II Kings 18:32 “until I come and take you away to a land like your own land, a land of grain and wine, a land of bread and vineyards, a land of olive trees and honey, that you may live and not die. And do not listen to Hezekiah when he misleads you by saying, ‘the Lord will deliver us.'”
Deliver – (nasal) rescue, saved, spared, delivered.
It sounds so good, why on earth would we not want what the enemy has promised for us. There is even a hint of Gen 42:2 and Gen 43:8 in the phrase “live and not die”. It’s like the enemy is quoting scripture at them. Surely this must be ok.
However, it’s just like in the story of Jacob and Esau (Gen 25:29-34) where Esau valued his immediate short term needs above his long term promises of God – his birthright.
The Jewish nation also had a birth-right at stake here – one that is cleverly not mentioned by their enemy, who focuses on the immediate short term needs of the people. The land they lived on was given to them by God. (Gen 15:18-21).
What promises of God rest on your life – a fruitful marriage, peace, strength, a prosperous soul, a family, and so many more. How many times are we presented with opportunities to have something that may seem to gratify our immediate needs, but puts at risk the long term promises of God.
When all our short term decisions line up with our long-term God-given promises, we sense the tension in our life ease and we start to really flourish.
Where is there a disconnect in your life today, what short term decisions don’t align with God’s promises to you?
Principle of Change 35 – align your short term decisions with God’s long term promises.
Strength – Maximiser – let’s take something good and make it great, something strong and make it superb. There is a commitment to excellence for yourself, your family and others.