But even after this, Jeroboam did not turn from his evil ways. He continued to choose priests from the common people. He appointed anyone who wanted to become a priest for the pagan shrines. This became a great sin and resulted in the utter destruction of Jeroboam’s dynasty from the face of the earth. [1 Kings 13.33-34]
Bad things happen to good people, right? No, not at all.
Where we ever got that notion is a mystery... not. We got this notion because our proud, evil and deceptive hearts offered it (and keeps offering it) as an attempt to keep us from repenting.
Repentance is the foundation of faith. Faith is the only thing that pleases God.
Just like Satan lied to Eve in the Garden of Eden, he continues to lie to humans today convincing them that they do not need to repent in their sufferings - "bad things just happen to good people." And, when he convinces them to remain unrepentant, there is no way they can be faithful - no matter how religious they appear on the outside. The unrepentant are therefore faithless, and, consequently, powerless. Hello Church of the 21st century.
Without repentance, there is no faith. Without faith there is no pleasing God. Without pleasing God, there are no blessings - no power.
Father, the Bible is clear about repentance and faith and power. I confess that my proud, evil and deceptive heart has betrayed me over and over. Please forgive me, show me my heart (because only You know it), accept my repentance, and set my life on course with and in Your favor and therefore Your blessings.
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