Not a God of Formulas

 April 20, 2024

Saturday

"Everything will be okay," the preacher says, "if you will . . . ." It gives you a lot of hope. The dilemma I am in can be averted if I do what the preacher says. So, you do what he says and the dilemma is much worse than you could have imagined.

Being in the will of God is no guarantee that you won't be persecuted or have terrible circumstances. A lady with cancer asked me, "Why do I have cancer?" She was a Christian with no discernable evidence of being outside the will of God. She wanted to know why she wasn't protected from this disease. In other words, isn't cancer intended for the real sinners.

I replied to her, "Why not?" Though she didn't want me to explain my question, the truth is that we are not so good that God must protect us. We don't live by formulas that ensure our safety, riches or esteem. We walk with our God who allows us to sin and to live in this fallen world. This fallen world has cancer, heart attacks, inflation, layoffs and wars. It has murders, stealing, betrayals and lies. The reason that some may be sick may have nothing to do with how good they have been. It may have nothing to do with the fact they are in the middle of God's will. It may have something to do with the testimony of a person who goes through hardships. It should be easy to shine in this fallen world.

God gives us no formulas to live the Christian life. He expects us to walk with Him in humble obedience. He expects us to pledge our allegiance to Him. He expects us to die to self. He will love us regardless.

Our purpose is found in walking with God. Each day is brand new. Each day we make another commitment to walk with Him Each day we should be amazed with what He is doing with us. Each day the wonder should grow.

That doesn't mean that God expects you live without planning. You still go to school, go to work, pay your bills and have your celebrations with planning. Its just that when people live by formulas for their own safety, provision and worth God isn't really necessary anymore. You are just obeying the formula.

So, get up and be amazed. God has a plan for you for this day. It won't be found in a formula.

Psalm 5:3 (NASB 2020) ³ In the morning, Lord, You will hear my voice; In the morning I will present my prayer to You and be on the watch.