Have you ever had to tell a child or even a pet “no, stop it, it will hurt!”? Do they always listen?
As a momma of two, now adult children, and one dog I can say in my experience it’s a flat-out no.
Have you ever had to repeat yourself when giving instructions or advice to a child or an adult for that matter?
What about after the 3rd time, a 4th time? Have you ever said “ok I tried to warn you?!” and then allowed them to end up with the consequences?
As a momma of two adult children and one dog, I can say in my experience it’s a flat-out yes.
We may allow something to happen but that doesn’t mean we approve of it. The same is true for God.
If we read the word definitions and apply them to what we see in our country and world today it starts to make more sense.
- Allow- “permit; fail to restrain or prevent” vs. Approve- “to have or express a favorable opinion of; to accept as satisfactory”
God may allow events to occur, that doesn’t mean he approves of them. In fact, it means God knows all that is taking place, and all His promises are coming to pass. We see so many things today that confirm what He told us would happen, that he would allow to happen.
This is why what we believe is so important. To believe in God is not enough, we must also believe God himself.
Believe the words he gave us as true, believe he meant them and there is purpose even when we don’t understand.
Like children, we may question, but at the end of the day, our heavenly daddy wants us to know he wants what’s best for us and to believe his words are meant to protect us.
As conservative values and true biblical beliefs are being ridiculed and persecuted across our country, more and more every day, even in some places that are supposed to represent freedom, I want to share a reminder of encouragement and truth.
As Christ-followers we are to stand firm on God’s word, all of it. Yes, we are called to love, and we are also called to boldly speak the truth of God’s word and obey it. In this, we can live a life that is pleasing to our Savior while trusting him with the circumstances that may be allowed but not approved of.
- Think Daniel, how he disobeyed the King and still prayed to God every day, despite being ordered not too.
- Think Job, he was a model of faithfulness and suffering. He still honored God regardless of his circumstances.
- Think Esther, her courage and trust in the Lord saved her people from being destroyed by their enemies.
- Think John the Baptist, he shared many qualities with Elijah including calling a nation to repentance, rebuking the king, and persevering in the face of public misunderstanding and malicious persecution.
- Think how God approved of each one of them and ultimately guided them in their circumstances.
For believers, it should make us cling to the hope that with every worldly event that moves away from God and His word, it is bringing us closer to Jesus’ return. As Corrie ten Boom said, “Never be afraid to trust an unknown future to a known God.”
We may not know the exact outcome in the days, weeks, and months ahead, or all that God will allow to happen, but for those that have a personal relationship with Jesus and live according to His truth, of which he does approve, we do know the final chapter, the finite ending. May we find encouragement in that.
Thankfully there are so many scriptures that encourage us and remind us that what is allowed doesn’t mean approved. God is faithful and his promises will be fulfilled.
“…You know with all your heart and soul that not one of all the good promises the Lord your God gave you has failed. Every promise has been fulfilled; not one has failed.” Joshua 23:14
“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33
“I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you.” Psalm 32:8
“And you will be hated by all for My name’s sake. But he who endures to the end will be saved.” Matthew 10:22
Normally, here’s where I would write a prayer, however as I was studying, I read this prayer from David praising the Lord’s presence and thought as we rely on God’s faithfulness and trust Him to use all things for good, even those allowed but not approved of, we should praise Him.
“David praised the Lord in the presence of the whole assembly, saying, “Praise be to you, Lord, the God of our father Israel, from everlasting to everlasting. Yours, Lord, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the majesty and the splendor, for everything in heaven and earth is yours. Yours, Lord, is the kingdom; you are exalted as head overall. Wealth and honor come from you; you are the ruler of all things. In your hands are strength and power to exalt and give strength to all. Now, our God, we give you thanks, and praise your glorious name. “But who am I, and who are my people, that we should be able to give as generously as this? Everything comes from you, and we have given you only what comes from your hand. We are foreigners and strangers in your sight, as were all our ancestors. Our days on earth are like a shadow, without hope. Lord our God, all this abundance that we have provided for building you a temple for your Holy Name comes from your hand, and all of it belongs to you. I know, my God, that you test the heart and are pleased with integrity. All these things I have given willingly and with honest intent. And now I have seen with joy how willingly your people who are here have given to you. Lord, the God of our fathers Abraham, Isaac and Israel, keep these desires and thoughts in the hearts of your people forever, and keep their hearts loyal to you.” 1 Chronicles 29:10-18
And all God’s people said Amen.
This week’s playlist-
Cochren & Co. – Don’t Lose Hope (Official Music Video) – YouTube
Don’t Lose Hope
Cochren & Co.
Vertical Worship ~ My Defense (Lyrics) – YouTube
My Defense
Vertical Worship
This is a Move – Brandon Lake and Tasha Cobbs Leonard | Moment – YouTube
This Is A Move
Brandon Lake and Tasha Cobbs Leonard
