You can't do it on your own...

Sometimes God will allow situations in our lives to "reach" us.

You may have a perfect marriage. You may have a successful career. You and your family may be in good health. You may have a fat savings account. "Why do I need God?" you might ask. Maybe you don't actually "say" that, but through your thoughts and actions, God knows what you're saying and where your priorities lie.

How does God reach someone who has the world by a string? I mean, if their life is going along swimmingly, how does He get their attention if they are ignoring Him? One way is by allowing satan to overplay his hand. What does that mean? The enemy's sole purpose in this world is to keep you away from God and retain your soul for satan. Why do I say "retain"? Because we are born a sinner, will grow up a sinner, and will die a sinner, UNLESS we make the conscious decision to accept Jesus as our Lord and Savior along the way. Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." (John 14:6)

God will allow satan to run roughshot through your life when you aren't listening. Many times the enemy will use money and other worldly pleasures to keep you in the dark, but sooner or later satan just wont be able to help himself, and he'll push the envelope of your selfishness because of his hatred for God. Maybe he'll introduce you or your spouse to an affair, give you so much money that you begin to question your purpose in life, or perhaps you or a loved one falls ill because the enemy wants you to curse God for this misfortune! This suddenly puts your life into perspective. All those worldly successes are now of little comfort when a marriage is falling apart, there is a serious health issue or we are facing another of life's crisis'.

God doesn't cause this, but will allow satan to do it, because He wants no one (including you) to perish. "The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance." (2 Peter 3:9)

These are the times when people finally cry out for help. They recognize that money, sex, and yes, even family, can't solve the problem they are encountering. That's when they'll search for something else. Something that will bring peace back into their lives. And that something is Jesus. "and call on me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you will honor me." (Psalm 50:15) Recognize satan and the things of this world as your enemy. Repent for your sins and surrender your life to Christ. Allow Him to start working on, not only your problem, but most importantly you!

If you haven't given your life to Jesus yet, I pray you do just that today. "If you declare with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved." (Romans 10:9-10)

If Jesus is already in your heart, know that God is always faithful, even when we are not. "If we are unfaithful, he remains faithful, for he cannot deny who he is." (2 Timothy 2:13). Trust God's plan and will in what you are going through right now. There is a reason for everything. Pray to God to search your heart for the things you are still letting get in between you and a closer relationship with Him. Give those things, along with your worries, over to Him.

​Remember, God is not out to harm you, but to give you hope and a future (even if it's a future you never saw coming).