Judges 6:13 “Pardon me, my lord,” Gideon replied, “but if the Lord is with us, why has all this happened to us? Where are all his wonders that our ancestors told us about when they said, ‘Did not the Lord bring us up out of Egypt?’ But now the Lord has abandoned us and given us into the hand of Midian.”
There are many who get bitter with God as they are disappointed with Him. They expect God to jump out of His throne and deliver them whenever they get themselves into a mess. Broken expectations do not mean broken promises. As we expect God to be our shield and sword of protection the Lord expects our sincerity and integrity. The Lord sent a prophet to warn Israel that had steeped themselves into idol worship and detestable pagan practices – the very thing the Lord hates. I rescued you from the hand of the Egyptians. And I delivered you from the hand of all your oppressors; I drove them out before you and gave you their land. I said to you, ‘I am the Lord your God; do not worship the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you live.’ But you have not listened to me” (Judges 6:9-10). God did not break His promises to Israel, they broke the promises by their own loathsome licentious lewdness. God expects us to listen to Him as we desire God to hear our prayers and petitions.
The promises of God are blank cheques that we can encash anytime we are in need but the cheque will bounce back if our connection with the Lord is broken by disobedience. Gideon asked the most famous question that a majority of the unbelieving world is brawling – ‘If there is a God why is there poverty, injustice and sickness? Gideon replied, “but if the Lord is with us, why has all this happened to us? The answer is simple and straightforward; we have broken God’s expectation and God’s heart.
God expects us to ‘listen to Him’:
1. Occult: Dabbling in witchcraft, superstitions and occult practices breaks the heart of God and brings generational curse upon the bloodline. “Do not turn to mediums or seek out spiritists, for you will be defiled by them. I am the LORD your God” (Leviticus 19:31). Astrology, consulting the dead, omens or even checking the horoscopes in the daily newspaper for fun is a despicable practice that will shut the door of God’s favour.
2. Offer: ‘Offering’ is to give willing and wholehearted sacrifices. God expects us to choose Him first above everything and everyone. God requires the first-hour, first-fruits, and first-choice. Prioritizing Him is the best and the most acceptable offering we can give Him.
3. Obey: Implicit and complete obedience to God’s word opens the floodgates of heaven. Those who are obedient need not plead and petition for their needs. King’s kids never worry about food, clothing or a warm home.
Breakdown in relationship with God breaks His promises. As we expect God to listen to us, He expects us to heed to His Word.
Proverbs 4:20 My son, pay attention to what I say; turn your ear to my words.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, I commit to hear your voice and walk in your ways and delight your heart, my God my Saviour. Amen.
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