Are You Provoking God?

God, observing the behavior of the people He delivered from the darkness of slavery in Egypt, was not only disturbed but angered at their unwillingness to trust in Him. God, speaking to Moses said:

“How long will this people provoke me? and how long will it be ere they believe me, for all the signs which I have shewed among them?” (Num 14:11)

God said the people whom He loved and delivered had provoked Him. God, using the word 'provoked' reveals the truth about people who do not exercise faith in Him. The word 'provoke' is understood as to abhor or despise which are both acts of blasphemy.

Faith in God rests at the very core of your relationship with Him. It is faith that moves God from the non-tangible realm of folklore and fantasy that unbelievers have cast onto Him and into the tangible world of sight, sound and touch.

God’s word makes this truth clear with these words:

“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” (Heb 11:1)

Substance and evidence of God are only obtained by faith. No one will ever be assured of God's existence or be received into His presence unless they approach God in faith.

The scripture, speaking on the subject of acceptance by God, states:

“But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.” (Heb 11:6)

People engage in religious activities and are not sure that what they have been taught about God is real. Others will “test drive” Christianity only to reject the teachings of God’s word. The words of rejection come in many terms but they all reduce down to the fact that they did not agree with God because they never were in His presence. 

Faith is a gift from God. “God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith,” (Rom 12:3) and once received must be guarded against the liar and deceiver, Satan. Jesus, speaking to Peter, said:

"And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat: But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren.” (Luke 22:31-32)

Faith is the power given by God to not only know Him but the power to serve Him. Saving faith becomes serving faith when the people of God not only believe in Him but also trust “He is a rewarder” when we set our hearts on Him as we seek to know Him.

The Lord’s church is not a building built by men but the souls of the called out and redeemed gathered together. Jesus said:

“For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.” (Mat 18:20)

It is to this church, His church Jesus makes this promise, “the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.” (Mat 16:18)

There is no doubt the Lord’s church will endure and He will keep this promise:

“And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.” (John 14:3)

Jesus is coming to “catch away” the church He died for and when He comes the question is not "Will the church be here?" but rather, “When the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?” (Luke 18:8)

Are you living a life in faith? Are you able to say with assurance that indeed you are being rewarded by God? Remember, you start your journey with God in faith, you live your life serving Him in faith and when you face the final hours you will by faith receive the promise made by Jesus to:

 “...receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.” (John 14:3)