"for he has said, I will never leave you nor forsake you. So we can confidently say, The Lord is my helper; I will not fear; what can man do to me?" - Hebrew 13:5-6
There is something that we called in the Army “foxhole religion”. That is when a soldier's life is in mortal danger and he suddenly “gets religion”. To that point he wanted nothing to do with God. He was in control of his own life. He might even deny that God exists. The truth, I believe, is that really a God-denier doesn't want God to exist. But in the face of mortal danger, he makes a promise to God he denied. “God if you get me out of this, I promise to be faithful.” He may survive the ordeal, but perhaps not for the reason he thinks. Oh, and once the danger has passed, he forgets his promise.
The words that come out of someone's mouth may or may not reflect true faith. God sees the heart.
"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
That was when Samuel had been sent to anoint the next king of Israel. God knows your true intent when you call out to Him. And if you are an unbeliever – not His child – then the only prayer He will respond to from you is the prayer for salvation. Many Christians also pray to God making promises to Him that they have no intention of fulfilling. They, like that soldier, just want relief from their trouble. Jesus prayed for relief from the Cross but with the right heart.
"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." - Luke 22:41-43
There is nothing that you will face comparable to what Jesus was facing – incomprehensible for the human imagination. He needed spiritual strength to endure it. 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 facing an impossible situation – You will be in trouble. It will not be a time for empty promises. But to look to God's promises instead.
"I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world." - John 16:33
So friend – be ready.
Think about it – Pray about it – 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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