When God's Instructions are Unusual

Most of us want things to be logical and consistent in order for us to accept them and act upon them. It is hard to do something that doesn't make sense to us or that seems to be the opposite of what we would do in that situation. However, God's instructions are sometimes very unusual. He wants us to trust Him anyway. That shows our faith in Him, and it strengthens our faith.

Jeremiah's message from God to the people of Jerusalem was like this. (Jeremiah 38:2) The Lord told him to tell all of the people that everyone who stays in Jerusalem would die from war, famine, or disease, but those who would surrender to the Babylonians would live. Their reward would be life. They would live. That seemed backwards to the people, and most of them did not obey God's message.

God always has a reason for what He does, and He always has a plan that He is working out. Since we can't see the hearts of others, and we can't see the future, many times it is impossible for us to know why God tells us to do things in a particular way. We must not rebel against God, but we must agree with what He says.

It is not for us to know why God does things, even before we trust Him. It is up to us to do what God tells us to do. So once we hear from Him in His Word or as He speaks to our hearts, we obey Him, knowing He loves us and has a good plan for us. Then, later we will be able to look back and see why God asked us to do that, and our faith will be strengthened.

#NHBaptistdotorg

Tomorrow, I intend to read Jeremiah 40-42.