Is There Not A God?

There was an ailing king in Israel that refused to seek God. He sent men to consult Baal the god of the Canaanites for healing.

As the men were on their way, Elijah the prophet told them, "This is what the LORD says: Is it because there is no God in Israel for you to consult that you have sent messengers to consult Baal-Zebub, the god of Ekron? Because you have done this, you will never leave the bed you are lying on. You will certainly die!" (2 Kings 1:16 NIV).

How many believers fail to seek God first before making decisions. Rather they will consult friends, doctors, or social media for answers. There is nothing wrong in asking a friend for advice or seeking medical help but we must learn to seek God's face. Ask Him for wisdom and guidance. Even if we hear nothing or our decision seems fixed we have given God an opportunity to speak to our hearts. It pleases the heart of God that we invite Him and consult Him in every matter of our lives. We have too many believers only consulting God when all else fails or when there is a crisis that is beyond their control.

My left ankle and foot had a terrible rash. It was getting worse over the past couple of years. I believe this was due to varicose veins that restrict blood circulation. Wearing a compression stocking only added to the problem as my foot could not breath. My wife and I prayed. I laid hands on my foot while rehearsing promises of His healing power. On Friday I sought out medical treatment. Applying a cortisone cream is now clearing up the issue.

But it did not ease the troubling question in my mind. "God, why does healing have to be so difficult?" I held to the thought that one prayer in faith should be enough to see results. And this is true but in my experience it seems prayer must be persistent and constant. Keep seeking, knocking and asking.

For the king of Israel the question isn't about God not answering that caused him to seek an other god, but an attitude that refuses to believe God cares to do something about the problem or situation.

The measure of God's care and power is not in the evidence of prayers answered but a heart that fully trusts in His goodness. If He choses to listen or not or if He answers or not - what matters is that we seek Him. Be assured God is faithful to answer when we call out to Him.

He answered my need for healing through medical means. He has also healed me of other illness without medical care. Not to seek Him means a possibility of missing out on His best.

If the king of Israel sought the Lord, I believe God would have healed him. Why? Because God is faithful to His word and desires to reveal His heart of mercy.

How many of us question God's existence and care but have not bowed our knees and humbled our hearts to ask Him for help?

Sit still for just a minute and whisper a prayer. God will answer.

Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, "This is the way; walk in it. (Isaiah 30:21 NIV).