Over the past year, we have had major appliance after major appliance break down in our home (see devotion from Feb 1). Our kitchen vent hood, refrigerator, microwave, and even our garage door – all needed to be replaced or repaired!
With the passing of each appliance (and the huge purchase of a new one) my husband and I would just look at each other and shake our heads.
I couldn’t help but wonder, “Did we forget to give our tithe???”
Just keeping it real, friends! That’s where my mind went! Maybe it’s cultural, maybe it’s human nature…when things don’t go well, I’m always looking for the Achan in the room. (See Joshua 7) And while self checks are good, the Word of God makes it clear, troubles aren’t always indicative of hidden sin or that we are out of God’s will.
In the book of Acts chapter 20, Paul knows God is leading him to Jerusalem. He tells the Ephesian elders, “I am going to Jerusalem…I only know that in every city the Holy Spirit warns me that prison and hardships are facing me.”
In the next chapter, a prophet named Agabus confirmed this message. “Coming over to us, he (Agabus) took Paul’s belt, tied his own hands and feet with it and said…In this way the Jews of Jerusalem will bind the owner of this belt and will hand him over to the Gentiles”
Y’all, despite these warnings, Paul still went to Jerusalem!!
So, what if our trials are happening, NOT because we did something wrong- but because we are doing something right.
I know the breakdown of appliances pale in comparison to the trials Paul or even you or I may be facing today…but I hope you get my point.
The next time you face the unexpected, a little self introspection is fine, but don’t beat yourself up or look for stolen goods hidden in your house. (Joshua 7)
I feel like someone out there needs to read this!
Sometimes appliances break down because….well, they just don’t make things like they used to. And sometimes hardships come our way, because…well, Jesus told us, “In this world you WILL have trouble.”
You’ve got to have a test to have a testimony and you’ve got to have a trial in order for Jesus to come in, clean some things up, and make you an overcomer!
John 16:33 “In this world you WILL have trouble, but take heart, I have overcome the world.”
~ binu
