HOW CAN PEOPLE, ONCE THEY ARE AWARE OF GOD, EVEN CONSIDER ABANDONING HIM?

BIBLE READING: 2 Chronicles 12:1-16 KEY BIBLE VERSE: But when Rehoboam was firmly established and strong, he abandoned the law of the LORD, and all Israel followed him in this sin. (2 Chronicles 12:1)

REASONS WHY WE ABANDON GOD.

At the height of his popularity and power, the king abandoned the Lord. What happened? Often it is more difficult to be a believer in good times than in bad. Tough times push us toward God; but easy times can make us feel self-sufficient and self-satisfied. When everything is going right, guard your faith.

PERSONAL CONSEQUENCES WHEN WE ABANDON GOD.

Popularity and power, the two benefits that Rehoboam chose above God, were the first two things he lost when the Egyptians invaded the land. Through Rehoboam we discover the real price to be paid for rejecting God. Even though Rehoboam later confessed his sin, the damage had already been done. He was not destroyed, but much of what was precious to him was lost. His reign could have been as glorious as the golden shields in Solomon’s temple, which the Egyptians took. Instead, he had to settle for bronze replacements and an insignificant reign.

CONSEQUENCES FOR OTHERS WHEN WE ABANDON GOD.

We don’t have to be a king, like Rehoboam, before our actions deeply affect the lives of others. Rehoboam’s abandonment of God led to the humiliation of his people. How does the quality of your relationship with God affect those around you?

FEELING ABANDONED BY GOD WHAT ABOUT WHEN OUR AWARENESS OF GOD IS WEAK OR HE SEEMS DISTANT AND REMOVED?

BIBLE READING: Exodus 2:11-22 KEY BIBLE VERSE: In time, Reuel gave Moses one of his daughters, Zipporah, to be his wife. Later they had a baby boy, and Moses named him Gershom, for he said, “I have been a stranger in a foreign land.” (Exodus 2:21-22)

WE SHOULD NOT GIVE UP.

To escape punishment for killing an Egyptian, Moses ran away to the land of Midian. He became a stranger in a foreign land, separated from his home and family. Many years went by before Moses was once again ready to serve God. But he trusted God instead of fearing the king (Hebrews 11:27). We often feel abandoned or isolated because of things we have done. But when we are fearful or feeling separated, we should not give up. Moses didn’t. He trusted God to deliver him in spite of his dark past and his seemingly bleak future. BIBLE READING: Job 2:1-13 KEY BIBLE VERSE: So Satan left the LORD’s presence, and he struck Job with a terrible case of boils from head to foot. (Job 2:7)

SUFFERING DOES NOT MEAN GOD HAS ABANDONED YOU.

At times believers may actually suffer more than unbelievers because those who follow God sometimes become Satan’s special targets. Believers, therefore, may have to endure hardship, persecution, or testing. This was the case with Job. We must be prepared for Satan’s attacks. When we suffer, we must not conclude that God has abandoned us. He did not abandon Job. Consistent faith is the way to defeat Satan.