Consequences for Disobedience

Consequences for Disobedience By Michael Youssef, Ph.D.

"Though he stumble, he will not fall, for the LORD upholds him with his hand.  Psalm 37:24         Abraham continued to face consequences for circumventing God's plan regarding his descendents. Ishmael, the child he fathered through his wife's servant, Hagar, became a resentful and jealous son following the birth of Isaac. "Sarah saw that the son whom Hagar the Egyptian had borne to Abraham was mocking, and she said to Abraham, `Get rid of that slave woman and her son, for that slave woman's son will never share in the inheritance with my son Isaac.' The matter distressed Abraham greatly because it concerned his son" (Genesis 21:9-11).        Abraham learned the hard way that deviating from God's path leads to misery. He knew the truth of God's promises, but more than once he allowed himself to become trapped by Satan's lies. Jesus told us, "Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free" (John 8:32). Jesus was not talking about mere knowledge of the truth, but our submission to it.       Rejoice that no matter how you falter along your journey of faith, God will be there to pick you up and redirect your steps toward His truth.       Prayer: God, I know that I have to face the consequences for the times I disobey You. Help me to grow in my faith. Thank You for being there to pick me up when I fall. Amen.