Finding Fault!

Some people will find fault (or lay blame) wherever they want to find it. Sometimes this is simply because they don't want to acknowledge the fault in themselves. The more they can point the finger away from themselves the better they feel, but that does not change the truth that needs to be acknowledged.

Because of Israel's unfaithfulness to God, He asked the following through His prophet Jeremiah.

"(5) Thus says the LORD: 'WHAT WRONG DID YOUR FATHERS FIND IN ME that they went far from me, and went after worthlessness, and became worthless?'" ( Jeremiah 2:5 ESV)

As the next verses reveal, there was a lack of acknowledgment (or remembrance) of God's deliverance from Egypt, His guidance, and His bountiful provision. In spite of all God had done, the focus had turned away from Him to worthless idols. What was WRONG WITH GOD that they should desire to seek guidance and blessing elsewhere? What promise had God given that He had not fulfilled? What blessing had He foretold that He did not provide? In what way had God disappointed them? Had not the disappointments they experienced been due to their own choices and unfaithfulness to God?

We also see this contrast noted in the Song of Moses where we read. . .
"(4) The Rock, HIS WORK IS PERFECT, FOR ALL HIS WAYS ARE JUSTICE. A GOD OF FAITHFULNESS AND WITHOUT INIQUITY, JUST AND UPRIGHT IS HE. (5) They have dealt corruptly with him; they are no longer his children because they are blemished; they are a crooked and twisted generation." ( Deuteronomy 32:4-5 ESV)

God: PERFECT in His work, JUST in His ways, FAITHFUL and UPRIGHT. Any iniquity (sin) is not with Him, but with mankind. It is man's works apart from the Will of God that are corrupt. Trusting merely in the strength and the wisdom of men has only continued to give birth to another "crooked and twisted generation." Unless we recognize where the real problem rests, we will not properly view God and accept the guidance we need. That is what leads to disappointment. In God -- our "ROCK" -- we can solidly place our complete trust and entire hope!

In Paul's letter to the church at Rome he declared. . .
"(5) and HOPE DOES NOT PUT US TO SHAME, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us." ( Romans 5:5 ESV)

The New Living Translation reads, "And THIS EXPECTATION WILL NOT DISAPPOINT US. . . ." [NLT, © 1997, Wheaton, Ill.: Tyndale House]

The shame comes from not trusting God and seeking guidance elsewhere. However, there is no shame in having our hope set in Him and His Will. That is an expectation that will not disappoint us! Being willing to acknowledge where the real fault rests should drive us to continually seek the wisdom that comes from above.

Have a great day ENCOURAGED BY GOD'S FAULTLESS TRACK RECORD!
Carl

See other teEn-MAIL on Expectations