God Sets Your Limits

“God Sets Your Limits” by Kirk Hunt

 

And the LORD said unto Satan, Behold, he is in thine hand; but save his life.

Job 2:6 KJV

 

Job lost his wealth in Chapter 1. The donkeys and oxen were rustled. The camels stolen. The sheep incinerated. Worst of all, his children died in a tornado.

 

I can not imagine Job’s grief, heartache and distress. Still, in the middle of loss and devastation, Job went in faith to God. Without hesitation. Without doubt.

 

In ultimate cruelness, the enemy of Job’s soul looked for more to take. He wanted to push Job past his limits. God, the lover of our souls, set limits on what Job would endure. In Chapter 2, Job lived through painful boils and scabs, on top of his other losses.

 

God, omniscient and sovereign, sets your limits. Believe it or not, this is good news. Even when it seems that you are beyond what you can endure, you are within what God allows for your life.

 

Often, that feels like the “scary version.” Do not be fooled. God has limited what will come. Even when it feels you can not endure more. Especially when you think the load is too much for any human, yet alone you.

 

We know the ending of Job’s story. He lived to raise a second set of children, and held even greater wealth. You may not know the ending of your story, but you know who writes your life. And it will be good news.

 

Think: God, who loves me, sets my limits.

 

Pray: “Father-God, help me to trust You and the limits You set for my life.”

 

 

Copyright © March 2011, Kirk Hunt

Live Secure

“Live Secure” by Kirk Hunt

 

Though he [God] slay me, yet will I hope in him; I will surely defend my ways to his face.

Job13:15 (NIV)

 

Job’s painful sores and boils did not trigger his anger. Grief over his dead children did not provoke Job’s outburst. Job’s explosion in the 13th chapter is a reaction to an accusation. Job’s “friends” accused him of secret, deliberate sin.

 

Despite all of Job’s pain and losses, the slander hurt Job most. Job responded in anger and indignation against the idea he willfully sinned against God. Secure in his life and relationship with God, Job made one of the boldest statements in Scripture.

 

Job’s faith in God, even at this incredible low spot in his life, had not been shaken. Job could not see the rhyme or reason of his circumstances, but he would continue to trust God. Even if that meant facing his own death. Even if he had to account for himself before God’s judgment seat.

 

Job lived secure. Secure in his faith. Secure in his life.

 

How secure are you? Are you certain of your faith? Is your lifestyle above reproach?

 

Can you shake off accusations and indictments? Are you willing to face God’s judgment here and now? If not, it is time to fortify your life and soul.

 

Think: Integrity leads to security in your own life and before God.

 

Pray: “Father-God, help me to seek Your holiness and live securely in You.”

 

 

Copyright © March 2011, Kirk Hunt

Men Of Integrity

“Men Of Integrity” by Kirk Hunt

 

And Nathan departed unto his house.

2 Samuel 12: 15a (KJV)
(Please read 2 Samuel 12:1-15)

 

Nathan humiliated David, a warrior-king. In front of the royal court, the prophet spoke God’s truth without hesitation or restraint. Then he stood there, watching for David’s reaction.

 

Speaking truth to power is a display of integrity. It takes courage to accuse and confront a man with David’s warrior credentials and royal prerogatives. Nathan knew David could order his death and chose to obey God anyway.

 

Repenting after God’s rebuke is a display of integrity. It takes courage to confess and repent in front of a crowd. David chose to retain his relationship with God rather than impress the courtiers.

 

Being a man or woman of integrity is not easy. It requires tough choices. It requires choosing to do what is right rather than what is convenient. Or less humiliating.

 

“You are the man.” Nathan’s love for God led him to speak the truth, rather than compromise. A powerful display of integrity.

 

The prophet walked calmly home. David’s love for God protected Nathan from retaliation. An authentic display of integrity.

 

You have choices today: God’s way or something less. Your choice reveals your integrity. Display the integrity that honors God.

 

Think: Integrity is about doing the right thing, no matter what.

 

Pray: “Father-God, help me to respond per Your Word and Way, no matter what.”

 

 

Copyright © March 2011, Kirk Hunt

You Are The Man

“You Are The Man” by Kirk Hunt


And David’s anger was greatly kindled against the man; and he said to Nathan, As the LORD liveth, the man that hath done this thing shall surely die: And Nathan said to David, Thou art the man.

2 Samuel 12: 5, 7a (KJV)
(Please read 2 Samuel 12:1-14)


The parable of the greedy rich man incited righteous indignation and sanctimonious anger in David. The king wanted to seek justice against such a gross and merciless sinner. At that moment, Nathan sprung God’s ambush on David.


At this point in his life, David had written a great number of Psalms. He clearly knew and understood Scripture. David could even boast of a deep and intimate relationship with God.


Could David think God would not notice his adultery and the cover-up murder? Did David think his history gave him a license to sin? Perhaps David expected being king exempted him from accountability?


Nathan boldly confronted the king on his throne and in front of the court. The parable served to strip away the illusions that shielded David from his sins. Caught in his own error, David pronounced the very sentence he ought to suffer.


No matter what you have been through, you are not excused. No matter how high you have risen, you remain accountable. “Don’t be that guy (or gal).”


Think: No matter where I have been, or where I am, I remain accountable.


Pray: “Father-God, help me to turn from sin; right here, right now.”



Copyright © March 2011, Kirk Hunt