Beginning my morning routine with a cup of coffee, my Bible, and my computer, ready for my bible study. I say a prayer for God to open my heart, so I may receive His teachings for the day. I ask for knowledge to deepen my understanding of Him and to help mature me in my spiritual walk with Him
It never ceases to amaze me how my Bible study relates to current events in my life, the people around me, or brings awareness to things of my past
2 King 13
is a short biography of King Jehoahaz.
Each story presented in the Bible offers more than an account of an individual’s actions
it also tells you God’s perspective on those actions
King Jehoahaz was evil in the sight of the Lord
As Israel’s continued idolatry and sinful behavior that provoked God’s anger, as a consequence, God allowed them to fall under the control of Hazael, King of Aram, and his son Ben-Hadad.
King Jehoahaz pleaded to God for help. God, in His mercy, listened to Jehoahaz cries because He saw the suffering of the Israelites under Aramean rule. God helped Israel escape from the power of the Arameans and they were able to return to their homes and live in peace,
In the middle of your growing darkness when things seem to spiral out of control, have you ever felt like life just isn’t going the way you hoped and the harder you try to fix them, the worse they get
Often in these moments, is when people reach out to the Lord pleading for help
When King Jehoahaz turned to the Lord, God intervened and relieved Israel’s distress, which you would think that King Jehoahaz was starting to devote himself to the Lord. However, this was not the case. Once the pressure was lifted, King Jehoahaz continued in his former ways
Many people turn to God during the worst situations of their lives, such as in the middle of a divorce or while facing great personal challenges, whether they are acting in obedience or disobedience, God often delivers them from these trials. However, it’s not uncommon to see individuals do the exact same thing as King Jehoahaz, they will eventually go back to their former ways
Troubles are often introduced to people in order to tenderize and soften them
The encounter of Jehoahaz and God did not result in transformation
When faced with a series of defeats in life
it’s important to take a step back and ask yourself this crucial question:
Am I Contributing To My Own Downfall?
There are many reasons why God permits challenges in your life
to strengthen our faith, refine our character, testing our commitment, spiritual growth, reminder of our dependance on him, drawing us closer
BUT-
If one concludes that their heart has not been truly devoted to God, it may be related to the events occurring in their life.
By examining our actions, decisions, and mindset, we can often uncover underlying patterns that might be sabotaging our success and well-being. It may be worthwhile to reflect deeply on your life and circumstances, questioning whether God has your entire heart or just a part of it
In a recount of my life from a couple years ago
My family life was deteriorating, and at the same time
I was providing round-the-clock care for my daughter, who was on hospice in heart failure
After my daughter passed and my family life still spiraling downward,
I made that cry pleading to God to help calm my storm and I took to my bible and faithfully started reading it every morning just to drown out negative thoughts
It wasn’t until I read the whole bible then started a deeper study, when I finally asked that crucial question
Am I Contributing To My Own Downfall?
When I examined my actions, decisions, and mindset
It was confirmed
My heart has not been truly devoted to God
The events occurring my life
I Am Contributing To My Own Downfall !!
The past 40 years of my adulthood, I had not matured in my walk with the Lord, I was still in my infancy in faith, only offering God a fraction of my heart.
Jesus requires that He reigns over the throne of my whole heart
I made that significant change and underwent a great transformation in how I now walk with the Lord
My life is so much more meaningful now that I have fully given my whole heart to the Lord
Regardless of the trials or storms I encounter, I trust that God is in control
I now see my life from a completely different perspective. Trials are not punishments but times of refinement. Storms come regardless of our obedience, but He is my comforter and anchor during these times. I place my full trust in Him, knowing He is always three steps ahead in my life.
I am truly blessed
Luke 11:28
“He replied, ‘Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it.'”
If you feel your life is spiraling downward, it may be a sign that God is working to soften your heart and wants to transform you, yearning for you to give Him your whole heart and not just a fraction of it.
In the middle of your struggles, God often speaks to you, nudging you to reflect on your own actions and your own decisions.
Embrace this opportunity to draw closer to Him, seek His guidance, and to allow His renewing power to heal and redirect your path.
Remember, sometimes it takes the storms in our lives to bring us back to the calm presence of God.
Are you ready to take a step back ask yourself that one crucial question?
Am I Contributing To My Own Downfall?
Are you ready to change and transform the way you walk with the Lord?
Ephesians 4:22-24
“You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.”
Join me on my journey paved by God’s guidance – I invite you to join me and find inspiration in the remarkable ways God moves in our lives (echosofmyfootsteps.com)
