“You will experience all these blessings if you obey the Lord our God…
If you refuse…to obey the commands and decrees he has given you,
all these curses will pursue and overtake you until you are destroyed.”
Deuteronomy 28:2, 45
While counseling young women in Nairobi, I realized that many human problems stem from disobeying God’s Word. For instance, if we do not forgive, our hearts become bitter, our muscles tighten, our stomachs ache, and we lose sleep!
I was shocked as I studied the long list of consequences in this chapter. Even though given to the Israelites, the list still reminds us of the importance of obedience to God’s Word. If we follow the guidelines our Creator gave us, we can expect HIS blessings. If we choose not to follow them, we can expect affliction and torment to pursue us.
The blessings from obedience are displayed in our children, in our work, in God conquering our enemies and providing what we need. Afflictions from disobedience show up quite opposite in our children and work, in our enemies defeating us, and through the drought of His provision. In addition, disobedience brings physical plagues, oppression, harsh treatment, and having everything you worked for, taken away.
Of course, our loving Father does not want His children to suffer any afflictions, especially these devastating emotional consequences…feeling no security, living in constant fear, hearts that tremble, and souls in despair…all because of relationship broken by disobedience.
So, as I evaluate my life today…what is pursuing me…afflictions or blessings?
