HSBC Coffeebreak

It is good for me that I have been afflicted, that I may learn Your statues.
Ps. 119:71

I may not know what the Psalmist was afflicted with, but I know that in my past, I have had a hearing problem. I'm reading the book of Deuteronomy written by Moses. As Moses recaps all of God's laws for His people I couldn't help but notice the many commands that are coupled with wonderful promise phrases like, "that it may go well with you." Obedience seems to be the key to blessings - something we slow learners struggle with.

I was about 6 years old and my daddy had just finished planting baby pine scrubs on either side of our front stoop. Now that stoop was my springboard to measure the distance of my mighty jumps. I was already eyeing the distance over those scrubs. When daddy finished his work he lovingly pulled me under his arm and said, "JoAnn you're not to jump off this stoop any longer; if you break one of these little trees, I will have to turn you over my knee." The next day I commenced my practice jumps and was very successful for a time. Then it happened! Daddy's warning proved true.

The secret in building character is in the follow-up. I quickly learned my earthly daddy meant business because of his love for me and who I would become. It took me much longer to realize that truth concerning my heavenly Daddy. Doing it my way seemed so important.

Oswald Chambers made a great statement, "God never threatens; the devil never warns." Parents often use those words interchangeably. However, there is a definite distinction; threats attempt to preserve our power, warnings serve to protect from danger. Our God's never-ending love resounds throughout time in His attempt to get us to listen.

The Israelites spent 40 years before they learned God meant business. He had to keep them moving in circles going over the same ground (one year for every day the spies looked over the Promised Land and refused to enter). I can identify with them. I, too, had to spend 40 years learning that the only way to hear the Lord's instruction is to keep your dial tuned on His wavelength, and even then static from the world can drown His voice. Finally I've learned the sound of My Redeemer Husband's sweet whisper. Where are you, murmuring (complaining) or trusting that, "Father Knows Best"?

Written by
JoAnn Shelton