Day 100: Opposition follows Success

Acts 10:34-48; Joshua 9-10; Job 25

Peter's message was that Jesus Christ was for everyone. After his vision, he came to the conclusion that The Lord loves all people and the peace that The Lord Jesus Christ brings should be offered to every person, whether they come from a certain family or part of the world or not. This is wonderful news. First, that Jesus is for, and can rescue, anyone. Secondly, that Jesus brings peace--something this world is desperately in need of.

After Joshua's victories, kings decided to attack him. When Joshua and the Israelites had been successful, someone was there soon after to try and tear them down. Have you ever been in that situation? You finally accomplish something and you are really excited about it, and it seems like not a moment has passed and someone or something rushes in to break you down? It could be a person or some aspect of your sinful nature, but regardless of what it is, it is there to try and ruin you.

Not too long ago, we went to get our car inspected. We figured it would be only $50--it turned into a $700 ordeal. Ouch. Really, that is a very minor example, but circumstances, whether material or spiritual, happen like that all the time. It is in those moments though, that we must not do what the Israelites did, and ignore the presence of God in our lives.

The Israelites, after their victories, were confident and foolishly entered into an agreement with a group of people because they failed to acknowledge The Lord. Just a chapter ago, they were lying prostrate on the ground because of their hard times, begging The Lord to help them. Now, in their time of success, they forgot about God. So often people cry out to God when times are tough; our nation sees a rise in church attendance after a tragedy, a death, or challenging times. However, when stuff is peachy and easy, people ignore God, stop praying, and attribute the blessings to their own skills and abilities. If is God is God in the hard times, then God needs to be our God in the good times too. However, Joshua learned from his mistake. In the midst of the success of defeating enemy troops, he praised The Lord God. He thanked The Lord for helping them and for his power. Even when we ignore God, he doesn't ignore us. To me, that is such a wonderful and beautiful demonstration of love that God has for us.