The Mercy of God

And you said, "The Lord our God has shown us his glory and his majesty, and we have heard his voice from the fire. Today we have seen that a man can live even if God speaks with him.
-Deuteronomy 5:24

The people came confessing; we’ve seen the glory, we’ve heard His voice, and yet we have been spared. Here we see God’s people finally coming to understand an extremely important truth; God’s first and foremost concern is that people find salvation. People sometimes mistakenly believe that God is just sitting there waiting to strike them down. One wrong move and you’re going to get it! They perversely believe that God takes pleasure in bringing judgment upon people. Nothing could be further from the truth. II Peter 3:9 says, “The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.” God desires that people be saved. That is why Christ Jesus came into the world. Jesus said in John 3:17 “For God did not send His son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through Him.” When we realize this we learn about the grace, mercy, and compassion of God. If God didn’t love us He would have already destroyed us, and believe me He can do it with one breath from His nostril or one wave of His hand. Such is the power of Almighty God. But God has instead chosen to redeem us through Jesus Christ. You see, if God punished me according to what I deserved, I wouldn’t have salvation at all. I would be lost, condemned, and separated from God. But God in His mercy sent Christ to die on the cross and pay the penalty for our sins. Instead of condemning us, He has adopted us as His very own children, and as His children He loves and cares for us. He will not abandon us during the trials of life.
Stop and thank God for His mercy, and give thanks for all the blessings God has provided. By faith and through His strength we can overcome life's struggles, for God is with us. Those who seek the Lord will find mercy, and will be empowered to move forward - to victory.