Isaiah Chapter 48. DON'T be so STUBBORN!
God is frustrated with Israel because they are so stubborn. They act as if nothing is wrong with their faith when in fact God is far from them. God asked them questions that perhaps he could ask us as well.
God says I called you into relationship with me. You made the decision to follow me. You tell people you are a follower of me. You tell me and others that you rely on me. You say this in words but your actions don't support them at all. You're stubborn. You have neglected me. You don't spend time with me. When in trouble you try and do it on your own. You don't include me in the matter. You won't pray for my help and intervention. You're living for the pleasures of the world and don't hunger and thirst for me. In fact, once confronted you make it sound like I'm the stupid one for even confronting you because you have justified every evil action in your mind and convinced yourself that everything you are doing is A-Okay. When in fact, my wrath is knocking on your door. I've allowed you to be tested in hopes that you'd return to me.
God reminds us that he is our Redeemer . He saved us through his son Jesus and if we would but serve him we would reap his benefits and blessings. We'd have his peace in life rather than sensing turbulence. We would experience growth in our lives and the lives of our family versus destruction.
CHALLENGE: What area or areas of our lives are we being stubborn? Let us Quit justifying it and get right with God.