2 Kings Chapter 17: Verses 40-41 (NIV)
They would not listen, however, but persisted in their former practices. Even while these people were worshiping the Lord, they were serving their idols. To this day their children and grandchildren continue to do as their ancestors did.
The people who invaded Samaria didn’t know God, but He was very gracious to them and sent them a priest to teach them all about Him. Yet the did not follow Him wholeheartedly and tried to have a foot in both camps. That isn’t the way to a contented life, in spite of what people who try to live like this think. It in fact has the very opposite effect and leaves us dissatisfied until we resolve to follow God wholeheartedly. I am currently reading Maria Von Trapp’s autobiography – “The story of the Von Trapp Family Singers”. (The real story, not the “Sound of Music” version. Today I read of how she really didn’t want to marry Captain Von Trapp, so convinced was she that the will of God for her was to remain in Nonberg Abbey, but was counselled by the Mother Abbess that she felt after praying about it, was that the will of God that Maria should marry him. Maria wrote, “Minutes had passed, and I was still kneeling, trying to understand. I knew this was final and no argument was possible. Yes, it was true. I had wanted to know the will of God; yet now when I met it, I refused to accept it. All my happiness was shattered, and my heart which had so longed to give itself entirely to God, felt rejected. Heavy waves of disappointment and bitterness swept over it. With dry eyes I stared down at the large ring on the Abbess’ hand, and mechanically I read over and over again the engraved words around the big amethyst: ’God’s will hath no why.” Reverend Mother’s silence showed that she had learned from long experience that words are no help when will meets will in a world beyond words. When. still dazed, I looked up, I saw her lips move in soundless prayer and the beloved eyes were filled with tears of compassion. That broke the dam and melted the stubborn resistance. In true sincerity of heart, I asked: ‘What does God want of me now, Reverend Mother?’
‘He wants you to serve Him well, where He needs You most, and serve Him wholeheartedly and cheerfully.’ (Pages 59-60). Thankfully, she did. Sometimes we think we want to do God’s will because our idea of what it is, is actually different to what God wants from us. We must be prepared to accept it when He reveals it, and do it wholeheartedly and not keep that foot in both camps.
Dear Lord,
Help me to be wholehearted in following You and in my obedience to Your will. I ask in Jesus’ Name. Amen.