Have we been fed a lie, by thinking that God will only bring a pleasant, uplifting, friendly word?
What I’m trying to get to, is, can we sometimes dismiss a word from God, because we think that it doesn’t sound like an uplifting word, that we would expect to hear from Him?
Now, let’s be clear about one thing. If a word has genuinely come from God, then if it is heard, and followed, it will have a good effect or result. But will it be a pleasant experience, when the word is first received or even during the process?
If it doesn’t begin with a pleasant, pleasing experience, then are there some who might say, “This can’t be from God, as it doesn’t fit what I would expect to hear from God!” ?
It is this kind of wrong thinking, that I’m trying to shine a light on, with this post.
If we look to the bible, then we can find many words from God, which can appear to be a bit (or a lot) of a challenge, to the one/s who are recieving the word.
Have a read of the letters to the churches in Revelation, if you want to see a challenging word or two. 🙂
Revelation 3:16
16 So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth.
But could we be tempted to think, “Jesus would be friendly to us in person, as he is a loving God.” ?
Would Peter ever agree with this thought, after his experience in…
Matthew 16:23
23 Jesus turned and said to Peter, “Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me; you do not have in mind the concerns of God, but merely human concerns.”
Ironically, Peter received this rebuke, shortly after he had received praise from Jesus, for speaking out a truth that God had revealed to him.
Matthew 16:16-17
16 Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.”
17 Jesus replied, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by flesh and blood, but by my Father in heaven.
If there is a need for a change of direction, or a warning needs to be given, then a challenging word may be needed.
The question is, “Will we hear and follow, such a word?”
Or will we just dismiss it, because it doesn’t fit what we think it should be?
If we are receiving a challenging word from Our Lord God, then will we ask the simple questions of, “Is this really from you Lord?”
If the answer is a “Yes”, then will we seek Him further, with, “Can You please lead and guide me further, in the next step or steps that I should take.” ?
Our Heavenly Father, does indeed bring us many different words, to lead and guide us. To enable us to be the best version of ourselves that we can be.
Do we really want to hear all of His words to us?
Even the challenging ones?
Revelation 3:19
19 Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest and repent.
Hebrews 12:11
11 No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.
Wannabe Christian Doorman 