“Then the ugly and thin cows ate up the seven beautiful and fat cows… The withered heads of grain swallowed up the seven plump and full heads. Then Pharaoh woke up; it was a dream” (Genesis 41:4, 7).
This dream of Pharaoh brings a powerful warning to all of us: the best years of our lives, the greatest spiritual experiences, and the most glorious victories can be swallowed up by periods of disobedience and distance from God. Many started well, achieved great spiritual victories, and were powerful instruments in the Lord’s hands, but allowed negligence and lack of vigilance to cause them to lose everything. There is nothing sadder than seeing a servant of God, who has already experienced the glory of obedience and divine blessings, being overcome by spiritual coldness and uselessness in the Kingdom.
But this tragedy can and should be avoided. The only guarantee of safety against this spiritual decline is renewed and continuous contact with God. It is not enough to have a past of faithfulness; it is necessary to live in obedience every day. Only those who maintain a constant relationship with the Father through obedience to His powerful Law will remain steadfast and will not be devoured by times of spiritual drought. The thin cows and withered heads of grain will have no place in the life of those who remain faithful to the Lord, for God sustains and strengthens those who walk according to His will.
If we want to avoid spiritual failure, we need to choose today and every day to obey. We cannot depend on past experiences, but rather on a constant and renewed commitment to God and His Word. Only then will we remain fruitful and full, continually growing in the presence of the Father and the Son. -Adapted from Lettie B. Cowman. See you tomorrow, if the Lord allows us.
Pray with me: Dear God, it is true that the best moments of my spiritual life can be lost if I do not remain vigilant in Your presence. I know that it is not enough to have a past of faithfulness; I need to daily renew my commitment to You so that my faith does not weaken. Teach me to live in constant obedience to Your holy Law, so that the years of drought and distance may never have power over me.
My Father, today I ask You to guard my heart from spiritual negligence. I do not want to be overcome by coldness, nor allow disobedience to destroy the blessings I have already received from You. Give me a vigilant spirit and a burning desire to seek You continually. May my faith not rely on past experiences, but on a living and growing relationship with You, founded on obedience and love for Your will.
Oh, Most Holy God, I adore and praise You because You sustain those who choose to walk according to Your ways. Thank You because in You I find strength to persevere and continue bearing fruit. May my life always be marked by faithfulness and steadfastness in Your Word, so that no time of drought can separate me from You. Your beloved Son is my eternal Prince and Savior. Your powerful Law never leaves me confused. Your commandments are the gentle melody that calms the storms within me. I pray in the precious name of Jesus, amen.
