1 Corinthians 1:2 gives us insight into how one is called when it says that if you have called on the name of the LORD (Romans 10:13) you are called. In a like manner, 1 Peter 1:2 shows us how GOD can make promises and still allow each of us the ability to choose. Being GOD knows all things, past, present and future (which includes what choices we will make) when HE makes an unconditional promise HE does so on clear knowledge and you can be sure it will come to be.
GOD told Jeremiah that after 70 years of exile that the Jews could return to Jerusalem. Ezra 1:1 “…that the word of the LORD by the mouth of Jeremiah might be fulfilled the LORD STIRRED UP the spirit of Cyrus. Cyrus said, ‘All the kingdoms of the earth the LORD GOD of heaven has given to me. HE has commanded me to build HIM a house in Jerusalem’ ” (so he let the exiles who chose to return to go to Jerusalem to build the temple and Cyrus also gave supply and encouraged others to give to those returning to Jerusalem). Ezra 1:5”all those whose spirits the LORD moved went.”
We see clearly that just as with salvation GOD moved and stirred up hearts but each still had to choose to do what GOD placed in their hearts or to refuse (Philippians 2:12-13).
THE LORD GOD took the grumbling Jews out of Egypt and put up with their whining and shenanigans for 40 years in the wilderness and eventually brought them into the Promise land and gave them an inheritance there. Why? Yes, it was part of HIS plan, but also it is very important to see it was to fulfill HIS word to Abraham (Acts 7:5).
Because of GOD’s faithfulness to keep HIS word I rest assured that HE will be faithful to keep HIS word to me to save all my children. Now the spiritual condition and values of several of my grandchildren and even a great-grandchild are in accordance with the world’s standards and lies.
GOD was fully aware what path they would be lured to when HE made that promise to me. Nonetheless HE could give me HIS word for HE knows their hearts and what they will choose (1 Samuel 16:7) and HE is able to open their hearts to see and acknowledge the truth so that they can escape the snare of the evil one (2 Timothy 2:25-26).
Speaking of Abraham it is written, Romans 4:19-21 And being not weak in faith, he considered not his own body now dead, when he was about an hundred years old, neither yet the deadness of Sarah’s womb: He staggered not at the promise of GOD through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to GOD; And being fully persuaded that, what HE (the LORD) had promised, HE was able also to perform.
I too believe and am fully persuaded that what the LORD has promised HE is able also to perform. So I rest in the power and faithfulness of GOD.
How about you? Has GOD stirred your heart to believe HE will do something? If so hold tight to that promise, especially if it looks humanly impossible. Remember that nothing is impossible to GOD (Luke 1:37).
Hugs
Sharon
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