The other day I was chatting with someone about God. He seemed to have a sincere desire to follow God, yet he was trapped in some crippling addictions. He said to me, “I don’t understand why God allows this to happen. Why doesn’t He just take these habits away?” As he spoke, I could tell he was clearly blaming God for his failures. With gentleness, I tried to explain to him the “dual relationship” between God’s sovereignty and our choices. There are things in our lives that only God can do, but there are also things in our lives that God expects us to do. For example, we can’t expect God to take away a sexual addiction if we choose to stay up at night watching porn movies. Also, how will we overcome an alcohol addiction while hanging out with the same drinking buddies at the bar? As I observe the spiritual landscape of America, I see a lot of people interested in God and spiritual life. However, I notice a huge gap. We want the blessings and benefits of God, but we don’t want to discipline ourselves or lead our soul to seek Him. We conveniently put all the responsibility on God. While reading about the kings of Judah in the Book of 2 Chronicles, I discovered something powerful. Those kings who set their hearts on seeking God enjoyed victory and blessing. The kings who were careful to get God’s Word in their hearts and sought to practice His precepts experienced blessings. For example, 2 Chronicles 26:4 declares of Uzziah king of Judah, “He did what was right in the eyes of the Lord…he sought God during the days of Zechariah, who instructed him in the fear of God. As long as he sought the Lord, God gave him success.” Life is a battle. Victory is not easy or automatic. The Lord is willing to give us the power to win. BUT, WE MUST SHOW UP! Faith is the pathway, and every pathway requires walking forward. Do your part!

Pastor Mark Boucher