“But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him. For the Lord sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.” – 1 Samuel 16:7
Have you ever made a promise to God that you didn’t keep? That is something that we called in the Army
“foxhole religion” When your life is in
mortal danger and you suddenly “get religion”.
You make promises to God. “God if you get me out of this, I promise to
be faithful.” So you get out of it. Although maybe not for the reason you think.
God sees the heart. The verse I referenced is when Samuel had been
sent to anoint the next king of Israel. It is not the words we say, but the
attitude of the heart. Since God looks at the heart, the words that come out of
your mouth may or may not reflect true faith.
God knows your true intent when you call out to Him. By the way, if the person calling out to God
is an unbeliever – not His child – then the only prayer He will respond to from
them is the prayer for salvation.
“if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in
your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For
with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession
is made unto salvation.” – Romans 10:9-10
Many times we pray to God making promises to Him that we have no
intention of fulfilling. And even if we
did intend to fulfill them, we may not be willing to accept whatever God’s
answer might be – good or bad – in the light of God’s sovereignty. Jesus prayed (Luke 22:41-43) “He withdrew
about a stone’s throw beyond them, knelt down and prayed, “Father, if you are
willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done.” An angel
from heaven appeared to him and strengthened him.”
There is nothing that we will face that compares to what Jesus was
facing – incomprehensible for the human imagination and experience. He needed
spiritual strength to endure. And so do
we. God does not need our promises – He
wants our devotion and trust. If you are
not ready - spiritually ready - when you find yourself in a foxhole, and you will,
facing an impossible situation, and it will be – it will not be a time for
empty promises. So friend – get your
heart ready.
Believe it – walk in it. Let your light shine and
give God the glory.
By Faith Alone By His Grace Alone And For His
Glory Alone
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