All
of us reach a breaking point in life when we realize that something has to be
done and harmful, destructive thoughts or behaviors can no longer go on as
before. These times usually bring out
emotions or characteristics that we would rather not show. From a human perspective, these are times
when self-control suffers or is lost all together. So it’s downright frightening to think that
God would ever reach a breaking point.
But the Bible shows that there were times when He did; times when His
people pushed Him to His breaking point.
And because of His love, He was forced to punish their ill behavior,
because He could no longer bear what their rebellion was doing to their souls.
Just
a few of the examples of God reaching His breaking point include the cities of
Sodom & Gomorrah (Genesis 19); the Israelites refusing to enter Canaan
(Numbers 14); David’s sin with Bathsheba and Uriah (2 Samuel 12); Solomon’s
idolatry (1 Kings 11); Israel’s spiritual adultery (2 Kings 17); Judah’s spiritual
adultery (Jeremiah 52); even Jesus
reached His breaking point with the atrocities practiced by the religious
leaders of His day (Matthew 23).
Learn this from these biblical
stories: God loves you so much that He
will not sit idly by while you destroy your life. He cares so much that He will act – and
usually in a drastic way. When He
finally reaches these breaking points in your life, expect Him to discipline
you so strongly that you’re encouraged to give up your harmful thoughts and
behaviors. He isn’t being mean; like
the writer of Hebrews says, “He is treating you as sons” (12:4-11). He wants to improve you. And if it means making you question His love
or even lash out against Him, so be it.
He will do everything possible to bring you to your spiritual senses.
Trust in the fact that the last thing
God wants is to cut you out of the vine (John 15:2). His desire for each one of us is that we
abide with Him forever. Don’t push Him
to the breaking point. The Greatest
Command is intended to keep you on track and in God’s good graces for eternity
– where He wants you to be. So be sure
to follow where He leads, bring others along with you and enjoy the blessings
that only He can bring into your life.
Doug
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