The way we think and the way God thinks is often very different. This article will show the dangers of leaning on our own understanding for the direction and provision of our lives. This is a very overlooked problem that needs more attention and prayer. We need to be led by the Holy Spirit and the Lord’s voice rather than our own understanding. Ignoring this dynamic will eventually lead to murmuring, complaining, frustration & rebellion (which is witchcraft).
Responsibly Logical vs. Obediently Faithful
Life has many demands and responsibilities. And if you are a true Christian you have a great desire to manifest the higher calling of God in Heaven here on this earth. This combination of earthly responsibilities and heavenly callings creates a very interesting dynamic that requires true believers to be logically practical and open to the miraculous ways of God.
This dynamic is challenging because the very nature of miracles goes against the logical human way of thinking about things. For instance, when the Egyptians were pursuing the Israelites after the Pharaoh let them go, they were hard-pressed against the Red Sea & Pharaoh’s army. Logically they were trapped and were going to be captured by the Egyptians. But miraculously God parted the Red Sea so the Israelites could walk on DRY ground. Talk about a miracle!
Modern Day Red Sea Illustration
There have been many times in my life when I would look at my situation or my bank account, evaluate and/or do the math and say to myself “this is impossible”. But then in a miraculous way, I never thought of, God would change the whole situation. As a result, His promise to always provide once again was proven to be true. He cannot lie.
Phil. 4:19
And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.
When the Israelites were leaning on their own understanding according to the practical thinking of men, they began to complain and rebel against Moses and God. How often do we look at our situation and blame God and other people for getting in the way of the provision and plans we have made in our own minds.
Exodus 14:10-12
10 As Pharaoh approached, the Israelites looked up, and there were the Egyptians, marching after them. They were terrified and cried out to the Lord. 11 They said to Moses, “Was it because there were no graves in Egypt that you brought us to the desert to die? What have you done to us by bringing us out of Egypt? 12 Didn’t we say to you in Egypt, ‘Leave us alone; let us serve the Egyptians’? It would have been better for us to serve the Egyptians than to die in the desert!”
Our “Responsible” Ways, Our “Holy” Plans, Our “Intelligent” Logic Can Lead To Witchcraft?!
The Israelites had really good logical and practical reasons to be afraid. Some would even categorize their worry as being reasonable and “responsible”. But God sees it very differently. He calls this type of thinking unfaithfulness because it leads to murmuring and complaining which is equal to witchcraft.
The murmurer is a mutineer. The Israelites are called in the same text “murmurers” and “rebels” (Numbers 17:10); and is not rebellion as the sin of witchcraft? (1 Samuel 15:23). Thou that art a murmurer art in the account of God as a witch, a sorcerer, as one that deals with the devil.
Bible Hub – Murmuring Against God
Notice how in Exodus 14 the Israelites were worried about their provision and safety. They began to sink into their own understanding. As a result, they began to blame God and the people who were listening to God (Moses). Hince the rebellious witchcraft. God appointed Moses, and the people started to complain against Him. They were even starting to convince themselves that they would be better off remaining an Egyptian slave.
Without realizing it we can fall into the same trap as the Israelites did and begin to think serving the enemy is more desirable than the living the God (Jesus) who is rescuing us. Take heart and be still, we are forgiven. God understands our minds are a work-in-progress.
Colossians 1:21
21 Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior.
Notice, we were only enemies in our own minds. Sometimes our understanding leads to us being an enemy of God. But it is only in our own minds. This calls for repentance. The literal word repentance in the Greek is μετάνοια (metanoia). Which literally means “change your mind.
Be Still & Know He Is God
Exodus 14:13-14
13 Moses answered the people, “Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the Lord will bring you today. The Egyptians you see today you will never see again. 14 The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.”
God loves us. More than we love ourselves. Like the Israelites, It’s sometimes easier for us to get upset, play the blame game and put ourselves into a slave mentality. God wants us to be still and let God do miracles for us. If we disobey this truth our understanding can lead us to frustration and rebellion. As result, we start to sow into the flesh. The good news is Grace super abounds where sin abounds. Let Him part that Red Sea for you.
God Is For You Not Against You
Chances are you and God have the same, or at least similar objectives in life. You both want what is best for you, you both want to be free and you both want to do good things for His Kingdom. But the only difference is HOW God wants to do good for you and HOW He accomplishes Kingdom objectives through you. God has huge plans for your life that are way more complex than you can imagine.
Ephesians 3:20
20 Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us…
His Will Be Done, Not Ours
We all have our goals, wants, and needs. We are living in an educated society where we know how to accomplish many things. But God wants to accomplish things in our lives in a way no man can boast. He wants to make it obvious it was Him accomplishing things through us not us accomplishing things for Him.
Take courage where sin abounds grace super abounds. Jesus died for your sins and was raised from the dead to set us free. Us believers are deeply loved and highly favored. Have no fear Jesus is in control.
