Fast Track to Victory

We may find passages in the Bible, on occasion, that concern us. We may not understand how a loving God could allow certain things to happen. Or we may wonder why he chose to do something.

It could lead us to doubt the Bible, or even drive a wedge between us and God. Whenever such a passage unnerves us, the best thing to do is to pray to God for an explanation.

Just such a question arose over 2 Kings 2:23 & 24, so I took my question to God. He answered in his own timing, but he DID answer. I am sharing the answer here so you and your loved ones may be blessed.

The story involves Elisha and some little children who taunted him about his baldness. It may seem like a minor thing, but the children obviously angered the prophet God was using in a mighty way in Israel. Elisha cursed the children and two bears came and attacked them. The King James says “there came forth two she bears out of the wood, and tare forty and two children of them.” We can rightfully ask why did God allow this to happen to these children, when the offense was relatively minor. After all, how many times have we all let a few things slip that were not quite right?

The answer: Elisha had a relationship with God and was doing God’s work. God is a loyal and faithful friend and would not allow Elisha to be treated that way, not even by children. The analogy that comes to mind is that of two buddies who are peacefully minding their own business when some other folks come around and start insulting one of them. When the insulted party rises up in anger and strikes back, would not his partner rise up with him? Later the friend may suggest fighting was overkill, but in the heat of the moment he will stand by his friend. God is such a friend to us when we have a relationship with him.

In this case, we can only assume the children do not have such a relationship with God. In any event, they have erred in violating one of God’s commands: “Touch not mine anointed, and do my prophets no harm.” 1 Chronicles 16:22

In the Old Testament we may find several examples of conduct such as Elisha’s which we, today, find disturbing. Least we believe it is the heart of God to act in such a manner, Jesus sets the record straight. When James and John asked if they should command fire to come down from heaven on their enemies like Elijah did, Jesus replied: “Ye know not what manner of spirit ye are of.
“For the Son of man is not come to destroy men’s lives, but to save them.” Luke 9:55,56

Would you like to grow in your relationship with God? Check out my skinny devotions book, Fast Track to Victory, A Christian Guidebook. It will help encourage you to spend some time with God daily.

Have you ever felt misunderstood? That others just really had the wrong idea about why you were doing something?

Maybe you wanted to explain yourself, but when you did it didn’t help. Or maybe you tried and just found yourself stumbling over words and you just gave up.

You aren’t alone. Unfortunately, sometimes this misunderstanding messes up our relationships. There may be arguments, even fights. The best thing to do in such situation is to talk to God — preferably before problems escalate.

Whenever you feel something may lead to conflict or misunderstandings, stop and pray first. Tell God your heart about the issue. Ask him to weed out anything not of him. Ask him to make you right with him, first and foremost. Then ask him to let others recognize your heart. Ask God to allow others to see your motives are pure. Pray against any spirits of misunderstanding, confusion, bitterness, unclear or poor communication, strife or conflict — against all evil to cover your bases.

The Bible tells us “Jesus is Lord of all” in Acts 10:36, so when we are right with God we can trust he will make things right with everyone else, too.

“When a man’s ways please the Lord, he maketh even his enemies to be at peace with him.” Proverbs 16:7

There may be some complications. Not everyone has the right motives and they may not understand you or want to cooperate with God. But you can be at peace knowing your own heart. You can have peace knowing God approves of your conduct. Isn’t that the most important thing, anyway?

Get more practical help for your life with my devotions book, Fast Track to Victory, A Christian Guidebook, a 40-lesson book packed with biblical wisdom to help you meet the daily challenges of life. Fast Track to Victory is written in a non-denominational format and quotes the King James Bible.

Many of us go through life wearing the wrong shoes — figuratively speaking. It’s as if we put on our shoes — without socks — and we’re walking around with the leather rubbing against our sore feet, causing blisters.

That’s just the way religion is with many of us. We don’t like the sock rule. The socks are too hot, make our feet sweat, make the shoes too tight, have holes in them anyway, or — you fill in the blank.

So we figure we’ll put on our shoes without socks and just take a few steps. Some of us keep going and going until we have to stop, take off our shoes and give our aching feet time to heal.

With religion, many of us walk away because of hurts, because we just don’t seem to fit in, or because we know we can’t obey all of its rules. Religion is an institution and unfortunately it can distract us from the one it’s intended to serve: Our maker.

Unfortunately, it can make what should be simple a complicated ordeal. God is our maker, our spiritual father. He knows all of us and he wants us to know him. So when we reach out to our creator sincerely, with all our hearts, we can expect him to hear our prayers and answer them. We can expect to have a relationship with him.

The Bible says: “ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart.” Jeremiah 29:13

When we have a relationship with God, we can rely on God to direct us to a church with the right fit.

With today’s fast-paced lifestyles, it’s easy to become stressed. It is easy to feel the weight of the world on our shoulders.

But God has said: “I have made, and I will bear; even I will carry, and will deliver you.” Isaiah 46:4

Remember in times like these that we don’t have to take on the responsibility for another’s choices. Whether it be a spouse or child, a sister or nephew, everyone must decide for themselves whether — or not — to choose God.

“choose you this day whom ye will serve…” Joshua 24:15

So ultimately we are only responsible for our own choices. We can set a good example and try to make the right choices ourselves.

Least you still feel overwhelmed, remember: “it is not in man that walketh to direct his steps.” Jeremiah 10:23

We can pray, go boldly to the throne of grace — for strength to face temptation, wisdom to make the right choices, and whatever else we may need.

“Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;)
“And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus..” Ephesians 2:5,6

Life often proceeds at break-neck paces. We don’t have time for so many things we want to do. Although we know we need to take time with God, day after day may pass by.
There may be obstacles: Extra hours at work, lock of a quiet house, sheer exhaustion. But making time for God is like … choosing to spend time in heaven.
Yeah, Bible study lacks the allure of heaven. So does prayer. Yet we truly come to the throne of grace — a throne more recognizable when we praise him, either in word or song.
Making that commitment to spend time with God is what’s important. It may not be an hour every single day. There may be obstacles. Yet we can trust God to make opportunities for us and relax in what he allows for us.
When we make a commitment to seek God daily, and begin spending regular time with him, WE are the ones who really benefit.
Our spirits can refresh themselves in God’s presence; our minds can be renewed by the Word. We give God an opportunity to teach us, so many things WE need to know.
Then as we go about our routines, we’re more in tune with God. We’re more likely to enlist his aid, more likely to set our burdens down immediately and let him act on our behalf.
No matter we’re going through, we’re more likely to remember God. We’re more likely to sense our spirits are home in heaven, no matter what hell hole we’re in on Earth.