HEAVEN'S RESOURCES
28th Aug 2024
I’ve been reading the history of Israel in Kings and Chronicles and seeing the pattern of success and failure, as the Kings either followed God and relied on His help and guidance, or relied on themselves and saw very different consequences.
2 Chronicles 26:5 sums up this pattern, which describes the life of Uzziah, King of Judah. He reigned for 52 years from the age of 16! It is recorded that “as long as Uzziah sought the Lord, God gave him success.” Sadly, he became proud and arrogant, contemptuous of God, and he was struck with leprosy and had to live in isolation until his death.
His son Jotham succeeded him and “grew powerful because he walked steadfastly before the Lord his God.” (2 Chron 27:6) Over and over this pattern is repeated. Success when walking with God, and the opposite without Him.
James 1:5 says, “If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.” Philippians 4:19 says, “And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.”
I’m challenged to live a life drawing on God’s resources and promises, constantly looking for his wisdom and help, seeing Him order life and give peace. The more we include God’s Spirit in everyday life, the more we will see Him change situations and give us both peace and success.
He knows us and how easily we can change - trusting God one moment, and then so easily we are trusting our own resources and self effort, which is so pointless.
So repent if you have drifted away, and simply tell the Lord you need Him, you want to lean on Him, you want to see Him act for you in the whole of your life in every big and small detail. His Spirit has been given to you to give you access into heaven’s resources.
Why live without them?
by Joyce Sibthorpe
