I really enjoyed the beautiful day we had today! So much so, that when I grumbled about having to finally do my blog so late at night Paul asked me if I was really going to quit. Well, of course not. However, the content of this chapter is quite ironic after thinking back to this little conversation I just had with my wonderful supporter and encourager (who is only a few pounds away from reaching a few of his own weight loss goals). Please open your Bible and read Deuteronomy 31 or just click here.
This chapter is a big bummer. Just so you know, I made a lot of classic "bummer" groans while reading. And what was the first thing I said to Paul after reading this chapter all about how Moses is about to die and God tells him that the people are about to cross into the promised land and then start bowing down to other gods again. I'm sure that's not exactly the kind of thing Moses wanted to hear on his deathbed. And honestly, it's not exactly the kind of thing I want to hear right before I cross over into my own proverbial promised land.
And the Lord said to Moses, “You are going to rest with your ancestors, and these people will soon prostitute themselves to the foreign gods of the land they are entering. They will forsake me and break the covenant I made with them." (v.16)
This is so disappointing. I mean, I guess I know this is what always ends up happening. God does everything He can to show His people how much He loves them and will provide for them and the next thing you know, they're turning around and running to other loves. This didn't just happen in the Bible. It's real life to day. This is the cycle we constantly find ourselves in.This is the truth that is blaring me in the face right now. I don't know why today's reading shocked me so much. Maybe because this time it's been really personal. I have been following along with this story for the last few weeks so indepthly and it's sad to realize that it ends with such disobedience and destruction. After all that, they still turn away from God. But this is exactly what we are capable of. And this, just as Paul tried to encourage me, is exactly why Jesus entered the picture.
The bad news is that all I could think about was,"Leah, you're going to cross into your promised land and then you're going to start bowing down to other gods again."
The good news is that all I could think about was, "Leah, you're going to cross into your promised land and then you're going to start bowing down to other gods again."
In Matthew 26:54 Jesus says, "But how then would the Scriptures be fulfilled that say it must happen in this way?”
Yes, God is pointing out to Moses that the people are going to screw it up again and again. Like always. But in doing this, He is also pointing out the need for someone to intervene. I kind of feel like He is introducing Jesus. The only way that the law is fulfilled is through the blood of the Lamb of God.
So...I can dwell on the fact that I have the potential to screw things up royally or I can dwell on the fact that God made a way for us to find redemption even when we get off track. Jesus. If I can stay connected to Him, He will help me in my time of need, whether that means in moments of temptation or moments of guilt after giving into temptation. Whatever our struggles are, He is there to walk with us through them. He defeated death on the cross. He has the power to defeat the smallest or the biggest of struggles - we just have to stay plugged into Him so that we can access that mighty power.
"...we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us."(Romans 8:37)
Today, I will cling to this truth and believe that I am transformed. I am confident that I have finally found freedom from this stronghold of food addiction. I am experiencing breakthrough only because I am relying on Him to receive it. Do you believe this for yourself? Are you able to trust that the work God has begun in you is not finished? Have you the faith to believe that you are more than enough, through Christ who gives you strength? Don't let this chapter bum you out, like it did me, at first. Instead, let this chapter be a reminder that God made a way through His Son because He loved us. Evidently, to Him, we were worth it. We are worth it. The truth is, I'm bound to make mistakes. It's in my DNA. But I don't have to let those mistakes control my life any longer. Even if I end up facing some shadows of my old self again, I will not fear, for He is with me. This chapter is covered with reminders to not be discouraged or afraid.
"Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.” (v.6)
This is the beautiful reminder that Moses leaves with the Israelites and with Joshua. This is the beautiful reminder that we must cling to all the days of our lives.
Father, thank you for making a way where there seemed to be no way. I am never good enough on my own. I know that it is Christ who makes me more than a conqueror. Help me continue to stay plugged into the power source which is Jesus. Let me surrender my own ways and choose His. Please give me the courageous to walk boldly into my destiny. I confess I know I will make mistakes along the way which is why I desperately need you. Thank you for purifying me and giving me the strength to do all things through You! I love you, Lord! Amen.
Now Choose Life.
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