Coria Brock
October 12, 2024
1 Samuel 16:1, New International Version
“The LORD said to Samuel, ‘How long will you mourn for Saul, since I have rejected him as king over Israel? Fill your horn with oil and be on your way; I am sending you to Jesse of Bethlehem. I have chosen one of his sons to be king.’”
I often say, "Let the past stay in the past, if God in His mighty power created time and yet has not chosen to change what has happened, what makes you think you are wiser than He is?" Instead, we should remember what the Lord said to Samuel when he kept mourning for king Saul.
God is close to the broken hearted, and He cares for those who are crushed in spirit (Psalm 34:18) and He has a plan for them. He seeks to give them a hope and future and stop living in a way which brings them harm. He wants them to prosper and live their life abundantly. (Jeremiah 29:11, John 10:10)
How long will we allow the past to have a hold over us? How long will we question God’s rescue plan, but be blind to how He is actually rescuing us? We may have been a captive, but the Son promised to set the captives free. And when the Son sets you free, you are free indeed. (Isaiah 61:1, John 8:36)
A question I often ask those who do not see the light of hope is this, "Do you truly want your life to be the same for another ten years, or even the rest of your life?" The only answer I ever heard is a no, absolutely no. But they almost always follow with a “but”... "But I don't know what to do?" Or "But I don't think I can ever feel different." But… But… But. My dear friends, the truth we should focus on is this, "But God!"
“...With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” (Matthew 19:26, NIV)
It is time for us to admit our weaknesses and remember the path we took, the decision that we made. And allow the past to be an alarm and realize the Lord never makes mistakes. We must seek the Holy Spirit as our teacher and the Word as our guide. We must quickly turn from our wrongdoing so that we can be redeemed, restored, and renewed in the power of God. I do not want to wander in the wilderness for forty years because I refuse to admit my stubbornness. Instead, I desire that God will take me to soar on wings like eagles. (Isaiah 40:31)
The Lord Jesus weeps already and we must not continue to grieve the Holy Spirit. Get up and make a firm decision. Even if it is just a whisper to the Lord, He will hear you and He is ready to help!
"God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble." (Psalm 46:1, ESV)
"Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need." (Hebrews 4:16, ESV)
"Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." (Isaiah 41:10, ESV)