Keep Away

                Since my son has been able to move, he has been on a mission to pursue anything I have kept from him. He has a floor full of toys to play with, but what he wants more than anything is the remote control to play with. If I move the remote to different parts of the room, he will spend all day trying to get to it. Finally yesterday I gave in. I thought maybe if he gets to explore the remote for a little bit, it would no longer fascinate him. When I realized just how much drool was beginning to soak our remote, I finally took it away again only to have him pursue it once more. When my husband got home, we realized the remote had shorted out in the short time our son was able to explore it. I only wish I had the passion and dedication that my son has used to pursue that remote, but sometimes I think the things we pursue the strongest are those things the Lord has kept from us.

                This morning we read Judges 1-2 and found the

Israelites had a similar problem. When God first gave Israel the land He had promised them, He instructed them to drive out all of the inhabitants of the land. The Lord knew that these people were very dedicated to idol worship and He did not want Israel to fall into their bad habits. A very large portion of Israel did not do as they were told, but instead enslaved the inhabitants of the land. Then the Lord said that He would let the foreigners stay in the land He promised Israel but that they would be “A thorn in your side” and Israel was to tear down all of the altars to other gods. Israel did not and instead fell into idol worship. God then allowed Israel to be raided and fall into hardship, but He always sent a messenger to His people to give them a chance to follow Him once more.

                This story makes me wonder if there is anything in my life that the Lord has told me to drive out that I have let stick around. What things in my life cause me to continually doubt God? Have I rid myself of all bitterness and anger? (Ephesians 4:31) Have I rid myself of deceit and hypocrisy? (1 Peter 2:1) If I have kept these things in my life they will surely lead me away from living the purpose that God has made me for.

                God, please show me the things in my life I need to get rid of in order to follow You. Help me to obey Your instruction. Show me how to live my life according to the purpose You made me for. Amen.