Tag: Abandonment

Devotionals

Living in Nod

Loring Schultz

“So Cain left the LORD’s presence and settled in the land of Nod, east of Eden.”  Genesis 4:16 NLT

            One of the most tragic verses in all of Scripture is found in the very first book of the Bible, the Old Testament book of Genesis. The results of leaving the presence of the Lord is to live a life in the land of Nod, a life of wandering. The familiar story of Cain and Abel is well-known even among occasional church goers. It is a story of jealousy between siblings leading to the first murder in history. It is a story of obedience and disobedience. It is a story of anger when one does not get their own way, and it is a story of the consequences when one turns their back on God doing their own thing without acknowledging who He is.

            Although this story appears at the beginning of human history, it is still found and very active in our present day. Certainly not all wanderers have murdered a brother or sister, but all who wander have rejected God in one form or another. There are two types of wanderers, those who have never accepted Christ as their Savoir, rejecting His plan of Salvation, and then there are those who are born again, but find themselves turning their backs on God by ignoring His guidance and living their life on their own terms.

            The truth of the matter is, living every day without God in your life is living in the land of Nod, the land of wandering. We were created in the image of God and made to have a relationship with Him. If we are not in a relationship with the one who made us, how could we be anything but unsatisfied with life wandering about seeking true contentment?

            Living in Nod is living outside the presence of God, but God is aware and see us even as we are not living before Him. Wherever you are today, give up your wandering by turning back to God and allow Him to lead your life. If you have never turned to God do so now and accept His Son Jesus for Salvation. Live in God’s presence and turn away from living in Nod.

Read the story of Cain and Abel: https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis+4%3A1-16&version=NLT

Devotionals

Straining at the Oars

Loring Schultz

“He saw the disciples straining at the oars.” Mark 6:48a NIV

            Have you ever felt abandoned from the Lord, especially in tough times? You may be facing difficulties at your work place with 8 hour days are turning into 12 hours days and no relief in sight. You’re studying for a college degree and can’t keep up with the assignment load. You’re a young mother with a houseful of children all wanting and needing your attention. There are yet many other tough time scenarios we can apply, just pick the one that fits you best. But rest assured the Lord has not abandoned you, in fact He always has His eye on you.

            Jesus’s disciples were put in a situation where it appeared to them they were abandoned. Jesus sent them out ahead of Him by boat to Bethsaida across the Sea of Galilee, while He spent time alone in prayer with His Father. What should have been a relatively short trip was turning into an over 8 hour trip with constant wind not in their favor. The wind was carrying the boat towards the center of the lake instead of maintaining a straight course one or two miles off shore. Imagine what thoughts would have been going through the minds of the disciples. Perhaps the same thoughts we have in strenuous times.

            The Bible explains to us Jesus saw the difficulty His disciples were having and also when He first saw what was happening. “Later that night, (when evening came) the boat was in the middle of the lake, and he was alone on land. He saw the disciples straining at the oars, because the wind was against them. Shortly before dawn he went out to them, walking on the lake” (Mk. 6:47-48) ‘When evening came’ was sunset around 6pm. Jesus did not come out to them until dawn early the next morning. He came out to them walking on the water.

            During your long struggling difficult days never lose sight that our Lord Jesus never loses sight of you while ‘straining at the oars,’ but He is watching and will be there with the help we need. You’re not abandoned. Learn to put your trust in Him for He sees, He hears, and He’ll be there.