Sometimes God uses bad people to show us who He is. In Exodus it was hard hearted Pharaoh who wouldn’t free God’s people and subjected the Egyptians to seven horrible plagues. God only knows what’s in store for us until His name is proclaimed in all the earth. Maybe we believers should be less reticent about proclaiming His name.

Exodus 9:16 -   But for this purpose I have raised you up, to show you my power, so that my name may be proclaimed in all the earth.

Bible Gateway link: Exodus 9:16 (ESV)

Abraham’s grandson was a conniving, frightened, trickster and thief. He was a sinner of the first rank, and yet God not only deigned to wrestled with him, He allowed the match to end in a draw. He turned Jacob and his clan into the chosen people. It’s not irony, it is another example of how God redeems his children. He even redeemed me. I’m so grateful.

Genesis 32:28 

Then he said, “Your name shall no longer be called Jacob, but Israel, for you have striven with God and with men, and have prevailed.”

Genesis 32:28 -Genesis 32:28 (ESV)

People were horrified at the sin they saw. They cried out to God. Notice, though, He checked it out for Himself before He acted. God hears our prayers of outrage. He also has infinite perspective, which we do not.

Genesis 18:20-21 

Then the Lord said, “Because the outcry against Sodom and Gomorrah is great and their sin is very grave, I will go down to see whether they have done altogether according to the outcry that has come to me. And if not, I will know.” -Bible Gateway link: Genesis 18:20-21 ESV

We have SO many distractions that can cause us to lose our way. Have we forgotten to guard our own souls? When was the last time you even thought about it? Giving in is not the answer, it’s faith.

Hebrews 10:39 - 

But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed, but of those who have faith and preserve their souls.

Are you tired of people letting you down? I was too. In a moment of Grace, I realized God never lets me down, and He never changes. That is something I can absolutely trust for eternity. (Also another convergence of New and Old Testament: the writer of Hebrews is quoting Psalm 102:25-28 link below.)

Hebrews 1:10-12 - 

And, “You, Lord, laid the foundation of the earth in the beginning, and the heavens are the work of your hands; they will perish, but you remain; they will all wear out like a garment, like a robe you will roll them up, like a garment they will be changed. But you are the same, and your years will have no end.”

Bible Gateway Link: Hebrews 1:10-12 (ESV)

Bible Gateway link: Psalm 102: 25-28 (ESV)

What if we stopped foolish controversies? We might have more time to do what is important: getting closer to God and studying the map for life He provides in the Holy Bible.

Titus 3:9-11 - But avoid foolish controversies, genealogies, dissensions, and quarrels about the law, for they are unprofitable and worthless. As for a person who stirs up division, after warning him once and then twice, have nothing more to do with him, knowing that such a person is warped and sinful; he is self-condemned.

Bible Gateway link: Titus 3:9-11 (ESV)

If this promise were given to you by the only being in the universe you could absolutely trust, wouldn’t you go with it? What if it didn’t happen for 70 years? Most of us would give up, or be dead anyway. But He promises He will hear us, so pray anyway, with all your heart. His time is different from ours.

Jeremiah 29:11-13-

For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will hear you. You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart.

Bible Gateway link: Jeremiah 29:11-13 (ESV)