The Bible has many illustrations of people that ran from God, the first one I think of is Jonah. However, the New Testament used Hagar (Sarah's handmaiden - Gen. 16:1), as an example of one who always tried to run away or escape her problems. When she was punished by Sarah, her master, she ran away, when she ran out of water in the dessert, she put her son down and left him rather than see him die (which she felt was going to happen). (Gen. 21:15-16).
The Bible says God heard the voice of Ishmael and sent an angel of the Lord to Hagar, (Gen. 21:17). The Lord sent help to her!!
How many times do we try to run from our problems instead of going to God with them? How many times must He come to us first?
The Bible refers to us as the "bride of Christ". As such, we should run to Him with arms wide open, filled with praise and glory, smiling with joy because we know He hears us and wants to take care of us.
How many times to do we run "from" Him instead of "to" Him? When will we learn running only provides temporary relief and most of the time it's an illusion of relief). Whatever problems we have, whatever trials we are facing are still right there where we left them, awaiting solutions. God wants us to face our problems with His help. Deuteronomy 4:29-31,29But if from thence thou shalt seek the LORD thy God, thou shalt find him, if thou seek him with all thy heart and with all thy soul. 30When thou art in tribulation, and all these things are come upon thee, even in the latter days, if thou turn to the LORD thy God, and shalt be obedient unto his voice; 31(For the LORD thy God is a merciful God;) he will not forsake thee, neither destroy thee, nor forget the covenant of thy fathers which he sware unto them.
God has promised He will never leave us nor forsake us and God CANNOT lie. God is faithful to His plan and promises, EVEN when WE complicate the process.
We should draw close to Him. When we feel separation from God, "He" is not the one who has moved. Have you noticed how patiently God works to make our escape attempts fail? Ever heard the old expression, "you can run but you can't hide"? Do you sometimes feel like you are running in a circle? We are and each time we make that circle we pass by God who sits there patiently waiting for us to grow tired, stop running and come to Him. Matthew 11:28-30, 28Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. 30For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light. The time to stop and rest is today!! He is waiting patiently, but He can't wait on us forever! The time is drawing near when He will come to collect His bride. Matthew 25: 6-13, 6And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him. 7Then all those virgins arose, and trimmed their lamps. 8And the foolish said unto the wise, Give us of your oil; for our lamps are gone out. 9But the wise answered, saying, Not so; lest there be not enough for us and you: but go ye rather to them that sell, and buy for yourselves. 10And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came; and they that were ready went in with him to the marriage: and the door was shut. 11Afterward came also the other virgins, saying, Lord, Lord, open to us. 12But he answered and said, Verily I say unto you, I know you not. 13Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh.
Are there problems in your life where you are choosing the "Hagar solution"? Choose one of those problems and ask God for help with it today. If you are running from God and the annointing He has placed on you or simply running from the quickening of the Holy Spirit and God trying to draw you close, STOP, turn around and run don't walk back to God. He is waiting, He is ready - lay all your cares on Him for He cares for you. 1 Peter 5:7-11, 7Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you. 8Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: 9Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world.10But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you. 11To him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.
Don't be a runaway bride!
Hebrews 13:6, 8, 6So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me. 8Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever.
John 16:23-24, 23And in that day ye shall ask me nothing. Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, he will give ityou. 24Hitherto have ye asked nothing in my name: ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full.
Is your joy full? Are you running to God or away?
Father, I come to you today, in the name of Jesus and ask that you give all who read this rest Father, rest from their troubles, and help for healing, finances, spiritual lagging, mental illnesses, marital troubles, parent troubles, children troubles, whatever their need is today that you will reach out to them in their time of need Lord and touch them. That you will establish Your word in their hearts and you will re-establish their annointing Father, that You will give them the desire to run to you, to seek you instead of running from You and their problems. Give them peace Lord, help them see that you are there, you are taking care of them in those moments. I just thank You Lord for what You are doing in all our lives. I pray for knowledge, wisdom and understanding, help us to walk in the center of Your will and when the day comes that You return for Your bride we all be waiting with our lamps trimmed in excitement and expectation for Your arrival. I love you Lord, thank you Jesus. Amen
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