The Perils of Comfort (Part II)

“But Israel soon became fat and unruly; the people grew heavy, plump, and stuffed! Then they abandoned the God who had made them; they made light of the Rock of their salvation.” (Deuteronomy 32:15).

This is the key Bible verse for the “Come and See” devotional today.

The first part of this message emphasized that all of us are susceptible to the perils associated with comfort.  We can derail and go astray during our moments of comfort and nobody is exempt from this moment of careless relaxation. The Bible states: “therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall.” (1st Corinthians 10:12, New King James Version). We need sustained and divine strength and power after each triumph in our lives.

The account of Samson in the Bible readily comes to mind. He was a one-man army of Israel who had many victories to his credit (read Judges 16). However, he would always fall after each victorious incident. His enemies knew where and when to lay siege for him:  during his moment of comfort. Thus: “Now Samson went to Gaza and saw a harlot there, and went in to her. When the Gazites were told, ‘Samson has come here!’ they surrounded the place and lay in wait for him all night at the gate of the city. They were quiet all night, saying, ‘In the morning, when it is daylight, we will kill him.’” (Judges 16:1-2, New King James Version). This was his life’s pattern after each hard-earned victory over rd-earned victory over his enemies.

Our key Bible verse for this devotional depicts the clear picture of how the children of Israel became too secure and forgot about God (read Deuteronomy 32). In Deuteronomy 32:10 (New King James Version) we learn where the nation of Israel was before God found them. Thus: “he found him in a desert land and in the wasteland, a howling wilderness; He encircled him, He instructed him, He kept him as the apple of His eye.” In the real sense, many of us are like Israel in this text.

We were found by the Most High God at the lowest point in our life. The nation of Israel did not forsake their God when they were hungry, neither were they far away from Him during their moment of dire need. Instead, this happened when they became comfortable, enjoying their lives and filled with choice food. They fell to the perils of comfort and forgot the Almighty God. This is also our attitude even now. We are vigilant in our prayers as long as victory is not in sight. Afterwards, however, we let down our guard immediately. Nevertheless, the bible strongly advises “Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil” (Ephesians 6:11)

We are told to wear ALL our weapons of warfare at all times. We do not pull off our armour immediately after victory. We must remain vigilant because the enemy still seeks to steal, kill and destroy. The Bible states: “therefore take up the whole armour of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm.” (Ephesians 6:13, English Standard Version). You shall finish strong by God’s Grace!

Let us pray: “Father, by your unfailing mercy, help me! Help me to be watchful, prayerful, consistent and to finish my race strongly. Let the fear of the Lord uphold me at all times, in battle and in victory,” in Jesus’ Mighty Name. Amen.

This message was brought to you by Evangelical Ministries International (EMI). We know this message has been a blessing to you. Please share your testimonies with us by visiting our website www.evangelicalministries.org or contact us on info@evangelicalministries.org. God bless you!