Tues., 10/25/16 Devotion (2 Ki. 6:33b)

Today's encouragement comes from 2 Kings 6:33b, where we read these words:

" . . . the king [of Israel] said, 'Surely this calamity is from the LORD; why should I wait for the LORD any longer?' "

The king of Israel's response here (above) is entirely too typical of sinners. Trouble comes; and instead of blaming self and sin--God is blamed for it. Then, when relief does not show up right away, any hope in God is entirely abandoned, and sinful and idolatrous alternate courses are pursued.

How true is this also with many professing Christians? They are willing to put up with God, so long as their bellies are full, and their bank accounts are strong. But once a little difficulty comes their way—they throw off all of their false "God-talk," and show themselves to be what they are: unregenerate and unbelieving idolators. May this never be said of any of us.

[Puritan quote of the day: "Oh, do not let the devil be your master, nor the world your god. Do not let sin cheat and impose upon you with its false and counterfeit delights.” —Timothy Rogers, in, "Trouble of Mind and the Disease of Melancholy”]