Memorize: For my people have committed two evils; they have forsaken me the fountain of living waters, and hewed them out cisterns, broken cisterns, that can hold no water; Jeremiah 2;13
One of the accusations that God brought against the children of Israel was not trusting in him and fully allowing His will to be done in their lives. Despite all of that, God still was with them, he brought them out of Egypt with his powerful hands, helped them cross the red sea walking on dry land, he gave them manna from heaven to eat (special food for angels); he provided water in the wilderness.
Even at Mara when the water was bitter, he healed the water and made it sweet; he gave them a pillar of cloud by day and fire by night; he gave them heavenly nutrients so that they were not sick, he preserved them. Their shoes were not broken, their clothes were not torn. God did His will, to prove to them that His will is best.
However; instead of the children of Israel recognising that the will of God is best for them and that God cares for them; they still followed their will, rejecting the will of God. Many of us do the same today, we have seen the goodness of God in our lives and how things are better when we allow the will of God in our lives to prevail, but we still go back to our own will and forsake the will of God. This is like forsaking the fountain of living waters “which represents the will of God in our lives” and “hewed for ourselves broken cisterns that can hold no water” which represents our will.
And ye have done worse than your fathers; for behold, ye walk every one after the imagination of his evil heart, that they may not hearken unto me: Jeremiah 16:12.
A song made popular in the 1960s described the feelings of an older man as he looked back on his life. He remembered joys and sorrows. Victories and defeats. Good times and bad times. Admitting mistakes, he realised he could have done some things better.
But, with a sense of satisfaction, he spoke with certainty on one thing: that he lived his way.
The song’s message rang true with many people, becoming a kind of anthem for those wanting to live in their own way. With this attitude, they felt no need to be concerned how others reacted.
They felt like the masters of their own destiny, defiantly living according to their own rules. It didn’t matter if there was a God, or if He had given them His Word.
Many people in ancient Judah were like this, stubbornly clinging to their own will. They didn’t really care about God’s Word. It didn’t matter if, in His sight, there was a right way, and a wrong way. That He had a plan for every person.
But God knew that these people were foolish. How little they really understood. How much they needed to listen to Him.
Many people today, even Christians, continue to try to chart their own course. To do things “their own way,” rejecting God’s way. Many are proud of this determination.
But all of us need to remember our limits. That we all “see things imperfectly, like puzzling reflections in a mirror” 1 Corinthians 13:12.
In your life, remember that the key to meaning and fulfilment is to trust God. To let Him direct your path – Rom 8:14. Let His will be done.
Remember. He is Your Creator! Seek to live according to His timeless Word. Cry out for His wisdom. Listen to His Spirit. Learn His ways. May the Lord help you you allow the prefect will of God prevail in your life in Jesus name.
Prayer point: O LORD, let your perfect will be done in my life today in Jesus name.
Key Dose: The perfect will of God will take you to the place of His promise.
Pastor James Ademuyiwa
Senior Pastor (IHPCT)
