bless good behavior. He knows us deeper than our actions- he sees through the good and the bad. He’s looking for complete surrender and obedience because He Is Good and we can say we trust in Him! My heart needed this!
Wow. So often I forget all the good things He has done for me! I related to the people of Israel here a little bit more than I’m comfortable with! I have had a lot of hurts and disappointments from people. A lot of people saying I’m not lovable or worth acknowledging. So I hardened and expected to be let down to be hurt by others. Without knowing differently I also put Him in the same place as my parents, as my rapist, and my ex boyfriends or friend. I feel subconsciously the enemy has me thinking “He didn’t answer one of my prayers so He also doesn’t love me like they did. But social media and boys say they do so I’m going to make them my king.” It’s so easy for me to revert to I’m going to handle it myself like the Israelites did here. Why is it so hard for me to actually believe He does? Something to definitely pray and meditate on.
That takes us up to the next level. Great poitgns.
My Fiancé and I have been fighting this very battle. What is God’s call and what isn’t. It’s so comforting to know that so long as we are glorifying God and living for him no matter what we do we are in his will :)!
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Maybe the penny hasn’t dropped for me yet; I’m still grappling with how to know when it’s God at work?
“When we’re being blessed—especially if we’ve received the very thing we asked for—we don’t see “warning” flags. To the contrary, we feel good about ourselves and our situation, perhaps even about our relationship with God. After all, we must be doing something right in order for God to bless us, right?”
In this instance, if I get what I want, how do I know whether it’s God blessing me or just me getting what I want and it’s not necessarily from God?
For example, I moved to Sydney at the end of last year. I wanted a job and found one, right up my alley. Interviewed, was offered the role and a mind-blowing salary, convenient location, etc. Six weeks in and I knew in my heart it was all wrong. Very wrong. I was still in my probationary period so I gave notice.
What went wrong? I thought God was opening doors. But it mustn’t have been Him at work for it to turn out so badly (and oh, did it turn out badly).
What did I miss? Any insight appreciated, because I have become somewhat paralysed when it comes to decision-making for fear of not doing what God wants me to.
That sounds frustrating, I’m sorry it went so poorly. I think in our human minds, all we can do is look “objectively” (that’s the hard part) at a situation, pray for wisdom, seek Christian advice, and be honest with ourselves about our motives. If we have done all of that and still see open doors that could honor God, then walk through them. I have been paralyzed by the future before, but reading the book “Just Do Something” was an eye opener. Sometime no obvious answer means go forth and honor God in all the ways you can wherever you end up going.
Praying for wisdom for you :) Remember that if you went there with good motives, you have no idea what God may have done in you, or someone around you in the 6 weeks you were there
Thank you for the encouragement, Courtney :) I’ll have a look at that book, too. And you’re right about that last bit, who knows what God achieved in that short amount of time? Have a lovely day x
What a wonderful and wise reply. ❤️ April in Sydney, praying for you! Such encouragement here!
I don’t think that God’s will is some elusive thing for us to find. I think His will is for us to seek Him, not just His will.
Let me try this way: I heard of a missionary who found out about a tremendous need for the Gospel in the jungles of Africa. His heart was touched by the stories and he decided, “Until God stops me, I will go.” And he went for 15-20 years! And then God stopped him. Brought him back to Canada and he began to pastor a church there, saying, “Until God stops me, I will serve.” And he ministered there for 12 years.
God’s will isn’t a command, it’s an action – it’s a movement. Perhaps, it was God’s will for you to have that experience in Sydney – I’m sorry if that sounds insensitive. I don’t know what the situation was like for you or how bad it got – maybe it was His will for you to have that in the fabric of your story so that further down the road, you can relate with someone who desperately needs to know God cares for them. I guess, if you can boil it down, God’s will in Scripture is for us to make disciples. We may start down a path that seems good and even fit with that mission statement, but God will stop you before it gets too far if it’s not the best for you.
Hi Sarah M, thank you. Not at all insensitive. Your story of the missionary reminds me of driving lessons, where the instructor says, “carry on until I direct you otherwise”. Maybe I need to stop trying to figure it all out, just go for it, and like you said if it’s not want God wants, he’ll change my course.
So much truth in this!!!
Sister know that God uses all for our good, even things that are good for us ending up being a bit of a challenge. God blessed my husband and I with a son, a new job, and the opportunity for me to be a stay at home mom. Everything seemed awesome! It was all I ever dreamed of, but boy was it challenging. I spent lots of time alone, my husband worked crazy hours, all my family lived an hour and so away, and keeping up with a new born was not easy. But even though I struggled I grew closer to God. Is interesting the things God will teach you when you are all alone and your full dependence is on him. Seek God sister and ask him what he wants to work in you, what he wants to teach you. God bless you
Thank you, Gema. Wise words. I’m ashamed to admit that I lean less on God and more on my own problem-solving skills, with dubious results. Something to work on.
We all do…but just getting in the habit of “being still”with God and listening more talking less usually allows our God antennae to be up and picking up God’s will through others through scripture through our thoughts & dreams. He can make it pretty clear IF we allow and stay open like Samuel. The gift of free will is a double edged sword. Our will can be leaned on so much more easily than God’s if we let it.
So true, Cathy! I’m not very good at stilling my mind, but I recall in those times when I have been able to do so, I experience clarity. Thank you x
Well done arcltie that. I’ll make sure to use it wisely.
Hi aprilinsydney,
I want to say first that this question is something I wrestled with for a long time, not knowing what is from God or what his will for my life was. I had a few wonderful mentors who helped me come to the realization that God doesn’t have one single “plan” or path for each of us. His will is that we use whatever talents, passions, interests, or opportunities that come our way to glorify him and grow his kingdom. In other words, if you can glorify God in the choice that you’re considering, it wouldn’t be a wrong decision.
And I think something that trips us up a lot when we think of the ways God blesses us is that we are expecting them be to physical blessings. I do think when good things come to us we should always give God thanks and praise, but more often the blessings he has promised us come by way of inward transformation. He blesses us with joy and contentment with our life situation. He blesses us with peace and comfort in the face of anxiety or grief.
I’m not sure if that really answered the questions you were asking, but my hope is that you find confidence in your life choices. If you are trying to serve and glorify God, he will be so pleased with whatever the particulars are! Praying for wisdom and confidence for you, and thanks for sharing! :)
Hi Kaitlyn, thank you for your encouragement and prayers, your response has renewed my hope.
Totally get where you’re coming from! My husband and I experienced this same issue after his 6 years on staff at a church ended very badly. The head deacon told us he would “make our lives hell” until we left. We struggled for so long over how we could have missed what we thought was so clearly God leading us there until we realized (many years later) that He uses the incredibly painful experiences to make us more like His Son. Hope you find some peace as you move forward to what God has in store.
Hi Marie, thank you. I agree there are lessons and growth through pain. It’s just so, well, painful. Thank you for your blessing of peace x
Wow,everyone has given such thoughtful advice! I love it! I’d agree, sometimes God gives one clear direction, and other times He doesn’t. In those cases, I’m encouraged by this thought from Jen Wilkin, that when one path isn’t made clear, we can simply walk forward in a choice that allows us to glorify God. If one choice gives us more opportunity to know, love, and glorify Him, then that would be the wiser option! And in the end, God is sovereign and good, and no choice we make (or don’t make) will ever be able to thwart His plans for our lives and the redemption of His people.
“Blessings are temporary and empty when my heart is not focused on God…” what an interesting thought for me to conceive. When I do not see Him as my greatest blessing, I get caught up in the world of comparison and shame and guilt- even concerning certain blessings! Nothing will ever truly bless or satisfy me without His being in that hole that craves every manner of things. Father Above, please create in me a heart that runs toward you.. that longs to be obedient in the face of trials, knowing I have every blessing I would ever need because I have YOU!! May I be filled with a joy that shines because I have your Spirit- the greatest blessing ever!!
Thinking of all my undeserved blessings – the ones He so generously gave even though my walk with Him was hesitant, tenuous, and rebellious. He continued to pursue me with His great love. It humbles me even today. Lord I’m so grateful. You never gave up on me. Thank you. Thank you.
Amen!
“For the sake of his great name the Lord will not reject his people, because the Lord was pleased to make you his own.” – 1 Samuel 12:22
Those first few words jumped out at me today – “For the sake of His great name.” Sometimes I get so weary praying for my loved ones who have wandered from the Lord or don’t yet know Him. And I often think that it’s up to me to draw them back. But this verse reminds me of what I know deep down to be true – it’s not up to me because it’s not about me. It’s about God. He will bring deliverance, healing, and reconciliation, not for my sake, but for the sake of His great name!
“Now, when I think of that time, I’m reminded that no matter what is happening outwardly in our lives, whether hardships or joy, the true measure of our well-being is in the posture of our hearts before God. The ultimate blessing is in following Him and allowing Him to reign as King over our lives.” This is what I needed to read today. I have been struggling for the last year and longer afraid to make a move as what if it isn’t God’s will but these words gave me understanding that as long as I am focused on Him it will be okay even if it doesn’t look like that outwardly. I get it now. It’s been a strange year as I have been scared to move forward or take action but at the same time have experienced His peace and joy on a daily basis. Thank you! I feel as if a weight is lifting that I wasn’t even sure was there.
Perfect timing for this. Thank you, Lord.
My prayer today: “Please do not let my heart be far from you Lord, in blessing and in drought.”
Great prayer! Thanks!
Amen! It’s never about us. It’s always about him! I love that every blessings he gives us creates the opportunity for us to give him all glory and praise!
http://www.in-due-time.com
I have returned from a week of serving at Camp Barnabas which is a camp designed for people with disabilities of all kinds. I took a group of 16 high school students from our church who served as missionaries and each of us were there to insure that the children with disabilities had an amazing week at camp. It was a week of intense service including everything from cleaning bathrooms, changing diapers, feeding, pushing wheelchairs, doing loads of laundry, walking miles, providing fun parties…but mostly just loving on these campers. Throughout the week I did my best to encourage my students and the others I had in my cabin so that they could keep their minds, hearts, and strength up in order to be able to power through the rough days and keep going strong. During this week several unexpected things happened that I had to deal with and it became increasingly difficult to find time to recharge myself. I found myself whining to God about how hard it was. And each time I started sinking, he sent someone to me to pray with me, or share scripture with me, or do a load of laundry for me….showing me that He was with me. And I realized that I was like Peter when he stepped out of the boat to walk on the water with Jesus. If I kept my focus on Jesus I could do the work He called me to do. But if I took my eyes off of Him and focused on my problems, I began to sink. I wanted God to remove my problems but that would have been like the Israelites asking for a king. And I would have missed His greater blessing of relying on my King. How many times has it taken Him to teach me this? How many times will I forget again? Praising my Lord today for loving me no matter how slow I am to learn.
Thank you for sharing this.
Love this outlook : I wanted God to remove my problems but that would have been like the Israelites asking for a King.And I would have missed His greater blessing of relying on my King” Reminds me of, “Tis so sweet to trust in Jesus”
As someone with friends who have attended that camp, I just want to say thank you for serving there.
I think it’s interesting how God had finally given Israel a King, and yet in the time of danger, they still didn’t turn to this King immediately. They tried to negotiate themselves. Israel definitely had a leadership problem. It wasn’t until God helped Saul conquer their enemies that they turned to him as a real King. No matter God had been doing that for them all along.
To me, it seems like God sent Nahash to solidify Saul’s leadership. Then he entered Saul so that Saul could do what was necessary to be seen as a leader in their eyes.
It’s interesting how God will send opposition to help us and to bless us. So much was out of their control. God was doing all of the work.
I try not to focus on the enemy. I focus on the God who manages to work through the enemy. “Consider the great things he has done for you,” really convicted me this morning. I need to be more intentional with my gratitude. Not only does this help my heart stay in a pure place, it helps me remember all the good God has done for me. Because the way I see it, Israel’s main problem is their forgetfulness. I pray that God always goes before me. I surrender to his ultimately fabulous plan. May I write out my blessings every morning so that I too may never forget.
Kim, your story sounds exactly like mine does! I graduated from law school in D.C. last May, and was in the same position – without a job, praying to God for every resume, but my heart was far from Him. And in the same way, God used the job He did miraculously provide me (with a judge! Praise!!) to bring my heart close, and not just my desires. A friend I recently shared my story to sent me this this morning, and I just want to thank you so much for sharing! As I start applying for the next position, what a great reminder of what’s (& WHO) is truly important. Thank you!!
That’s not just logic. That’s really seilnbse.
How often I measure God’s love and attention to me with whether or not He has answered my prayers. If a prayer goes unanswered, maybe He does not see, maybe He has not heard, I am invisible and left to suffer alone. What direct lies those are! I am ashamed to see so much of myself in the changing attitude of the Israelites, praising God one minute and doubting Him the next.
Today’s Scriptures have challenged me, and my loving Abba has chastened me. After all He has done for me, but even more than that, while I feel His presence tangibly around me, why do I doubt? What more could He do? If He answered all of my prayers at once, I am sure it would take very little for me to doubt Him yet again.
May I take my eyes off of myself and place them solely on the Lord, see through my life and circumstances to the One greater who holds all of creation in His hands. May I not be quick to doubt like the Israelites, but stand firm on who He says He is and trust, rest.
Isaiah 40: 21-26
“Do you not know? Do you not hear?
Has it not been told you from the beginning?
Have you not understood from the foundations of the earth?
It is he who sits above the circle of the earth,
and its inhabitants are like grasshoppers;
who stretches out the heavens like a curtain,
and spreads them like a tent to dwell in;
who brings princes to nothing,
and makes the rulers of the earth as emptiness.
Scarcely are they planted, scarcely sown,
scarcely has their stem taken root in the earth,
when he blows on them, and they wither,
and the tempest carries them off like stubble.
To whom then will you compare me,
that I should be like him? says the Holy One.
Lift up your eyes on high and see:
who created these?
He who brings out their host by number,
calling them all by name;
by the greatness of his might
and because he is strong in power,
not one is missing.”
This!!! ….. ” If He answered all of my prayers at once,
I am sure it would take very little for me to doubt Him yet again. “. These words won’t let me go …
thank you.
I love when I read verses like 1 Samuel 12:20-22 because it’s just a constant reminder of what kind of God we worship. The true blessing doesn’t come in a job we’ve always wanted, in a house we’ve always dreamt of, or any other temporary gift we can be given. Our greatest blessing is following a God who is merciful, loving and unconditional. Today’s passage spoke to me because sometimes I get too caught up in what kind of earthly possession I want to desperately have… but the only thing that’s ever going to make me complete and feel fulfilled is having God reign over my life and giving my life to Him. I have been blessed immensely but if I had to choose the biggest or most important blessing, it would be Him and that’s something I always have to remember.
The same verses struck me…I want to plaster them somewhere! So lovingly written. What a God we serve!
Yes! So true!
Loved today’s reading and all the reminders about following the Lord and seeing the ways He leads us. Anyone have thoughts on verse 23, “Far be it from me that I should sin against the Lord by ceasing to pray for you.” I sometimes struggle with prayer being a part of my day. I know there’s so much to pray about but I haven’t learned to be disciplined in prayer.
…especially hard to pray for “hopeless cases”. That verse IS truly convicting.
Too many times we find ourselves negotiating our hearts for immediate needs or wants without realizing that we are conniving with an enemy. It’s no coincidence that the name “Nahash” means snake. We know who his heart is for and it certainly isn’t for the good of Israel. His intent was to embarrass them, to bring shame upon them. The reality is that Israel knew they needed saving and they were looking to the wrong person for that salvation … haggling with an enemy in plain view. Don’t we do this daily, to some affect, turn in our gifted Grace for our wantings. In a continued season of joblessness, I know my husband and I have had our moments … “Deliver this job or that job and ….” We might mistakenly agree to have our right eyes gouged out while awaiting rescue but ultimately, God is quick to remind us that He has already done the rescuing. In this season, we are called to War but also equally called to wait. It is natural to find positions that are the easy way out, to accept opportunities that aren’t in line with God because they provide what we need immediately but by doing that we are only setting ourselves up … just like Nahash, those dangling carrots have nothing good in mind for us. Nahash knew that by gouging out their right eyes, they’d never be of any value on the battlefield, they’d suffer humiliation and they’d be lost … our enemy desires the same exact things for us …. be quick to take this job and I’ll be off your back but just like Nahash, his intent is to blind us, to humiliate us, to destroy. Remembering this is essential so that it is easy, in times of uncertainty, to turn our eyes fully on God, knowing that while our enemies taunt us, He remains and His intent is only ever for Good. Our need for salvation was met, we don’t need to negotiate, God paid the ultimate price for our hearts. Prayerful that my heart, even when concerned, remains on Christ. That we easily lift our eyes to God and that we know clearly His voices above all others. That just like Saul, God will equip us daily to overcome what is in front of us. So grateful for a Father, whose sole desire is FOR us!
Wow B, so many powerful truths! Thank you for sharing your notes with us :)
B., Such great insight! The connection you made between the enemy and Nahash really made sense to me. Thank you for sharing!
What a strong blessing your post was to me. Interesting that Nahash means snake. That insight surely shows his character clearly. Thank you for your excellent thoughts!
1 Samuel 12:20-22 really stood out to me this morning. It seems for the past month, it has been drilled into me that God takes you as you are and where you are. We don’t have to be better for God to want to pursue us and for us to follow and chase after him. I have no idea why I keep getting told this message over and over, but I realize that it is God speaking to me directly. It has happened too often for it not to be.
I’m going through a lot with my family right now. And I am not just saying that, I truly mean it. Really deep and dark stuff for the past year. All I know right now is to continue to pray for this promise and hope that it changes the hearts and minds that are involved in this entire situation.
God is pursuing you right now where you are for His purposes. He has chosen you for a specific task and this repetition is how He gets His message across to us. This is exactly how He speaks to me. I pray for whatever the devil is throwing at your family and the dark valley that you are experiencing. Remember, your Almighty King Eternal is with you and will never leave you. Stand firm on His promises and He will restore your soul! I read Psalm 23 everyday to remind myself that I do have a faithful Shepherd and so do you!
Hi Kimberlee, this is Abby from the SRT Team. Thank you for sharing these thoughts with the SRT community. When we are listening closely for His voice, it is amazing all the different ways that God will use to get a message across to us! We will definitely be lifting you and your family situation up in prayer. – Abby
I could really use your prayers today. I am finally quitting tobacco it’s been a year since I knew I really wanted/needed to and I stop and start I’m not sure why. I’m in school now. And get very anxious I have used it as an excuse over and over to relax me. That I’d just do it once. And then I feel guilt and do it 500 times. I know it’s no good for me. I know God wants me to stop. I know my daughter wants me to stop. Today is the day, I ask for your prayers and encouragement for me today!
Praying for deliverance. I know it’s not easy, but always remember you’re not doing it on your own!
Father, give KB the strength she needs to stop. Help her focus on her studies as only the Holy Spirit can. Than you for KB.
I pray God will help you want to quit more than you want to smoke. I quit a pack a day habit, Marlboro no less, 32 years ago. Give each craving to God, one at a time. Quitting is one of the best things God has helped me do. Bless you!
Father, I lift up SB this morning. I pray that is able to quit smoking and that she knows how near You are to her, especially in times of trials and hardships. I pray for deliverance from this habit.
Thank you for sharing your heart!
Praying for you SB! You can do it! Do you know why? Because you have asked for the Lord’s help and the prayers of others to get you there! Just focus on one moment at a time, one day at a time, one week at a time, and soon enough you will realize how the months have flown by and that you conquered your vice! It won’t be easy, but it is possible!
Not going to say much except I, too, had a pretty fierce smoking habit for a number of years. God had delivered me from some deep and dark stuff but smoking? It’s was off again, on again for about four years after returning to the Lord. The Lord spoke to me one night and I remember completely surrendering it to him. The desire nearly vanished; I felt free. Not to say I didn’t have occasional temptations for some time. I know he can do the same for you. ❤️
Jesus, I pray over SB, that you give her the strength through out the day. Lord that when she feel like giving in you remind her that you are greater than her desire. AMEN.
xx
Praying! There are two days of the week that we shouldn’t live in. Those two days are Yesterday and Tomorrow. But there is one day of the week that we should be present in, and that day is Today. “Don’t put off for Tomorrow what you can do Today”. By Surrendering and leaning into the true Identity of hope that you have in Jesus, you can quit tobacco. Breathe, and rest in Jesus. May the Peace of the Lord, which transcends all understanding be with you!
Very valid, pithy, sutniccc, and on point. WD.
1 Samuel 12:24 “Above all, fear the Lord and worship him faithfully with all your heart; consider the great things he has done for you.”
Yesterday in church we heard how the fear of the Lord is obedience. Fear of the Lord (obedience) produces blessing in your work, family, community, etc. Reading this passage from Samuel today paired with yesterday’s sermon reminds me how important it is to walk in obedience to the one who gives all things.
Verse 21-“don’t turn away to follow worthless things that can’t profit or rescue you; they are worthless.” Thank you Lord for the greatest blessing I have received, your gift of salvation through Christ’s sacrifice on the cross. This is more precious than anything temporary in our broken world!
Amen Jess! Every day I tell myself to walk in obedience!
Now we know who the senilbse one is here. Great post!
I had a pretty “easy” life growing up, and I think I have tended to credit some of that to being a “good Christian” and following the rules. But all of it comes from God. And when I draw near to him, I know his presence a better blessing than any other blessing I’ve been gifted in this life. I love how today’s devotional connected Israel’s struggle to connect with God to our modern-day struggles. It makes these passages so much more meaningful to me.
Felt so hopeless looking for answers to my quu.oitns..sentil now.
“No matter what is happening outwardly in our lives, whether hardships or joy, the true measure of our well-being is in the posture of our hearts before God.” This smacked me right in the face! I have so many requests that I have laid before God – jobs for my children, my husband, aging parents, health issues for people I care for – the list goes on. I have the opposite problem from the Israelites. God hasn’t answered these requests the way I want Him to, when I want Him to. My heart has been doubting His goodness, mercy, and love for me. Where is my heart? It’s been all over the place. What a wake-up call to examine the posture of my heart. Thank you, Kim, for these timely words.
Papa God, thank You for the reminder that you are such a gracious and timely God. I pray that the posture of my heart before You will be one of gratitude, humility, and trust. Forgive me for doubting Your goodness and Your mercy. I want all of this stuff to be better, but more than that I want it all to count for Your kingdom. And if it’s not going to count for Your kingdom, then don’t make it better. I love you, Papa God.
Have a blessed day, sisters.
“I want it all to count for Your kingdom.” Yes. I forgot that often. Thank you for the reminder.
Kathy -I saved your prayer to use myself…..this is so what I have been doing so recently. Thank you for blessing us with your comment.
And if it’s not going to count for Your kingdom, then don’t make it better. ❤️
It’s so hard to pray for God to not make something better if it isn’t going to count for the Kingdom, but that’s the attitude we should have. Very thought-provoking.
“The true measure of our well being is the posture of our heart before God” what wonderful statement. Let me not forget that my posture should always be that of a servant on my knees to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
YES! Me too!!
Please keep thwirong these posts up they help tons.