8 AUG 23 Tuesday: A Closer Walk Devotional
“So each generation should set its hope anew on God, not forgetting his glorious miracles and obeying his commands. Then they will not be like their ancestors-stubborn, rebellious, and unfaithful, refusing to give their hearts to God.” Psalm 78:7-8
As a father of seven children, my heart desires that my children will surrender their hearts to God and live a life that is pleasing to Him. There are two sides to the same coin of salvation. There is man’s point of view and God’s. We look to our point of view and become frustrated with our children and other people when they are not surrendering or following the Lord.
As spiritual fathers or mothers, we pour into the people that God has given us. We teach them the things of God and explain the Gospel to them so they can understand. It can feel like you are teaching algebra to a two-year-old. My dad can relate to the frustration of teaching me algebra when I was about fifteen. I swear that I took a few years off of his life.
The point is, we desire the people we love to have what we have. When they don’t, it is disappointing and frustrating. We can often blame ourselves, thinking we didn’t explain it correctly or live it out in front of them. If that is you, take a deep breath and exhale. It is not up to you. Salvation is up to the Lord alone. Man cannot change the condition of his own heart, nor can he gain spiritual understanding apart from God.
The Lord alone must open our minds and enable our hearts to receive the message. The Scriptures are clear, the Lord will not save everyone. Many will remain stubborn, rebellious, and refusing to give their hearts to God. God’s sovereignty and man’s responsibility are still there. In this, we find peace as we invest in others because it is about God and not us.
Is your hope anew on God or your ability?
Reading Plan: Psalm 78:1-39; 2 Sam. 7:18-29; Acts 18:12-28; Mark 8:22-33
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