God is not a man, that he should lie, nor a son of man, that he should
change his mind. Does he speak and then not act? Does he promise and not
fulfill? ~~ Numbers 23:19 NIV
God is the sovereign ruler over the heavens and the earth. Yesterday, I attended a church service and heard a powerful message. To emphasize one of the points of the message, the pastor stated, "We're loved by God no matter what we do."
The words, we're loved by God no matter what just resonated in my being. I confess feeling fear of rejection because I say the wrong thing, act the wrong way or do not purchase and wear designer clothing has been a way of life for me.
But God is not a man that he will reject me or anyone else who comes to Him through Jesus Christ. His word is His promise to us. "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life" (John 3:16, NIV).
He loves us so much that He gave His one and only Son so we who believe will not perish but have everlasting life. He promised to love us no matter what.
When we stumble and fall by trying our own way, He still loves us. I saw that as I read through the book of Numbers. God delivered the Israelites from the Egyptian slavery. But when they were in the wilderness, they forgot about what God had done. They grumbled and complained against Moses and God.
Yet, when Balak asked Balaam to curse the Israelites, God stopped it. "But God said to Balaam, 'Do not go with them. You must not put a curse on those people, because they are blessed'" (Numbers 22:12, NIV).
God's people are blessed, even when they sin because God loves us. "But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us" (Romans 5:8, NIV).
Yes, we sin, but that does not stop God's love for us. His love is unconditional. And we're loved by God no matter what we do. We do not have to fear. I do not have to fear for God will not reject me. Yesterday, I felt he acceptance of me in spite of what I've done.
First John 1:9 states, "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness" (NIV).
God does not lie or change His mind. His promises are true and He forgives. I know for I experience His mercies every day. His love is unconditional. Please share how you have experienced His unconditional love.
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3 gracious comments:
You are greatly missed in the 100acre dessert but leave it to God to speak to me through you profound thoughts no matter how close or far you are. Thanks for sharing this reminder. God does love us and is not bound by our world... wow... THANKS AGAIN!
I know that I have tried God's patience so many times, yet He always is faithful to be right there waiting to offer mercy and grace.
Wonderful post, Shonda.
Leah
Hi Shonda, I love your post on how God loves us. I have always had such an independent spirit that God became my enemy for most of my life. There is a verse in the OT that says because the people did not obey, He became their enemy. I was trying to serve God, and make others around me do the same and that was not working. It wasn't until 1999 did I actually realize what was going on. I will have to say that even though I was doing it my way, God was still there and brought me along with a better understanding of how it should be done.
It is way too much to write here, but I do appreciate your thoughts.
Big Hugs,
Cheryl
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