If you are praying and claiming God’s promise, take note of David’s situation. The answer took a long time to come but eventually, it came. At some point, it was discouraging but eventually, it came. At some point giving up was so tempting but he stayed on and eventually he became king. If it happened for David, may it happen for you and me, in Jesus’s name, Amen!
When we come to God in prayer with options, we think those are all the options, but before God, those are not all the options. There are many more options before God that we know nothing about. When we face exams we tell God we are facing success or failure. Those are all the options before you as a human being. All your options are not all the options!
All sermons are important but not any sermon can be preached at any time unless you have clear instructions from God. You cannot take advantage of a hostage congregation (wedding, funeral, and other congregations of the like) and offend people in the name of telling them the truth. You may cause more harm than good. The truth must be spoken in love. Your sermon is important, but is it the most effective time to share it in that manner? Even important things have the right time and not anytime!
Your life may be threatened. Your career may be threatened. Your reputation may be threatened. Your income and its sources such as business and salary may be threatened. Your relationships with other people may be threatened. Your peace of mind may be at stake. Your job and career progression may be at stake. How do you deal with such an imminent threat?
To be considerate means you take into account the various unique situations that may affect a person from being like others. To be considerate means you give allowance for someone to participate who would not qualify because of situations beyond their ability to control. To be considerate means while officially the person is disqualified yet because of your magnanimity you allow them to participate. To be considerate means you give a listening ear to what should be dismissed without further hearing. To be considerate means you give a second chance to a remorseful person.
You have decided that a life partner will be a person of faith, but now you have no one to date in that category. The solution has made things worse. You were violent and it made people respect you, now you are a believer and no more violent, and now you are disrespected by those who should respect you. The solution has made things worse. What do you do when a God-given solution makes things worse?
The third lesson is that the shortest life is not the worst life. During funerals we mourn that life is short. We weep bitterly for those who die young. We wish the late person had lived longer. This chapter teaches us that the shortest life may not be the worst life. It can be shortest and best. Compared to everyone else in this chapter, Enoch lived the shortest life of 365 years, Genesis 5:23. Yet this shortest life had the best ending of going into eternity with God, Genesis 5:24. In this short life on earth, Enoch did what was never said of Adam, Methuselah or anyone else, he walked with God. Faithfulness to God is a remarkable achievement and contribution to life. We should not worry about longevity but quality of life. Its better a short and sweet life than long and empty. Make your days count.
This judgment will begin with God’s household. If judgment will begin with God’s household, those who are committed, how shall it be with those who have refused to make a commitment? If the best student finds it difficult we should all be warned!
Money always runs out do not act surprised. People get sick at any age in life, do not speak, and act as if something unique and strange is happening to you. Do not insinuate that you are bewitched and some people want to finish you, and by the way, even that is normal. Do not act surprised.