Years ago, evangelist James Robison's ministry
was in desperate need of financial help. In what appeared to be an answer to
prayer, someone donated over a million dollars’ worth of ancient artifacts
that could be sold to meet the ministry’s financial obligations.
On the day the collectors were to purchase the
relics, God spoke to James’ heart that the artifacts were idols that needed to
be destroyed. Although the items would bring top dollar with those interested
in fine art, they had been used in pagan worship in foreign countries.
What would you have done?
You have a large ministry in need of help. Surely it would be for the good of
the kingdom to take this gift and pay off the bills. But James refused to trust
in the idols to provide for his ministry. In what appeared to be insane from
man’s point of view, James and the donor broke them into pieces and threw them
into a lake.
Even though James was in a
financial crisis, he knew God couldn’t bless his ministry if he trusted idols
to meet his needs. His stand for uncompromising integrity also set an
unforgettable example of not bowing down to idols. Today James' ministry, LIFE Outreach International, is blessing the
world with both food and the gospel. This would not be the case if he had
placed his faith in an idol.
The apostle John wrote, “Little
children, guard yourself from idols.” An idol is anything that is more important to you than God. Could a career be an idol? Maybe. How about a hobby? It’s quite
possible. You have to check your own heart to see if there
are any idols in there (Ezek. 14:3-7).
BIBLE STUDY “Is
it possible to resist God’s grace?”
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Making Life Count Ministries
P.O. Box 680174
Prattville, Alabama 36068-0174
www.makinglifecount.net Twitter: @KentCrockett
www.kentcrockett.blogspot.com
