Ron's Insights 2013

The Secret to Great Achievement

. . . he rewards those who seek him . .

Hebrews 11:6

      It would be wise for every believer to read through the lives of the kings of Israel and Judah at least once a year. Their records are found in 1&2 Kings and 1&2 Chronicles. Vital lessons are found in governing nations as well as in one's own life.

      Both the personal lives of the kings and the well-being of their nations rose and fell like giant waves. At the top of the wave we readHe sought the Lord with all of his heart. At the bottom of the wave we read He did evil in the sight of the Lord.

      Sadly, a goodly number of the kings started well but ended sadly. Take Hezekiah, for instance. He sought and obeyed God, as did his father David, and was profoundly blessed. A sickness befell him and Isaiah told him that it was unto death. Hezekiah cried to the Lord and had fifteen years added to his life.

      Shockingly, he turned from God to gold and from faith to fortification. Foreign dignitaries heard about his healing and honored him with visits. Rather than exalting his great God to them, he exhibited his kingdom. Divine rebuke fell upon him. Isaiah told him that all he had displayed would be swept away. This was the pathetic end to a great man's life.

      Josiah is another example. He sought the Lord for every decision and obediently rid Israel of her many violations against God. He had a stellar career; then, without seeking the Lord, interfered in a national dispute that was none of his business. He was killed by Pharaoh Neco of Egypt. Another great man of God lay disgraced and dead.

      What tripped up these wonderful men of God? Probably the same thing that lies in wait to bring us down . . . ambition, burning ambition. Our desires and plans may seem good, but if they are not ordered by the Lord they will come to naught. "The heart of man plans his way, but the LORD establishes his steps" (Proverbs 16:9).

      Strange, how we tend to seek God when desperate, then abandon Him when delivered. Seeking God is not a onetime life experience. It is the day-by-day walk with God that gains great achievements and will stand for time and eternity.

      Be not fooled, age is not a factor. There are powerful forces drawing us away from seeking the Lord at every age-level of life. If this were not so we would not have so many kings starting well and ending poorly.

      On the other hand we have King David, who sought God with all his heart. Despite some major breakdowns, as seen in the story of Bathsheba, David was bent upon seeking and obeying God. As a result, God will establish the soon coming Messiah upon David's throne throughout the millennial reign. That is awesome!

      Here are some keys to remember: Never jump at quick-fix solutions. Never deify common sense. (Naaman (2 Kings5), for instance, would not have been healed of leprosy had he followed common sense.) Never settle for the best of human counsel. Wise men do not always discern the mind of God. Never have in mind the achievement you want God to grant. Let God determine your purpose.

      Seek God . . . I mean, seek God . . . Seek Him wholeheartedly!Then, as you follow the path of His purpose you will discover that it leads to His achievements. And that will work to your greatest fulfillment.

Immanuel: God is with you!

Your friend,

Ron