“Heed the voice of the people in all that they say to you; for they have not rejected you, but they have rejected Me, that I should not reign over them.” 1 Samuel 8:7
This is an amazing and true story of how the people of Israel wanted a king to rule over them instead of a judge or leader appointed by God. Samuel, the prophet, was getting older and his two sons who served after him as judges in Israel were corrupt in their ways.
The Israelites wanted a strong king and believed He would protect them from their enemies and allow for a prosperous life. This was a very big mistake on their part and would lead to misery and slave like conditions.
They were rejecting God for a wordly replacement. The Israelites did not believe in the sovereignty of God or His attributes of greatness, power, glory, victory, and majesty.
Life begins and ends with God. He wants you to recognize and accept that He has power and dominion over all things and to live under His canopy of love, joy, peace, and protection.
When you substitute something for God in your life, you are really rejecting Him. He is the author of all things and wants you to come to Him for all your needs.
If you choose to replace God with some form of an idol (like your education or professional training, your job, your money and investments, your possessions, or powerful or influential people) you are making a big mistake. This action is an expression of your disbelief in the power and authority of God.
God will allow you to make these wrong choices to show you they will bring calamities and misery.
Ask God to be the centerpiece of your life and turn to Him as your source for all things. He will do for you what you cannot do for yourself.
Hal Hollister Ministry 