30/07/2022 - USELESS EFFORT

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Yet, for all that, you did not believe the LORD your God. Deuteronomy 1.32

The Lord told the Israelites that His effort in carrying them, giving them the love of His lap, and teaching them how to walk toward freedom was in vain. Because they let fear enter their hearts, they would be slow to receive a blessing. This is a warning to the saved. If they allow fear or sin to dominate them, the end will be sad. But the Most High says, “My son, if your heart be wise, my heart, even my own, will rejoice” (Proverbs 23.15). Watch and pray!

The life of the Israelites was not easy at all, ever since Jacob’s birth. It´s good to remember that Esau, his twin brother, was born before him. Probably, before he was born, Esau pulled him back and was born as if he were the firstborn. This sounds crazy, but Jacob did not give up and came into the world holding him by the heel (Genesis 25.24-26). Even with the movements of childbirth, nothing could keep his hand off his brother’s heel. Fight and win!

Jacob’s struggle for Rachel is one of the most beautiful tales. Out of love for her, he worked seven years: So Jacob served seven years for Rachel, and they seemed only a few days to him because of the love he had for her (Genesis 29.20). After seeing that he had joined Leah, his father-in-law’s eldest daughter, Jacob discovered that he had been deceived by him (Genesis 29.25). After the matter was settled, it was agreed that he would marry Rachel, but he had to work another seven years. The doubled dowry did not discourage him, for it was like nothing. Say, “Amen!”

Patiently, Moses was breaking the hardness of Pharaoh’s heart in order to free his people. After the death of the Egyptian firstborn, Israel was allowed to leave, but the heart of the potentate of Egypt was still not speaking the truth. When he learned that the Hebrews were entering a valley, surrounded by high mountains and enclosed on the beach, with no way out, Pharaoh advanced with his army to kill them.

That was a harrowing moment. There was no escape for them. So they implored to Moses, and Moses prayed to God. The Lord sent word to them to be quiet and see the work He would do that day. And that is what they did. However, when the Most High commanded them to go up to take possession of the land of the sacked Amorites, the Israelites faltered. Not even for all the miracles God had already done, did they believe in Him. What do you say about this? Have you believed in your heavenly Father?

When you let fear dominate you, faith disappears immediately, because faith and fear cannot occupy the same place. Faith is the fuel, and His Word is the tractor that removes mountains. So, take your place in the Son of God, believe that the Word is the Truth, and command evil to leave in the Name of Jesus. Victory will surely be yours; just never admit fear in your heart. Otherwise, you will never get anything from God!

The biblical examples described in the Scriptures should receive our attention. Such people faced the same temptations that we suffer, but by seeking the Lord and trusting Him, giving Him the Lordship of their lives, they succeeded. Faith in Christ will make you live a beautiful, wonderful, and victorious life. Fear, however, will make those who receive it truly defeated. What kind of person will you be from now on?

In Christ, with love,

R. R. Soares