Sowing in tears? (1) Week37, 2011

“I wish sometimes I did not know what God’s will is. It’s very painful at times; I wish I were hypnotised not to fall into temptations or disobey God.” Well for one thing ignorance of God’s wish will not protect you from judgement. But servants who don't know what their master wants them to do will not be beaten so hard for doing wrong Lk 12: 48(CEV). It is God’s design that we know His will for our lives and scripture explicitly instructs us to find out what is pleasing to Him. “Well I wish then to be led to obey without knowing it was God’s will.” What? Don’t you know that is the portion of those outside the kingdom? “Is that so?” The soldiers ignorantly fulfilled the scripture but Jesus knowingly did things to fulfil scripture Jn 19:24-28. Genuine obedience implies knowing God’s will and doing it with joy: I delight to do your will, O my God Ps 40:8.
Why are you so depressed? “I was at a meeting yesterday, the preacher said he wanted to bless us and asked us to bring all the money we had for prayers. After praying he now asked us to keep up our hands until the ushers came, and that we drop the whole money inside the bag so that we be truly blessed.” So why are you upset? I give all sometimes, and am at peace doing so. The person who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and the person who sows generously will also reap generously 2Co 9:6(ISV). “Ah! My electricity bill was there as well as the money to pay my child’s school fees. I just struggled with myself wanting to run out but dropped in the money. But you know, I really wish I did not give like that and feel used. O my God! Who is going to pay my electricity bills and child’s school fees?” Clearly you have not given by faith, for if you had you would be at peace. And the effect of righteousness will be peace, and the result of righteousness, quietness and trust forever Isa 32:17(ESV).
“I met the usher but he laughed and said I was sowing in tears and would reap in joy.” Those who sow in tears shall reap with shouts of joy! He who goes out weeping, bearing the seed for sowing, shall come home with shouts of joy, bringing his sheaves with him Ps 126:5, 6(ESV). Well you did sow in tears and he’s gone off with glee! “Is that obedience, it resembles extortion.” God never intended for us to give with murmuring and a feeling of being ripped off.Then you will have the chance to give because you want to, and not because you feel forced to 2Co 9:5(CEV).
“So have I lost out?” It was God you gave to, He will definitely take care of your needs, but know that you must give what you have decided in your heart, not with regret or under compulsion, since God loves a cheerful giver 2Co 9:7(ISV). Give generously with joy always. You can do better next time.