There are two sides to a human, the flesh side and the faith side. All too often our flesh side takes over, and what we end up with is a Christian who has locked God in the closet!

The most common times that our flesh has an opportunity to take over is when we are going through a trial or waiting on God. 

I know that I have been talking about Jacob a lot, but I’m going to use his life as an example again.

When Jacob was born, God made a promise to him. He said (Genesis 25: 23), “Two nations are in your womb; And two peoples shall be separated from your body; And one people shall be stronger then the other; And the older shall serve the younger.” Around the age of 40* Jacob got tired of waiting on God. His flesh took over, and he decided to take matters into his own hands. As he made up the lentil stew, he was probably thinking, “God promised me, but maybe I need to take matters into my own hands. I’ll just speed  God up a bit.” And so Jacob turns to his flesh and begins his life of trickery. It takes all of Jacob’s life for God to fulfill the promise he made in the first place.   

When God makes a promise, He is going to keep that promise. It might take a while, but God is not liar! When we turn to our flesh, and basically stick God out of sight, then we are postponing his promises. 

God allows trials in our lives for two different reasons – to test our faith and to offer a choice between our way and His. If we choose to wait in faith, then God will take care of us. 

“And ye shall eat in plenty, and be satisfied, and praise the name of the LORD your God, that hath dealt wondrously with you: and my people shall never be ashamed.” Joel 2:26

“You will go out in joy and be led forth in peace; the mountains and hills will burst into song before you, and all the trees of the field will clap their hands.” Isaiah 55:12 

“I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you.” John 14:18

“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” Romans 8:28

Our society is based around speed. Every appliance has been made to save us time. The faster you move, though, the harder it is to hear God’s whisper. Maybe if we slowed down, we would be able to tell the difference between the flesh and faith. When we are in pace with God, life’s decisions won’t seem as blurred as when we are racing with the world. 

God works everything for good, even the bad things! If you love Him, He will safely keep you, and bring all the situations you encounter to good.

* Dr. David Jeremiah theorizes that Jacob was around 40 or 50 when his stole Esau’s birthright.