Turning away from my idols and to God

I give thanks to God for speaking to me about my spiritual whoredom through the sermon series on Hosea. I would like to take this opportunity to share some of my reflections.

The Lord reminded me that I had forsaken God and put one hundred percent of my energy in pursuing financial stability. I had desired to switch to part time work since last year so that I could have more time for God and my family. I even asked Pastor Adrian to pray for me on this matter. However, I changed my mind when I got the approval from my employer. I was not willing to give up my current lifestyle. I rationalized that I needed to spend a lot on my daughter’s enrichment classes, support my parents and save up for my old age.

Pastor Rick reminded us in one of the Hosea sermons that modern days of idolatry can be certain principles or belief systems we uphold that govern the world. This is so true in my case. I was very busy sending my daughter for different enrichment classes because I wanted to secure a better future for her by ensuring she remains competitive. Instead of spending time with her on God’s Word, I used my own ways to help her achieve worldly skills and competencies. Just like the Israelites, I have failed to pass down my faith to my daughter.

The fact is that, we do not know what tomorrow will bring. There is no guarantee that our certificates and skills will ensure us a better future. Our loved ones can only be well and safe under the mighty wing of God. Psalms 118: 9 says: “It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in princes”. May the Lord help us and give us faith to invest our time and energy in eternal ways.

In the days of peace and prosperity, I am so busy enjoying earthly pleasures that I forget God is the one who provides and protects. In the days of peace and prosperity, I don’t have any daily struggles of wrestling with materialism, sensuality and pride because I have already surrendered to all these idols. It is true in my case that the days of peace and prosperity are the days of spiritual adultery and compromises. When earthly commitments fought to get my time and energy, I had always sacrificed God.

By God’s grace, although I withdrew in my relationship with Him, He never ceased caring and providing for me and my family. Looking back, has God failed to provide for me and my loved ones? No! not even once! Though I am faithless, He remained faithful even when I disowned him. May the Lord forgive me and help me to put Him as my daily priority.

At the start of Hosea series, Pastor Rick asked us about our motivations to love God. It is good that we turn back to God when we are overwhelmed by life’s challenges. But it is more beautiful that we turn to Him every moment in peaceful and prosperous times.

I will use Titus 2: 11-12 as a conclusion for this sharing: “For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men. It teaches us to say ‘No’ to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age”. May the Lord help us to turn away from our idols and stay close to Him every moment in our life.

By sister Qin Ting