Promises for a REAL Life

God promises us so much in His Word.

Some churches shape their entire mission and core messages around the positive promises of God.The whole "name it and claim it" concept has helped many of today's mega churches achieve exponential growth.  It's spawned an entire generation of believers who think Christianity comes with an automatic exemption from trouble and a big bank account. It has also raised many questions, debates and investigations.

But what about the rest of us who live in the real world? This kind of thinking can make any Christian feel like faithless failures when we go through bad seasons and trials. Where is the balance in this type of teaching? We are not failures for having human emotions and difficulties. On the contrary, Christ empathizes with our frailties and is available to strengthen and carry us through the issues of life- both good and bad.

Condemning each other for struggling is not only hurtful but denies the important role God desires to play in our lives. 

Maybe it's just me, but this prosperity focused perception hinders development of sincere relationship.   

Christianity doesn't make all the evil and hard times magically disappear. It can even feel like the struggles increase as we begin to align our lives with the will of Christ. 

Did we ever consider that, based on the meaning of His names, God has actually promised us difficult times? 

The good news? God also promises to be there with us through it all...

If we were never expected to experience lack, then would we need Jehovah Jireh? (Provider)

God knew in our weakest moments, we would seek Him as, El Shaddai (Our Sufficiency)

If loneliness in a world filled with people, was never a factor, What would be the purpose for God saying He is always Jehovah Shamah? (God is present)

As our bodies endure illness and disease, we are also assured we can call on Him as Jehovah Ropheka (Our Healer)

Wrecked by fear, doubt and worry? He Is Jehovah Shalom (Peace)

If we would never feel defeated by the things of the world, Why can we call Him our El-Elyon

Knowing there would be times we felt confused and in need of guidance? Jehovah Rohi (Our shepherd)

Because we are lost in sin we need Jehovah Tsidkenu (Righteousness)

Without a need for salvation and cleansing we wouldn't get to know Him as Jehovah Mekaddishkem  (Our Sanctification)

Not that I'm against financial blessings, but I'm more comforted knowing he's there through all that I go through. Besides, who wants a relationship that's only validated through faith in the material gain that's provided? 

I don't know about you, but I'm glad that God has the room and time to have a real relationship with someone as flawed as I am... 

Athaliah- A Woman with Killer Ambition

Scriptures: II Kings 8:18, 26; 11:1-3, 12-16, 20 

                  II Chronicles 22:10-12; 23:12-15, 21

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What are we willing to do to be important, have control, or be the leader?

How important is stature and position?

We can become so hungry for power we act like ravenous wolves with blood dripping from mouth and hands, tearing people apart to gain an advantage or protect ‘our territory’.

This is a real threat in the house of praise, represented by the tribe of Judah.

• Have we made titles and position in the church body more important than service?

• Do we kill others character with words, gossip, and strife?

• Whom are we seeking to ‘eliminate’ to gain position and title?

• Do our affections for others change seasonally?

• Do we even have love or affection at all?

• Are we more enamored with how others see us than fulfilling God’s plan?

• How are our ambitions affecting the kingdom purpose of the church?

Athaliah, Queen Mother of Judah, killed all but one of her grandsons. Baby Joash wasn't spared out because he was her favorite. Grandma Athaliah, meant to wipe them all out. Her hunger for the crown went deep. This baby needed a divine hiding spot.  He was secretly protected right under the queen's nose, until he was seven years old. I can see the similarity of Moses growing up in the house of Pharaoh. Her murder of all male children foreshadows Christ’s life which was also threatened and needed to be protected in infancy.

So why are we surprised by assassination attempts on our dreams and goals? Do we forget the biblical examples of what happens when we are in line for greatness? Life happens. Add in the 'frienemies' and haters who will try to intentionally kill your dreams and destiny in it's infancy. Obviously, it stings worse when the attacks come from family, friends and fellow believers.

 Thankfully, God is faithful and will always protect His Word.

How do they attempt to assassinate your future?

The enemy will try to:

• Kill your character
• Extinguish your joy and hope
• Destroy your seed

Athaliah’s destruction of the royal family threatened the redemptive plan of God for His  people. The Lord made a covenant with David. Joash's protection ensured its fulfillment. Misguided ambition, just to gain position, causes serious damage to the people of God. Believers don't have to compete and strive against each other for promotion or God's attention.
Actions like this reveal an ignorance of the rights we have as believers.  Unfortunately, this Athaliah mindset is present today and shows up in church. Hurting people who think they must guard against and wound others in pursuit of temporary titles. Their behavior can leave casualties throughout the church body.

Despite an enemy's best efforts, God will protect us and our destiny. He will even hide us in plain view. He will keep you. Joash found safety in the temple of the Lord with his aunt, who was married to the high priest of Judah and a nurse. God provided a surrogate, a spiritual covering, and a caretaker to protect the promise. Sometimes we are defenseless against the attack of others on our own. It is crucial to know that the Lord always prepares for our long-term provision. If we learn to stay in the Lord’s protection and care, the glory of the Lord will guide us through to our victory. 

The aunt and nurse could have run away with the child, and taken him to another land. In fact, running away in the face of severe persecution and impending death makes sense. However, this time God’s purpose was for them to remain and see Joash crowned under the protection of the Lord. God lifted a mere child to great authority and into his promise in front of the very ones who tried to kill him.

Do not let experience, age, or unjust attacks cause us to abandon our purpose or doubt our proper position in the Kingdom of God. Not everyone will want to see us elevated and may try to hinder and kill our journey even before it starts. 

Our job is to remember the power and assurance of God’s word. Remain steadfast in faith, knowing the Lord will send people to support and nurture our gifts until the appointed time for our success. 

Facts:

• Athaliah is the only queen of Judah to rule in her own name

o   Ruled six years

• Daughter of Ahab and Jezebel

• Wife of King Jehoram (killed by disease)

• Mother of King Ahaziah (Killed by Jehu)

• Killed nearly all her grandchildren to gain control of the throne

• Forced the people of Judah to worship Baal