2 Chronicles 28:22–23 (ESV) — 22 In the time of his distress he became yet more
faithless to the Lord—this same King Ahaz. 23 For he
sacrificed to the gods of Damascus that had defeated him and said, “Because the
gods of the kings of Syria helped them, I will sacrifice to them that they may
help me.” But they were the ruin of him and of all Israel.
NOTE: Pain,
suffering, distress, and other forces can have one of two effects. They can
draw a person closer to God or they can push a person farther from God. It
depends upon the person and their faith. A person of faith will take shelter
under the wings of the almighty. A person, who does not really have faith, will
search for remedies outside of God. To some degree, this is because they desire
to be in control. To submit and trust in the one and only God requires a person
to let go of themselves and serve God. Other ways to deal with pain, outside of
trust in God, give the appearance of remaining in control of one's destiny. But
that actually is an illusion. God is always in control and sovereign
independent of any person's response to him. His actions may change, but his
control is not changed.
PRAYER: Father, I
don't want to respond like Ahaz did. I don't want to be the one who takes
control. But, in the moment of pain, I'm not that much different from Ahaz.
Protect me. Guide me. I do desire to submit my will to yours.
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