Choices That Bring Blessing- Part 4
“This command I am giving you today is not too difficult for you to understand, and it is not beyond your reach. It is not kept in heaven, so distant that you must ask, ‘Who will go up to heaven and bring it down so we can hear it and obey?’ It is not kept beyond the sea, so far away that you must ask, ‘Who will cross the sea to bring it to us so we can hear it and obey?’ No, the message is very close at hand; it is on your lips and in your heart so that you can obey it.”
Deuteronomy 30:11-14 (NLT)
Moses’ final words to Israel were a matter of life and death. He had led them faithfully for over 40 years through the wilderness after their exodus from Egypt. He knew he was dying, and he wanted this new generation to make it into the promised land of blessing. This was a deciding moment. In Deuteronomy 30, Moses confronts them with four choices that would enable them to experience the blessing God had for them. They are just as critical for us today.
1. MAKE THE CHOICE TO LET GOD LOVE YOU WHEN YOU FEEL UNLOVABLE.
2. MAKE THE CHOICE TO LET GOD HEAL YOU WHEN YOU’RE HURTING.
3. MAKE THE CHOICE TO FOLLOW GOD INSTEAD OF YOUR FEELINGS.
4. MAKE THE CHOICE TO SPEAK AND ACT IN FAITH EVEN WHEN YOU CAN’T SEE IT.
In this fourth and final choice, Moses was telling the nation that God’s will for them wasn’t something He was trying to hide. He said it was not too difficult for them to understand, nor was it beyond their reach. “No, the message is very close at hand; it is on your lips and in your heart so that you can obey it.” Deuteronomy 30:14 (NLT)
The same is true for you and me. Every day, we face choices that determine our destiny. We have to choose which decision to make. Will we step out in faith or shrink back in fear? Those choices can mean the difference between life and death. If we want to make divine choices in the critical moments, we must choose to speak and act in faith even when we can’t see it. This is the mystery of faith. It is what makes the Christian life such an adventure! Our trouble is that we want to see how it will all work out ahead of time and then decide to act in faith. We say, “I’ll believe it when I see it,” but faith says, “You’ll see it when you believe it!” We dream of a life of blessing and purpose and say, “I would if I could,” but God says, “You could if you would.” Make the choice to speak and act in faith even when you can’t see it. The writer of Hebrews said, “Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.” Hebrews 11:1 (NIV) Begin speaking words of faith thanking God in advance for all that He wants to do through you. “For the LORD is your life…” Deuteronomy 30:20c (NIV)
One of the greatest demonstrations of faith is in giving. When we give, we are trusting God to supply. It’s one way we get to determine how much God blesses us. In 2 Corinthians 9:6-10 (NLT), the Bible says, “Remember this—a farmer who plants only a few seeds will get a small crop. But the one who plants generously will get a generous crop. You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure. For God loves a person who gives cheerfully. And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others. As the Scriptures say, ‘They share freely and give generously to the poor. Their good deeds will be remembered forever.’ For God is the one who provides seed for the farmer and then bread to eat. In the same way, He will provide and increase your resources and then produce a great harvest of generosity in you.” To what extent, then, will you act in faith even when you can’t see it? Have you made the choices that bring blessing in your life? If not, here’s a model to pray today:
Thank you, Lord Jesus, that you are my life! I choose to let you love me when I feel unlovable. I choose to let you heal me when I’m hurting. I choose to follow you instead of my feelings and I choose to speak and act in faith even when I can’t see it. You are God and nothing is too difficult for you. As I make these choices today, give me the courage to act on them I pray. In Jesus Name and for His Glory! Amen.
Another important part of your daily devotional is spending time with God in prayer. The Woodlands Church Prayer Board lists prayer requests submitted by our members and provides a way to send them some encouragement by using a button on the page to let them know that you prayed for them. Whether you use the Prayer Board, or pray from your heart, the goal is to build the habit of incorporating prayer into your quiet time.
Need prayer yourself? Let us know by submitting a prayer request on the Woodlands Church Prayer Board.