Well, it's really lame that the Israelites go through this tragic cycle of
- prosperity,
- apathy,
- rebellion,
- pain,
- remorse/repentance,
- deliverance,
but it is so true to my own life (and we get some fantastic stories of bold judges).
What does it take to prevent digressing from Stage 1 to Stage 2? The answer is... Stage 4. I think that's why the LORD allows us to experience trials and tribulations of many kinds, so that our faith will grow. It's a bittersweet - bitter for the flesh, sweet for the spirit.
The goal is not to ride the violent prosperity/pain roller coaster (vomiting from the oscillating acceleration/deceleration), but rather to stay in a constant state of spiritual flux - a dynamic equilibrium between humble submission to testing and jubilant celebration of the LORD's sovereign salvation.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, please help me follow you closely. Lord, I do not want to oscillate between abiding and denying; I just want to abide. Lord, please bless me and give me strength to endure the testing. I trust you to bring me through anything by your grace. Lead me to a closer walk with you; I want to experience your presence in my life. I pray this in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
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