Psalm 99:8 –
O Lord our God, you answered them. You were a forgiving God to them, but you punished them when they went wrong.
The Psalmist is talking about the nation of Israel and how God gave them many prophets and leads he spoke through. This is one of those simple math problems God gives us; if you follow Me your prayers will be answered … otherwise if you stray I will punish you. This is so easy to say but so hard to follow. Even when following scripture we can take things out of context and form them to our own personal agenda.
I hear this on the radio from time to time and mostly with the “prosperity preachers”. Many use Matthew 21:22; “you can pray for anything, and if you have faith, you will receive it.” Interestingly Jesus was going to get food and came across a barren fig tree. Where he commanded and it withered up. This was his response to the disciples who asked him “how.” Jesus did not get what he hungered for but he destroyed a tree. So you may not always get exactly what you think you want!
Anyway I a straying off a bit this morning my point was how difficult it is to follow unless you strive to know God. The best way is to dive in a study the Bible! If you know the Word of God it’s easier to stay on track and not go wrong. My reading comes with a ton of questions and I believe God desires our hearts to keep asking questions so we can learn more. Israel strayed within generations of seeing great miracles, so don’t think your faith is so strong that you don’t need to dive into the Word and study it over and over again. I believe God wants us to earnestly follow and learn other than blindly follow. The more we study, the more our eyes clearly see God and the more prayer will be answered and forgiveness happens.