TOUGH TIMES, ROUGH TIMES
Today's reading: 2 Chronicles 11-14

"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 NLT

"And it came to pass, when Rehoboam had established the kingdom, and had strengthened himself, he forsook the law of the Lord, and all Israel with him. " 2 Chronicles 12:1 KJV

When King Rehoboam had become settled in to the palace...

When Rehoboam had no more turmoil going on in and around his kingdom...

When Rehoboam had fallen in to the place where he could take care of himself, grow stronger, healthier and more comfortable...

When Rehoboam became top dog, the boss, the one in charge...

When Rehoboam had in his hands all he had ever dreamed about, hoped for and wished...

When Rehoboam was right where everyone knew he would/should be...

When everyone was watching him...

He turned away from the Lord.

And drew many along with him.

My take on this?

These rough times I'm going through. These tough things I'm being asked to endure. These uncomfortable issues I'm having to deal with. These recurring 'thorns in my flesh'. These daily challenges to my faith. These sins I continually drag to His cross.

If they were all resolved? If every issue was settled? If my life were perfect? If I were comfortable? If I didn't need God to get through every day? If I had no battles of the flesh to fight? If every day were sunny and cloudless? If I had all my ducks in a row? If my life were easy?

Would I turn from Him? Would He hear from me as often as He does? Would I need Him as desperately as I do right now?

Lord, thank you that I am not firmly established and strong...for my needs keep me at Your feet.