For Our Own Good!

Sometimes our choices are not for our own good. Though these choices may be what we want or think we need, they are not always the most beneficial.

Reading through Jeremiah yesterday I was struck by the following regarding Israel.
"(39) I will give them one heart and one way, THAT THEY MAY FEAR ME forever, FOR THEIR OWN GOOD and the good of their children after them. (40) I will make with them an everlasting covenant, that I WILL NOT TURN AWAY FROM DOING GOOD TO THEM. And I will put the fear of me in their hearts, that they may not turn from me. (41) I WILL REJOICE IN DOING THEM GOOD, and I will plant them in this land in faithfulness, with all my heart and all my soul." ( Jeremiah 32:39-41 ESV)

God's people had not been faithful to Him. They had turned their backs on Him to worship other gods. They had listened to false prophets while mistreating the prophets God had actually sent. Still, GOD'S DESIRE was to do them good. For their good, God would put the fear of Him in them. His power needed to be acknowledged. His Way was to be upheld above all else. Even though Babylonian captivity was coming, God gave assurance of a return to their land. They would again learn that the true power of deliverance and sustained life was from Him!

God takes "no pleasure in the death of the wicked." (see Ezekiel 18:23 & 32; 33:11) Rather He delights in their turning from their way to Him that He will give them life. (also Ezekiel 18:23 & 32; 33:11) The best thing we can do for ourselves is to surrender our will to follow His! May we continue turning to God's Way so that we too may live to receive the good HE DESIRES to provide. In this way we give Him cause to rejoice. ( Luke 15:10)

Have a great day FOCUSED ON THE WILL OF GOD FOR OUR GOOD!
Carl

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