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Bible Time Period: Conquest and Judges
You led Israel triumphantly into the Promised Land. They failed to teach their children, and instead did what was right in their own eyes: Help me to keep my eyes on you and teach others what is truly right.
Reflection
Joshua 13-21 tells how the land is divided among the remaining tribes of Israel (some already received land in the Transjordan). You may want to skim through these chapters, but notice mentions of Israel’s obedience (and disobedience), and in particular the extent to which the local people are driven out or destroyed.
Many people have serious questions about the violence in the Old Testament, and particularly in the account of the conquest of Canaan, wondering how a loving God could require it. There are no easy answers, but perhaps this comment will help, from the introduction to the period of Conquest and Judges in the Bible Timeline Guided Journal, p. 81:
“As you read, try to put these books in the perspective of the story as a whole. Why is there violence and death in the world to begin with? … What have we seen is the result of people turning from God, so far in the story? What happens to everyone when a community compromises and allows sin to grow unchecked? Think of how a truly just and holy God should deal with those who persist in their sin versus how He should deal with those who repent. The Canaanites were known not just for idol worship but for their violence and immorality. They have been warned, but they do not repent. God is punishing idolatrous nations who obstinately follow their own ways.
“Most importantly, though, let the Bible answer the questions for you as you read. You will notice that the tribes that settle South of Jerusalem (primarily Judah) obey God and wipe out the Canaanites. In the North, they don’t. What is the result? By the time you read the last few chapters of Judges, you may feel differently than you did at the start of Joshua. It is hard for holiness to flourish when it compromises with corruption. We should know that from our own lives.”
Today’s Reading
Today’s Question
Take a few moments to look back through these posts to remind you of your reading so far. What would you say is the biggest thing you have learned about God?
Join the discussion below!
Later on down the line in Bible History, Salvation History, we will see that Egypt, Assyria, Babylonia, Persia, Greece, and Rome take over the Israelites. A good way to remember this as I was told is to remember the mnemonic device–“E at A t B ill’s, P hilly’s G reatest R estaurant.”
St Agatha pray for us! d. 251 Agatha, like Agnes, has uncertainty about her in history but we do know that she was martyred in Sicily during the persecution of Emperor Decius in 251. Legend says, like Agnes, Agatha was arrested as a Christian and tortured, sent to a house of prostitution to be mistreated and conform to the pagan religion. Steadfast in her faith, she became a martyr. A common torture device was to use the iron comb across the body. She is claimed as patroness of Palermo and Catania, year after her death, the stilling of an eruption of Mt. Etna attributed to her intercession. People thereafter, continued to ask her intercession for protection against fire. Also, patroness of foundry workers, nurses, miners and Alpine guides, against breast disease Legend says that when she was arrested she prayed–“Jesus Christ, Lord of all things! You see my heart, you know my desires. Possess all that I am–you alone. I am your sheep; make me worthy to overcome the devil.” And while she was in prison she said–“Lord, my creator, you have protected me since I was in the cradle. You have taken me from the love of the world and given me patience to suffer. Now receive my spirit.” St. Agatha, pray for us!
From day one to the most present reading, it’s as if day to day or year to year glimpses of God’s story in the Old Testament bring reality to the fact that God’s way is the only way, and in getting there with him is through hope faith, trust and belief. Opening our heart to God is the only way. Back then and in today’s world so much ugliness occurs when we try to live like through the humanistic approach and without God in our life. The second that choice is made, killing, hurt, darkness, loneliness, and other ungodly sadness is in place.
God your daily work with us is so important therefore help us and others to strengthen our lives with your ongoing presence. Amen!
Just want to say thank you to all of the contributors. I haven’t had time to do some really good historical explanations of the social history of the period…feel lucky to keep up with the readings…so your comments and references are greatly appreciated. One thought provoking question…We have been called by Mother Church to be the NEW Evangelists…so if we skip an opportunity, by word or action, to be representatives of God are we not the Isrealites who did not follow God’s commands?
With all the dividing of the land as commanded by God, I can understand how important it was to try to keep some control of the people that were so loved. There was still hope that those that were chosen would teach their children, who would also teach their children into the future generations. There is no greater love and hope from God than the fact that mankind will someday fulfill the true meaning of the covenant. The story that did stick in my mind was with Caleb, 14:6-12 when after 45 years, with all his humble humility reminded Joshua of the land that was promised to him because he “wholly followed the Lord.” I would like to think that I too will be blessed in my Lord’s heavenly kingdom someday by my heavenly Father, as Caleb was blessed by Joshua with his inheritance.
The biggest thing I see about God in the readings so far is His infinite love for His people. He wants to have a relationship with us and He loves us as a Father loves His children. So when you think about it, the New Covenant was really nothing new… love existed since the beginning. God has shown compassion, mercy and love, over and over. The other important lesson learned is that God is with us always. For all the ordinary people He chose to bring His message, He told them to be strong and courageous, and assured them that He was with them every step of the way. This was true at the beginning and it still holds true today. We can be confident that He is right beside us as we go out in the world and spread His message. He gives us what we need to fulfill our mission.
He gave Barbara Ann strength and courage to endure terminal cancer, and her faith and fortitude (as well as miraculous healing) converted a doctor who lacked faith. God gave Beverly a gift for poetry that touches the heart and is sure to inspire others to embrace Jesus as their Savior. He gave Carla a mighty task of battling modern day false prophets and has armed her with His Holy Spirit. I could go on and on, as I read the countless experiences and struggles of each person here online, whether he or she is aware of it or not. God wants us to love others as He loves us. Each day is a gift, a blessing, and an opportunity to spread His message of love and hope to the world, or our little corner of the world.
“They have been warned, but they do not repent.”
I have heard Bible scholars claim this but have never found it in the Bible. Where does it say that God warned the Canaanites, but they did not repent?
Why didn’t God convert the Canaanites instead of having them slaughtered? He could have shown them His devine mercy too, just like He did to the Israelites. He made ALL people, so how are the Israelites ‘His people’ and the Canaanites not?
This is a great question and probably confounds many of us. Look here to Paul Copan’s article. It is interesting. http://enrichmentjournal.ag.org/201004/201004_138_canannites.cfm
God gave the Canaanites free will, as he has done with all mankind. therefore he couldn’t just convert them. They had heard of all the miracles that God had done for the Israelites but they did not change, except for Rahab (an ancestor of Jesus).
It doesn’t seem fair that the Isrealites get all the attention, second chances, first hand miracles, and everything else God lavished upon them and all the Canaanites got was second hand news.
Hi Craig! Here’s something I researched myself that goes back to the “beginning”. I hope this is helpful in at least understanding that they were once saved children of God”:
Another mystery was accomplished and predicted in the days of Noah, of which you are not aware. It is this: in the blessings wherewith Noah blessed his two sons, and in the curse pronounced on his son’s son. For the Spirit of prophecy would not curse the son that had been by God blessed along with [his brothers]. But since the punishment of the sin would cleave to the whole descent of the son that mocked at his father’s nakedness, he made the curse originate with his son. Now, in what he said, he foretold that the descendants of Shem would keep in retention the property and dwellings of Canaan: and again that the descendants of Japheth would take possession of the property of which Shem’s descendants had dispossessed Canaan’s descendants; and spoil the descendants of Shem, even as they plundered the sons of Canaan. And listen to the way in which it has so come to pass. For you, who have derived your lineage from Shem, invaded the territory of the sons of Canaan by the will of God; and you possessed it. And it is manifest that the sons of Japheth, having invaded you in turn by the judgment of God, have taken your land from you, and have possessed it. Thus it is written: ‘And Noah awoke from the wine, and knew what his younger son had done unto him; and he said, Cursed be Canaan, the servant; a servant shall he be unto his brethren. And he said, Blessed be the Lord God of Shem; and Canaan shall be his servant. May the Lord enlarge Japheth, and let him dwell in the houses of Shem; and let Canaan be his servant.’ Accordingly, as two peoples were blessed,—those from Shem, and those from Japheth,—and as the offspring of Shem were decreed first to possess the dwellings of Canaan, and the offspring of Japheth were predicted as in turn receiving the same possessions, and to the two peoples there was the one people of Canaan handed over for servants; so Christ has come according to the power given Him from the Almighty Father, and summoning men to friendship, and blessing, and repentance, and dwelling together, has promised, as has already been proved, that there shall be a future possession for all the saints in this same land. And hence all men everywhere, whether bond or free, who believe in Christ, and recognise the truth in His own words and those of His prophets, know that they shall be with Him in that land, and inherit everlasting and incorruptible good.
WOW! That’s deep. Thank you for that.
God is the same, yesterday, today and tomorrow. I is hard reading of the violence in the Old Testament and yet God was trying to purify his people from pagan-satanic worship. He is merciful but does not compromise with evil. The lands they conquered were into idolatry and God knew they would fall into idolatry again and again if not purged of it.
” It is hard for holiness to flourish when it compromises with corruption. ”
BAHH! I’m tired of Christian apologists trying to justify genocide in the OT. How does this fit with, “pray for your enemies?” The barbarity of the Isrealites only provides contrast so that Jesus can be recognized as the Son of God and not just another blood thirsty human King like David.
One of the most important reminders I received about God in these readings so far is that He is slow to anger and when pushed to violent anger, even God, will listen to those on earth who profess mercy and charity as Moses and Joshua have done. God truly loves His people, He sees the need to punish to bring them back in line but never holds a grudge or seeks revenge. The disobedience is dealt with and God is again the loving and merciful. It is most unfortunate that the Israelites don’t see the pattern they have made for themselves; the seemly unending cycle of obedience – disobedience – punishment – obedience and so on.
One thing I love about being Catholic is looking back at the thousands of years’ history of the roots of our faith. Knowing that the same God who was ever-faithful to his covenant as Anthony described gives me such a sense of joy and peace! I can count on God to always be mercifully encouraging and forgiving me. I feel greatly blessed and humbled in His loving protection.
God is eternal. God is unchanging. God revealed himself to Israel as the one “abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness.” God Rules like a Loving Parent.
“I will be their God and they shall be My people…I will be a Father to you and you shall be sons and daughters to Me”
God chose Israel as His people to ultimately provide a means for all nations to re-enter God’s family. The Covenant that started with Adam continued to Noah, to Abraham, to Moses, to David, and finally to Jesus. V:11… “because they have not followed me unreservedly” which can be understood as “surely none … shall see … because they have not perfectly followed me.” It wasn’t good enough to just follow – one had to PERFECTLY follow. God’s thoughts are not our thoughts, and His mercy is infinitely great. God’s covenant may be conditional, but his Love is not. In all his works God displays not only his kindness, goodness, grace, and steadfast love, but also his trustworthiness, constancy, faithfulness, and truth. This gives us HOPE! As the Israelites, who continually sinned, received manna from heaven, the Christian, who continually sin, is given the heavenly bread and spiritual drink of the Eucharist. And as the Israelites passed through the waters into freedom and a new identity as God’s chosen people, so too the Christian in baptism is freed from sin and made a child of God. And these two terms express summarily the riches of His Divine Name.
Well said. God bless you in your strong faith.
Thank You… God Bless us All!
I feel that the past 35 days have been an intense counseling session and I am saying that in the most positive light. I have discovered much about myself, God, and also my fellow Catholics on this journey. I have learned God is always there if I open my spirit, mind, and heart. I also have learned that there is nothing that I cannot overcome while making sure I keep God at the forefront of my mind. I have 2 young children, a wife, a demanding job, am in a university second masters program, and am in charge of an association at my church. Life is busy and it is easy to lose sight of what is important or to let negative things into my life. Just this morning I had to catch myself before I complained about another routine day in sub zero freezing temperatures. The sunrise helped me realize that just like natures light, Gods light will always come when we need it if our eyes are open to it.
For some reason, your thread calls to mind a favorite quote my husband often recites: “Don’t be so heavenly focused that you are no earthly good.” The opposite is true, too. “The devil is in the details,” to me means that busy-ness can distract us from the truly important tasks we are called to as disciples of Christ. So, balance is critical in our lives; we need to understand that it is okay to say “no” sometimes in order to focus just on breathing and being. God bless you on your journey, m.g.; it sounds like your life is very full!
Some Christians today, including me, need to accept all that God provides. God is alive and as three persons on one God, each, namely God, the Father, Jesus Christ, the Son, and the Holy Spirit are there for us at all times. This is the way it was with the Israelites before and after they entered the promised land.
Now, the big question for me is ‘am I going to continue to travel down the road like the Israelites seeing what is more pleasing to them rather than focusing on Our Lord, Our God’? Or, am I going to work on being a good Christian and abide by the commandments and rules laid down by the Church? This is a tough decision because the first way is definitely easier that the second. I know the Holy Spirit will help me with my quest.
The theme that is coming forth for me is that the israelites kept sinning, and God was faithful. In the 40 years in the desert they were growing up- building the container, the rules and regulations, learning right from wrong ( at least it is depicted repeatedly wether they were learning it or not!) Now as they settle in the land and brutally wipe out people, it is speaking to my heart as vigilance to root out and wipe out my own repeated sin, and to clarify my personal relationship with God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit.
I totally agree with your application.
Very good insight!
I wholly agree, Lori. When I read the Old Testament it seems very repetitive … God blesses His chosen people; we live happily; then we turn away from God, becoming independent and strong-headed, arrogantly believing we are the masters of our lives; God causes a disaster to set us back on the correct path; we turn back to God asking for forgiveness; God has pity and blesses His people.
How does this apply to civilizations today? I see strong similarities.
The one thing that never changes is the constant and everlasting love from our Father.
God is all powerful. God is all loving but it is tough-love. All sin is based on not trusting God.
It is so hard to think of the biggest thing I have learned about God as there has been so much revelation so far, and I am sure that it is just a tiny part of God. Many things were reminders which need reinforcing such as trust. I think the biggest thing I have learned is how impossible and humanly illogical God is. He doesn’t pick the obvious or the best, He chooses the sinner, the failures and those who consistently fail. He takes them beyond what they could logically achieve e.g. Abraham and Sarah having a baby in their old age, Joseph from prisoner to powerful aide to the Pharaoh. And yet, this is the same with Jesus in the New Testament when He chooses the Disciples. He chose not the person they were, but the person they could be.
Reading your response brought tears to my eyes as I feel I am such a sinner and yet when I ask for forgiveness He is always forgiving. Why don’t I trust in The Lord? Why do I fail Him so much? In my humanness I am trying to second guess what His plan is for me instead of trusting in The Lord. I questioned why he seemed to be such a merciless God at times. Will He always show mercy to me? I pray He does but my doubts (satan, with no caps) is on my shoulder, I need the armor of God to protect me especially in this world as it is. Thank you Lord for loving a sinner like me!
Those nations that were to be torn down before settling the nation onto God were anti-community. Whenever a person focuses only on oneself, that is called selfish. Selfishness leads one away from fostering to the community. God is the Great Gatherer – He wants us to be united in service to Him through our love of others and Him. He wants to build communities that are sustaining. Those Canaanite communities were not sustaining – they were detrimental to the existence of a thriving moral community. They were in essence on the road to disaster. That disaster was figuratively demonstrated through their destruction by the Hebrew’s. Those Canaanite communities that were allowed to go on poisoned the moral life of the Hebrew’s communities that blended in with them. The more we focus on ourselves and our own pleasures, the further we’re dong something good for the community. See where this is going in our society today? It’s frightening. Abortions are at an all time high; homosexual behavior is part of the culture (esp. media); divorce is the norm – long lasting marriages are getting to be rare. Why? Selfishness – it is what the writers of the Bible were warning us against.
So true and so sad about our culture today; so many live by “it’s all about me.” I just hope and pray those living so selfishly embrace God and His Mercy and ask for forgiveness before it is too late.
I have learned that God is Love. He is faithful to us and encouraging to stay with him and grow in His love and faith. He is there for us. I feel it every morning and evening when I pray, and when I choose to see signs of his presence throughout my day. I am so very blessed to live this life. A life in which God is always there if only I keep letting him be. Despite that which may seep into life, I know he is always there to hold back the waters so that I can follow the path of righteousness to his everlasting love, grace, and mercy.
The lesson
for me so far has been Trusting God. The Israelites had difficulty doing just
that – just like we have today. From generation to generation he has shown that
his love is with us and unending, all we have to do is to TRUST him. God made a
promise to his people – to be with his people until the end of time. Through it
all, he did not give up on them and hasn’t given up on us either. Just like the
Israelites had visible signs of God through Moses, Aaron, Joshua, we in the
Catholic church have the same visible signs God gave us his only son – ‘JESUS’ in
the Holy Eucharist and always present in the Tabernacle. “I am with you always;
yes to the end of time” Matt 28:20. The message for me still remains the same –
from generation to generation God remains the same. Let us take heed and
remember one of John Paul II favourite quotes “Do not be Afraid” and said at
least 9 times in our readings so far.
Yes, the penalties might seem harsh at times, but God knows best and our ways are not
God’s way. The Israelites were rebellious and despite all this, God was still on
their side, forever faithful.
God’s ways are not our ways; God is ever faithful, never changing. There is a plan of salvation at hand; when people choose to go their own way in disobedience/sin or unbelief, it makes the road toward salvation more difficult for us, but not for God.
Amen to this.
What I have learned about my benevolent Father in Heaven.
God looks for the good in people and chooses the strong of heart and who believe in His eternal love. Since the beginning of mankind there has been evil obstacles that have clouded people’s minds of what was, is, and will be the most important element in existing here in our temporal world, that is keep God’s commandments and His covenant.
With the clouding of people’s minds, bad things happen. With God’s assistance, some civilizations were annihilated from the face of this earth. God would not allow any false gods to be worshipped, so the purging began by using His chosen people, His warriors, you might say, fighting for God’s honor and staying true to His covenant and commandments.
However, He chose this special group of people that loved Him but were stiffed necked and at times ignored His covenant and commandments. They, too, suffered from God’s anger because they did not stay on the straight and narrow path that would lead to their eternal life with God.
My benevolent Father in heaven looks after me and all of civilization. He has made a promise to
us and it is up to us to honor His request.
Thank you for being such an understanding Father, Dear Lord.
What I learned about God is how He always looks to the weakest link in the chain and makes sure that that specific person is cared for. How does He do this? As PknkyB4brain implied – He chooses the strongest of us to lead the weakest. He sets laws and moral teachings to be a part of our existence. He appoints religious leaders to be shepherds for the flock. If those of authority prove to lead the people astray, they are taken out of that position. In everything our Lord does, He always looks at the weakest of us all; the poor, the marginalized. He demonstrated this in the Old Testament stories and continues to do so today. He is truly Almighty.
These settled boundaries may remind us, that our situation and provision
in this life, as well as our future inheritance, are appointed by the
only wise and righteous God, and we should be content with our portion,
since he knows what is best for us, and all we have is more than we
deserve. Praise God for His boundless love and mercy on us. He is all in all from beginning to end.
God has been faithful to the promise of the land. If Israel relies totally
on the Lord for victory; if Israel is united as a people; if the law of herem
is kept and no one grows rich from victory in war—then and only then will
Israel possess the land.
God is faithful and true…what he says he will do, he will do if we but follow his commands.
He will do even if we don’t follow His commands! It will certainly be more painful for us if we stray off the path God has chosen for us!
Thanks for the correction, Fisher….this is certainly true…and I, for one, am a person who has done both…followed on the path and also, strayed off of it…but I might also tell you, that pain follows sometimes, whether you are on the path or off of it…Sometimes pain is a part of the equation, just look at Jesus’ life….He was always on God’s path, but pain, suffering, and torturous death was also a part of that life as well… In my opinion pain is not a good marker as to whether one is on God’s path or not…a much better one is how well your life is seen by others as being driven by God…others notice it when someone is living a grace-filled life….and some will comment on it…not that you need others comments…God’s acceptance of you is all that matters…but having others notice occasionally your attempts to live a faithful life…can encourage yourself and others to do the same.
You are absolutely right, Beverly. And as an aside – I meant my comment less as a correction and more as a continuing discussion….Funny, I was just lamenting this morning how trouble seems to pile on trouble in my lif right now (sort of a Murphy’s Law deal). I stopped in the middle of my pity party, struck by the Holy Spirit, no doubt, and realized it is time to give thanks and praise instead for all the blessings in my life. A moment’s grace in a time of struggle – I’ll take it!!
I can feel for you…my family has not had a break from “trouble since the 1st of Dec….but as you say…there are many blessings…and you can’t have the good without the bad…they are two sides of the same coin…About that time I had a bout with my bipolar…and if you were to go back and read my posts from that time on, you would not be able to tell I was have “trouble”…you see, God speaks to others through me even in the midst of my bipolar attacks…and sometimes that is the time that He speaks the most to others…My family will tell you that this is the only area that I seem to be “normal” during that time…but that is all God…it is not me….For most of the time that I have had bipolar, I have resented having it…but as I see how God is using it to bring others closer to him, I am beginning to be okay with it…For I am beginning to believe that this is God’s plan for me…and I told Him a long time ago, that whatever He wanted to do with me was okay with me…Though, truthfully, I have struggled with it quite a bit…LOL
God bless you, Beverly, as you have surely blessed so many others. My prayer for you is peace and strength beyond understanding.
Thank you…and to you as well…
I have been thinking about your comments and mine asking God what might He want to say to me about it and this verse popped into my head. I believe it may help both of us deal with what is going on in our lives at this time…
Jeremiah 29:11-13New International Version (NIV) 11 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. 12 Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. 13 You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.
I take it from this…we are to seek God and keep our eyes on the prize, not on the incidentals that happen…you know…sometimes we can’t see the forest for the trees type of thing…LOL Hope this helps…it did me…Peace…
In a day filled with direct messages and affirmations, Beverly, this is indeed icing on the cake. Thank you. God bless you for answering the call of the Holy Spirit!
Yes, she (the Holy Spirit) is amazing!!! LOL
One of my German Shepherd puppies is named Sophia.
Very fitting…LOL…
And my 9 month old Shih Tzu puppy is named Glory! She has two feline sisters, Grace and Hope…
One of my favorite Scriptures… it gives us comfort and hope, as we trust in the Lord. All praise and glory to God!
Amen.
That He is a faithful and just God – rewarding those who are God fearing, humble and obedient. But also tender and forgiving those who repent! Praise be to God!
before i answer today’squestion i thought i would also comment on the violence in the Old Testament.again ,no easy answer but i think of upmost importance to work through. literally , the violence seems contradictory to a loving, merciful,compassionate God of the New Testament.maybe the key to interpreting these texts is the figure of Christ as the sacrificed lamb in the Book Of Revalations.in ch.5 it says “who is worthy to open the scroll and break its seal”?Then i saw standing in the midst of the throne a Lamb that seemed to have been slain.he came and received the scroll from the right hand of the one who sat on the throne.with this,if we keep Christ(slain lamb) in mind we will know that we have misread the Bible if we read it in such a way that it encourages violence or hatred.we should look for metaphors and allegories. the above is from Origin a church father and reviewed by Father Barron on his website word on fire. it is sermon 667 10-23-13 entitled the hard texts of the old testament.thought this may be of interest to some.So far from the readings i have been reminded of the importance of obedience,worship, and trust in God .
This is no more violent that what happened to Jesus, (and many others during this time)in the Crucifixion…and later on in the middle ages (ie. boiling in oil, etc.), the other atrocities that have occurred over the ages to various peoples…these types of outrageous violence are not just for the Old Testament alone…there are even places in the world today where such violence against people is happening (ie. genocides of people in Africa and in the Middle East)…though we don’t condone in any way such behavior…it helps realize that what was happening was real life. War, destruction, conquering happens when one group wants something another has…Also, recognizing these actions did take place in this region, gives us great insight into the reasons those in this area have a deep seated hatred for each other. As far as God having a part in sending the Israelites to this land to conquer these other people…think of the Israelites at the time, and even up to the present time…they have this separatist attitude that I am sure God was aware of. We ask ourselves…were these people perfect in their behavior? No, they were not. They were far from a perfected people…there were many character flaws within them. One thing they did have though that God credited them for was their faithfulness to Him (and even that was sometimes flawed)…So God took this rag-tag group of people and began to make mighty nation out of them. I am sure, God being who he is, (a God of love, who loves his creation), took care of those who were conquered and overcome by the Jews…just as we believe he does with others who haven’t heard the faith today…It is comforting to know God meets us where we are . This is my take on it…sorry for the long explanation.
Chuck, do you have a link to Father Barron’s website? It sounds very interesting
google word on fire Fr Barron
Thanks
http://www.wordonfire.org/WOF-Radio/Sermons/Sermon-Archive-for-2013/Sermon-667-The-Hard-Texts-of-the-Old.aspx
Thank you I found many interesting links
God wants to be honored and obeyed, and if we are obedient, we will be blessed. God delivers on His promises, but it may take many years, but He eventually delivers on His terms not ours.
Something that is woven throughout the Bible – we have an ever loving God that waits with open arms for us so just have trust and patience no matter how difficult that may be for us at times.
This reminds me of the prayer intentions my father spoke of from a gathering of men several months ago: He said they went around the circle seeking prayer for estranged children, sick loved ones, job losses, etc. When it came my father’s time for a prayer intention, he asked for prayers of thanksgiving, blessing and discernment for his grandson in the seminary. My father said the tension of the whole group dissipated, the tone changed completely. It was as if, he said, there was a collective sigh of relief that someone was sharing blessing and praise instead of just petition borne of despair. Our ever-loving Father wants us to recognize and give thanks for our many blessings, even as we turn in full confidence to Him with petition!
God keeps His promises. This may not happen in the way we want them to; instead, this happens in the way that’s best for us.
Very true Andy. Trust, trust and trust again.
I have been reminded to praise worship and love God, listen to his voice and proceed fearlessly!