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Divine Constancy
by Kristenea M. LaVelle (Kristenea's bio)
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From Genesis to Revelation, the Bible is very clear about this: God never changes. He is the only constant in the entire universe and beyond. His very nature is Love and He loves all of mankind with an everlasting love. Because of that, God has not ceased to draw man unto Himself since sin entered the world in that beautiful garden long ago. God is constantly trying to draw us ever closer, and He uses some interesting means to do so.
For example, as God led the nation of Israel through the wilderness, he continually tried to draw them, even when he had to use drastic measures to do so. "And thou shalt remember all the way which the Lord thy God led thee these forty years…to humble thee and to prove thee, to know what was in thine heart, whether thou wouldest keep his commandments, or no. And he humbled thee, and suffered thee to hunger…as a man chasteneth his son, so the Lord thy God chastened thee." Deuteronomy 8:2-5. The Word says that God used hunger and the rod of correction in order to draw the nation unto Himself. It shows that God will do what it takes to get the heart of man to look unto Him, even if it means suffering and discipline.
The Word is riddled with references that indicate God used drastic measures to draw man. Look at what happened to Job, "I was at ease, but he hath broken me asunder: he hath also taken me by my neck, and shaken me to pieces, and set me up for his mark." Job 16:12. King David had similar trials that he attributed to God, "For thou, O God, hast proved us: thou hast tried us, as silver is tried. Thou broughtest us into the net; thou laidst affliction upon our loins." Psalm 66:10-11. It is not unusual then for God to employ such things in the life of a believer. The great thing about this is that God does it out of lovingkindness. He is always compelled by His strong love for us and that is why such extensive measures must sometimes be taken.
Consider the following passage of scripture: "When Jesus then lifted up his eyes, and saw a great company come unto him, he saith unto Philip, "Whence shall we buy bread, that these may eat?" And this he said to prove him: for he himself knew what he would do." John 6:5-6. Jesus is clearly using this opportunity to draw Philip by giving him a choice to believe in the impossible. The response will reveal the strengths and weaknesses of his relationship with Jesus. It is a spiritual test given to encourage one to look to God for the solutions to the everyday dilemmas we face. Again, this is God encouraging Philip to believe and live by faith, thereby drawing closer to the Father.
In the midst of what you are currently facing, have you stopped to consider that God may be trying to draw your attention and focus to Him? God may be using the trials in your life to test your heart and see if you are true to Him. He could be using the pain, sorrow, mourning or burdens in your life to turn your heart unto Him for the solutions. Do not fear these times of testing and refining. Instead, consider it an honor that God draws us with such lovingkindness, for He has only your best interests at heart.
Copyright 2001, Kristenea M. LaVelle. All Rights Reserved. Used by permission.
| About Kristenea M. LaVelle: I am a wife of 10 years and a homeschooling mother of five dedicated to teaching and living the truth of Jesus Christ. David and I make our home in Spokane, Washington where we can serve our family and friends with the love of Christ. It was through His direction that I began writing and found myself on a fascinating new journey in life. Now my joy is made complete by writing for Him and about Him. E-mail Kristenea |
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