Don’t stop half way Week 6, 2015

“I obeyed God. I am very sure I did. In fact His instructions were written down so I could carry them out to the letter. Why has this happened to me, why? Pastor am I not to experience the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living? Why is my case different pastor, why? ” "This disaster is from the Lord. Why should I wait for the Lord any longer?" 2 Kgs 6:33(NIV)

Your case in no different beloved; don’t stop halfway.

“I don’t understand you. I said I finished what He instructed. I am sure I obeyed.”

Wait. When Moses was being commissioned the Lord said, "Throw it on the ground." Moses threw it on the ground and it became a snake, and he ran from it Ex 4:3 (NIV). Like Moses you are running now. If you listen again and obey it will make you see what God is doing with you. What of the next assignment? Then the Lord said, "Put your hand inside your cloak." So Moses put his hand into his cloak, and when he took it out, it was leprous, like snow. "Now put it back into your cloak," he said. So Moses put his hand back into his cloak, and when he took it out, it was restored, like the rest of his flesh Ex 4:6-7 (NIV). Don’t stop halfway.

“I think you are spiritualising the passage. I don’t need that please.”

Have you considered when Israel went to fight Benjamin and were defeated? The Israelites went up and wept before the Lord until evening, and they inquired of the Lord. They said, "Shall we go up again to battle against the Benjamites, our brothers?" The Lord answered, "Go up against them."  Jdgs 20:23(NIV). What was the result? They were beaten yet again. Yet they didn’t give up. Instead they fasted and made sacrifices to the Lord. At the word of God they went yet again. The Lord defeated Benjamin before Israel, and on that day the Israelites struck down 25,100 Benjamites, all armed with swords. Jdgs 20:35(NIV). They didn’t stop half way because of an unexpected adverse result.

“These people had sin in their lives they needed to repent of. Where is mine?”

You are a bit hard to convince. When you walk with the shepherd in psalm 23 you start out in green pastures and beside still waters. Whilst following Him closely you will pass through the valley of the shadow of death. Do you know that is verse 4: halfway round the psalm? Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. Ps 23:4(NIV). Never stop halfway with God. The best is yet to be. Surely goodness and mercy are waiting for you.

“Is there anyone who went through this? That will convince me...”

O dear saint. Job obeyed, lost his health, all his wealth and children. He didn’t stop halfway. You have heard of Job's perseverance and have seen what the Lord finally brought about. The Lord is full of compassion and mercy Jas 5:11(NIV). Press on as well. The path of the righteous is as the brightening day.