Sour Grapes

by Dec 9, 2016Devotional0 comments

Proverbs 20:14 “It’s no good, it’s no good!” says the buyer– then goes off and boasts about the purchase.

      Why am I not being blessed like brother Barry? Doesn’t God know I needed that blessing more than he did? Why did God give that house to that family and not us? I have been begging God for a house for our family. Why did Mary get that job and I didn’t? Surely God knows Mary has more money than I do. Why don’t I get the blessings I need and everyone else is getting theirs? Why did Carolyn get healed? She only goes to church once a month. I go every Sunday and I’m still sick. 
      It almost sounds petulant and childish when hearing these complaints but nonetheless, they are voiced every day by God-fearing people who are stuck in the frustration of their faith. God’s answer to all these sour grape prayers is get the covetousness out of our talk and start believing God for real answers to faith-filled prayer. Heb. 13:5 Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. Saints, this life is not a reality show; it is reality.
      We live in a braggadocious and a one-up society where scamming and getting popular because of the art of that particular scam is applauded. This type of acceptable living is becoming our morning water-cooler or coffee-bar talk and viewing pleasure. The more outrageous and belligerent the act is, the faster it becomes available to viewers on a variety of social apps available to the whole world.
      Popularity by clicks and bites does not necessarily create an honest character. Some people think we can bring this fame and notoriety found on the world’s social media platform to the throne room of God and get special treatment. “Hey God! I have five hundred friends on this page and I need your blessing to improve my social status.” Prayer without faith can become redundant and the result is often a great big silence from heaven resulting in a sour grape attitude toward God and church.
 Prov. 19:3 The stupidity of a person turns his life upside down, and his heart rages against the LORD. 
      We need to learn how to rejoice in the blessing and prosperity of others without feeling we will be left out of God’s plan. We should not be comparing ourselves with others in the quantity of stuff attained in life or even ministries that have grown in the favor of God. Stop worrying about what you think people are getting away with. Psalm 37:7 Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him; do not fret when people succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes. 

      I like what Gloria Copeland says when she sees others being blessed. She says, “Praise the Lord the line is moving and my turn should be coming up soon.” No sour grapes there. She has learned to rejoice in the prosperity of others and we need this ability in our lives also. When our attitude is to help people get what they want in life, it will not be long before we get what we want for our lives. God is just and has put desires into our hearts. Psalm 20:4 May he give you the desire of your heart and make all your plans succeed. It is His good pleasure to give us His kingdom and the abilities to work within it. Luke 12:32 Fear not, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.

      There is no need to live in fear of being left out or having to resort to a schemer’s way of life to get by. We do not have to become so cunning as to trick people out of their livelihood to get ahead. Prov. 20:14 “It’s no good, it’s no good!” says the buyer– then goes off and boasts about the purchase. Our God is a giving God and asks that we come to Him in faith, asking for what we need to live and also grow in the dreams God has put within our hearts. God is not trying to take away our reason for existing; He is trying to help us grow and mature so we can fulfill our reason for living in Christ.

      There are no reasons for sour grapes in our lives when we approach God under His terms. The Lord is not impressed with our charisma or social standing. He is interested in our character of heart and love for His will in our lives. Don’t try and put your best foot forward. God already knows you too well and all your secrets. Just be you. Let us grow and mature in the love of God and not become infantile complainers, turning every event into a sour grape catastrophe because we did not get our way. Let us trust God and his thoughts toward us. He knows who we are and what we need. Jer. 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
Find Other Devotions About:

0 Comments

Submit a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Sir Norm’s Proverbial Comment

Stop Watering Dead Plants

Fear Of Normal

Proverbs 10:24 What the wicked fears will come upon him, but the desire of the righteous will be granted. The amazing transformation that took place in the mind, body, and soul of the madman of Gadara is a powerful demonstration of the love and power of Jesus Christ....

The Best Day Of My Life

Proverbs 4:18 But the path of the just is like the shining sun, that shines ever brighter unto the perfect day.              There are a lot of self-proclaimed gurus, life coaches, and mind-altering advisors these days vying for our attention. They claim we can create...

A Voice Of Understanding

Proverbs 8:1 Does not wisdom call out? Does not understanding raise her voice?         John 1:23 John replied in the words of Isaiah the prophet, “I am the voice of one calling in the wilderness, ‘Make straight the way for the Lord.’ ” There is a vast wilderness of...

Fooled By Tomorrow

Proverbs 3:28 Do not say to your neighbour, “Come back tomorrow and I’ll give it to you”— when you already have it with you.         I was talking with my friend David who over the last six months, has beat a few addictions and is still overcoming them day by day. I...

Honourable Mentions

Proverbs 18:24 A man who has friends must himself be friendly, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.              In the Pastoral Epistle of 2 Timothy 1 verses 16 to 18, there is an honourable mention of the help Paul received from Onesiphorus. Who...

Just A Blanket

Proverbs 18:17 There are two sides to every story. The first one to speak sounds true until you hear the other side and they set the record straight.          In the fall of 1998, I was trying to understand the war between the Serbs and Croats, and like most ethnic...

Oh Goodness

Proverbs 2:9 Then you will understand righteousness, justice, and integrity — every good path.       When God appeared to Moses in the wilderness, why didn't God show Moses His perfection, righteousness, justice, or holiness? Of all the attributes that God could have...

A Real Tell-All Book

Proverbs 20:19 One who goes about as a slanderer reveals secrets; therefore do not associate with a gossip.       I was shaking my head the other day when a news reporter was describing a new tell-all book about a person of celebrity status. The gist of the report was...

Satan Grins At Hidden Sins

Proverbs 28:13 He who conceals his sins will not prosper, but whoever confesses and renounces them will find mercy. I heard the expression, "We are as sick as our secrets.” and I was reminded of people who have chosen to walk in disobedience to God's directions and...

In Faith We Trust

Proverbs 13:13 He who despises the word will be destroyed, but he who fears the commandment will be rewarded.         Hebrews 11:6 But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who...

The Lie You Are Living

Proverbs 29:12 If a ruler pays attention to liars, all his advisers will be wicked.         The above proverb has an interesting twist to it. If I am living a lie, then my counsel or advice to myself will be corrupt because I will continue to propagate the lie I am...

Mythical Beings And Mysteries

Proverbs 14:12 There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.              Mythical beings that have risen from folklore and superstition throughout history are strange and sometimes comical. Centaurs, vampires, werewolves,...

AudioReads

Darkness Bleeds

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qvnlBYHLQb0 It is easy to flow with the crowd. Make up your own mind on what you see going on in people's lives.

Spiritually Empty

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CrzTcPZcWQ8   If you find yourself spiritually empty, then fill yourself up with God and all that He has for you.

God In A Box

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nFLy9PTBMNI We cannot contain God within any human device or box. However, we can have Him live in our hearts. How great is that?