Refreshed!

Refreshed!

I will fully satisfy the needs of those who are weary and fully refresh the souls of those who are faint. Jeremiah 31:25 NET

Context:

The Lord seems to be constantly reminding us all that he hates sin and will punish unconfessed sin. It does not matter what we may have achieved for God, or how useful a tool we have been in his hands; sin will rubbish all of these and turn us into God's enemy. Yes, we may continue to show off all the signs of people being used, but the final judgment will show the truth about our status, and at that time, repentance will be too late. While there is time to repent, now is the time to check our ways and be sure that there is no sin in the camp. 

Israel and Judah had become complacent about sin, and judgment had come. Nations who could not withstand them in the past became their oppressors. It was hard to find victory anywhere, as God was the one fighting against his own people. However, for reasons best known to God, he decided he was going to restore his people to their own land. There may have been some sorrow for their sin, and maybe some repentance, but the timing of the decision to restore belonged solely to God. I must ask God earnestly for restoration. I must plead his grace and mercy so he can also do for me all that he did for Israel here. 

Message and Response:

I cannot claim good works; if there was no sin in the camp, there would not have been a need to punish and banish the people of Israel to exile. If there was no evil in the camp, God would not be fighting his people. In today's extract, I note that nothing is said about my own contribution to what God is going to do. In fact, the people had nothing to present as good arguments before God. What could a weary and faint soul offer to the Man of War, so that the Man of War could fight on his behalf? 

This is where you know that whatever it is you have is a function of the grace and mercy of God. When you have striven by your own strength and got nothing, it is time to turn to the Strength of Israel. When you have exhausted all the options that the wisdom and intellect of the world teach, it is time to turn to the Wisdom and Power of God. When bank account balances and circle of influence have failed, it is time to turn to the All-sufficient One. As long as I have a backup plan, I cannot fully understand my need and lack. Until I turn to the One who is all I need, I will keep struggling. 

Because he is the all-sufficient One, he really does not need my help to make me all that he wants me to be. His right hand can wrought miracles. After all, where was I when he was laying the foundations of the world? Do I know how he placed the oceans where they are, almost like natural boundaries for continents? If I cannot explain these mighty works, I am better off leaving how he will supply the needs of the weary and how he will refresh the faint to him. 

Now my own part: do I recognise and admit my weaknesses? Do I consider myself helpless and weary, and in need of God's help? That is my own contribution to the whole process: an admission of my inadequacies and total surrender to the God who is more than enough. And I see the word: FULLY in the extract. God does not do half-measures. He is a God of completion. He calls himself the author and finisher of our faith. How can I be expected to trust a God with a nice start but a bad ending? He does not start a thing that he cannot finish, and there is no power on earth that can prevent him from finishing whatever it is he starts. He is the omnipotent, omniscient and omnipresent God: able and capable. 

What is that thing that is threatening your peace? Give it to God. What is that thing that is causing you pain and pressure? Hand it over to God. Make sure that there is no secret sin in your camp, and get a word of assurance of God's help from him. That Word is all you need, because the Help of Israel does not lie, and he lives and stands by whatever he says. He is all I need for life and Godliness. He is all I need for the challenges of this earthly phase. Would I allow him work? Would I deal with sin in my life so I can enjoy the fullness of his power and grace? The choice of response, as always, is mine to sort out. His time of favour is here.