Kicking Against the Goads

In my devotions I came across this statement:

“(God) allows trouble to pursue us, as though He were indifferent to its overwhelming pressure, so we may be brought to the end of ourselves.” L.B.Cowman, Streams in the Desert.

Although I do not like the troubles that may at times pursue me, I want to come to the end of myself, because it is there, at the end of myself, that I find HIM. At the end of myself I lose my focus on self, and in seeking a solution find that He IS the solution, my hope, my only hope. He is present, always, and forever. He is able – able to do above and beyond what I could ever imagine – much much more than I could ever do for, or by, myself.

In myself, without Him, I can do nothing – nothing to solve the troubles that pursue me – nothing to accomplish His purpose.

But with Him, I can do all things.

What a reminder not to kick “against the goads.” A goad was a pointed sharp stick that a farmer would use to move his oxen in the right direction – the way he wanted them to go. If an ox kicked against the goad, it only increased the pain. 

Sometimes that is us, kicking against the trouble – the annoyances, the pricks and prods – instead of using them to move us forward in the right direction with Him and towards Him.

We might ask ourselves:

1. In what ways am I resisting the prodding of the Lord?
2. How can I use this problem for God’s glory and my good?

Dear friends, when troubles come into our lives perhaps there is a lesson to learn, a change to make, a resolve to enforce, a courage to build up, a trust to strengthen. Usually in the midst of the problem we cannot see through to the other side, but when we get there perhaps we will understand. And if not, we can take comfort in the knowledge that He knows and He understands.

In the words of a hymn we used to sing:

“No one understands like Jesus;
He’s a Friend beyond compare.
Meet Him at the throne of mercy;
He is waiting for You there.

No one understands like Jesus
When the days are dark and grim.
No one is so near, so dear as Jesus;
Cast Your every care on Him.”
~ John W. Peterson, 1950

Blessings,
Ruth

Philippians 4:13 – “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”

See, Hear, Touch

True story… I dreamt that I was teaching a class of young adult students and I heard myself say, “I sometimes wonder – isn’t it better to be able to go to someone you can see and touch and feel when you have problems, like the disciples could with Jesus – to look into a friend’s eyes, and know that your friend is listening and hears you?”

After raising his hand, a young man in the back of the room asked, “Like it was with Adam and Eve when God walked and talked with them in the garden, before sin entered the world?”

“Yes,” I said, “Sin messes everything up… But although we cannot see Him, He is there in the problem with you. The beauty of it is that while others may give a listening ear, He is able to solve it … if and when and how He chooses. But just His presence comforts us. While troubles rage around us, He gives us peace. When sorrows threaten to overwhelm us, He gives us comfort. When pain seems unbearable, He gives us joy.”

Then I woke up to face another day, knowing that even though we cannot yet see and touch and feel Him, HE sees and hears us! And like a father has compassion for his children, He feels for us and that touches me right in my heart.

He is the ever-present God – Psalm 46:1

He is our compassionate Father – Psalm 103:13

He sees – 1 Peter 3:12

He hears – Jeremiah 29:12-13

He is able – Ephesians 3:20-21

He can do the impossible – Matthew 19:26

And yes, He has given us friends, people to be in relationship with, and I thank Him for each one. They can encourage and support, but they cannot take the place of God in our lives. They have their own problems, but He does not. They may fail us, but He will not.

Won’t you trust Him today?

“And He walks with me and He talks with me,
And He tells me I am His own,
And the joy we share as we tarry there
None other has ever known.”
~ (C. Austin Miles, 1912)

“Take your burden to the Lord and leave it there.” ~ (Charles A. Tindley, 1916)

Have a great day,

Ruth

Why Stand With Israel?

Israel was attacked suddenly and without provocation by Hamas. In a clear declaration of support for our ally, the President affirmed that America stands with Israel, though some choose to place the blame on Israel. Some are holding celebratory rallies, as though this is a joyous occasion instead of a grievous and sorrowful outrage.

The Jews living on this little piece of land the size of New Jersey, and in various countries around the world, have been persecuted, displaced, murdered, and maligned down through the annals of history. This is no surprise to those who read the Bible.

Israel is a nation chosen by God to be His very own people.

• Jesus came from the line of David, a Jew.
• God chose Israel to be the birthplace of His own beloved Son.
• Israel was the place where His Son, Jesus, would offer Himself as an atonement for sin.
• It was the place from which He ascended back to Heaven after the resurrection.
• And it is the place to which He will soon return! (Zechariah 8:3) Hallelujah! We long for that day.
• The gospel came first to the Jews. (Romans 1:16)
• Jesus Himself said that “Salvation is of the Jews” (John 4:22).

All eyes are on Israel.

The psalmist writes in Psalm 122:6-7, “Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: ‘May those who love you be secure. May there be peace within your walls and security within your citadels.’” This is a good prayer to pray for Israel.

God’s word to Abraham was, “I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you” (Genesis 12:3).

They are a blessed nation. “Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord; and the people whom He hath chosen for His own inheritance”(Psalm 33:12).

Here  is another verse to consider, “The Lord has chosen Jacob for Himself, Israel as His own possession” (Psalm 135:4).

No one should trifle with the Lord’s possession! He has His eye on them. His ear is open to their cry. Remember the story in Exodus chapter 3? God’s people were suffering as slaves in Egypt and God spoke these words to Moses: “I have indeed seen the misery of my people in Egypt. I have heard them crying out because of their slave drivers, and I am concerned about their suffering. So I have come down to rescue them from the hand of the Egyptians and bring them up out of that land into a good and spacious land…” (Exodus 3:7-8a).

It will not go well with those who turn their backs on the ones God has chosen for Himself! Remember what happened? God told Moses, “So now, go. I am sending you to bring my people the Israelites out of Egypt” (Exodus 3:10). What followed were the terrible plagues God brought on Egypt right before the deliverance. God is patient, but at the time of His choosing, He will deliver.

Satan is the enemy who is already defeated (I’ve read the back of the Book!) yet he continues to harass and attempt to destroy those who are beloved by God. He knows his time is running out. Pray that he is restrained and that those who are deceived by him will turn to God in confession and repentance.

Pray that the right actions will be taken by those who have power and responsibility. No, God does not need help – but sometimes He does want participation. And always, He wants obedience.

Pray for the nation of Israel.

Bless the Jewish people. There is no place for antisemitism in the life of a believer in Jesus Christ.

“Even so, come, Lord Jesus” (Revelation 22:20).

Blessings,

Ruth