
We often speak about King David when we speak about a turmoil of faith; however, we really do not need to go as far back as King David to understand the turmoil of faith; we can simply look within our own hearts. Our acts of faith deeply test every preconceived notion of what or who we believe God is. If you believe God is merciful, you will test and confirm His mercy. If you believe He is benevolent, you will test and confirm His benevolence. If you believe He is... you will test and confirm.
A few days before Christmas I, along with an entire subway car full of riders, became the captive audience of a "fire and brimstone, death and destruction” Christian, who felt inclined to speak about the end of the world. Many of the things he said were true as found in the book of Revelation. However, it was two days before Christmas. Wouldn't it have been more appropriate to speak about the Love of God, at a time when a significant amount of people in the world planned to celebrate the Love and birth of Jesus Christ? —A time when he could possibly reach out to those who did not know Christ? —Or, where he could speak to those who may not have had their families and who were alone for the holidays?
Yes, fire and brimstone have their significance, and there is a good possibility that he was sent like Jonah to warn the populace. However, more riders would have been inclined to accept his literature had he prompted their soul's quest for the Love of God, as opposed to their common fear of death and destruction. Yet, I have to believe the wrath of fire and brimstone is how our captor saw God.
Your depth of faith has a direct correlation to how you view God. Ask yourself this, do you really believe your prayers will be answered? Is He truly Omnipotent? Are there limitations to His power? —Does God really Love You?
How you see God is a direct reflection of your life's paradigm of who God is. King David saw God as merciful. —How do YOU see God? L.
Study Reference: Matthew 5:1-12
From: "The Turmoil of Faith." In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions For Everyday Living.
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell
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