God Watches!

The eyes of the Lord watch over those who do right, and his ears are open to their prayers. But the Lord turns his face against those who do evil.” 1 Peter 3:12 NLT

This must be one of  the most ignored warnings in the Bible. Slowly, yet steadily, there are generations that have found interesting and novel ways to break God's commands and do their own things. Since the fall of man in the garden of Eden, the natural man has always desired independence, freedom from all limits and  self-help. Throughout the Bible, we read of men who disobeyed and were punished, and of men who followed God closely and were rewarded. Yet, we seem to persist in our own ways and means, somehow assuming that we can do what we please, how we please and when we please, and still fulfil God's purpose for our lives.

Today's extract reminds us again of God's ways and our own responsibilities. God is searching out men who know him and do what is right. Right from before the days of Adam, God has been at work, and he seeks men and women who share his heart and can represent him in the world. Just like God told Asa king of Judah, in 2 Chronicles 16:9 KJV: For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to shew himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward him.

That is God- always seeking out a man, always desirous to show forth his power, desirous to make a big impact in the lives of those who follow him. He longs to hear their prayers and grant them their desires in line with his will. Another warning though: He also turns his face away from those who do evil. The problem is we are always focused on the outward, visible signs of the success of the wicked; we never consider their end. God wants us to change the focus, keep an eye on what is truly important and seek out his will for our lives.

Today, check your focus. Are you more interested in the world's definition of success, or in God's amazing favour? Nothing the world gives you will last beyond the here; only what God gives you will last your lifetime, and generations after you will reap from  the same favour. Ask Abraham, ask David and ask Jesus himself. His time of favour is here.