And the man of God was wroth with him, and said, Thou
shouldest have smitten five or six times; then hadst thou smitten Syria till
thou hadst consumed it: whereas now thou shalt smite Syria but thrice. (2 Kings 13:19)
There will be times we are desperate for deliverance perhaps
develop a deep emotional desire to overcome. This desperation has to be
compatible with the desperation for action. Spiritual laziness, passivity and
half hearted response can only forfeit the opportunity to experience victory in
Jesus Christ.
And if thy hand offend thee, cut it off: it is better for
thee to enter into life maimed, than having two hands to go into hell, into the
fire that never shall be quenched: (Mar
9:43)
It is obvious that Jesus isn't referring to self mutilation
but about the extend and willingness to take action. Once we have heard the
truth, the direction, and the way of escape, it beckons subsequent steps of action. The
Good Shepherd will lead; it is up to the sheep to follow. He can only carry us
through, if we stop struggling and allow Him the privilege. He has forgiven, are we
quick to freely forgive. He gave His Word to set us free, do we still cling on
to the chains. He said to ‘rise up and walk’, the next response would to be
thoroughly faithful in staying the entire course till breakthrough comes.
