Prayer Journal
Monday, September 11, 2000
"Then the Lord raised up against Solomon an adversary, Hadad the Edomite, from the royal line of Edom." 1 Kings 11:14
The scripture says that at one time Solomon had more wealth and wisdom than any other king. It's said that the whole world sought audience with the king of Israel to hear the wisdom God put in his heart. (Cp: 10:23,24) But then God raised up an enemy in Solomon’s life. What did Solomon do that moved God to resist Solomon? I guess an equally interesting question is why God took such action.
If you're like me, you've spent your entire Christian life thinking only good things come from God. You know, God demands our very best and is not pleased with disobedience. But to raise up an enemy against us? That's almost beyond imagination.
The simple fact is that God loves obedience and hates disobedience. Looking at Solomon's life, it seems God sees no difference in disobedience and partial obedience; "So Solomon did evil in the eyes of the Lord; he did not follow the Lord completely, as David his father had done." 1 Kings 11:6 Under the circumstances, I think it's time to reconsider the issue of obedience and disobedience.
Are we listening to God? Are we reading and studying His word to know his leading? Are we allowing the Holy Spirit to search our hearts and convict us of sin? Are we doing the "best" we can do, or living by faith in such a way, that if God doesn't come through, we're sunk?
Do you have an enemy? It might be trying to destroy your witness or frustrate you by resisting you. You may have thought this was to be expected when you became a Christian. But now you know that Solomon, in his partial obedience, created some of his own enemies.
Could it be that your enemy is of your own making? If this is you, there is only one way to turn it around. You must make the choice to start, not only listening to God, but following Him promptly and devoutly. That is, unless you enjoy struggling through life. Just Thinkin' WebServant
(1) Scripture comes from the Holy Bible, New International Version; (c)1978 by New York International Bible Society
(2) The images used herein were obtained from the Learning Company's ClickArt Christian Graphics Deluxe product, (c)1999 The Learning Company, Inc and its subsidiaries, 88 Roland Way, Novato, CA 94945 USA. All Rights Reserved.
