Do This Or Else

How many of us give God ultimatums? When we ask for specific actions by specific times or dates or proof of a personal sign from Him, those sound like ultimatums. Or if we hear God asking us to do something we’re scared to do, we attach more than a “yes” to our answer. If God nudges me to do something, if my “I will” to that request is always connected to “when I want to”, I will always be disobedient. If I say “I will” and it is connected to “when you do” such and such, I am being disobedient and giving God ultimatums.

How often do I say “yes” to God and I have a connection to it? I you say “yes” as long as He follows my stipulations. Again, I have been disobedient and giving Him ultimatums.

When we pray, do we ask and ask and ask God for something and we whine about it until we get it? Again, are we giving him an ultimatum that we won’t quiet down until we get what we want.

What is an ultimatum? It comes from “ultimus ” which means “last possible” or “final”.  It’s a final demand or statement of terms. What if God were to give us an ultimatum? An eternal ultimatum with no second chances and no more time to make a decision?? His ultimatum is to accept His salvation and grace, or to reject Him and face the consequences of our sins

Giving God ultimatums is not true faith. It reverses the creator – creature relationship by putting us in supposed control. It’s a desperate attempt to take control when we’re not getting our way. When we learn to surrender instead of giving Him ultimatums, we accept God’s sovereignty rather than trying to force His hand.

If He has not yet accomplished what you’ve been wanting him to do in your life and with your life, don’t give him ultimatums but trust He knows what is best for us. You may not like it, but you can trust Him anyway. Pray in humility because He is greater than whatever you give Him an ultimatum about.

God gives us 2 ultimatums. His ultimatums are rooted in love.” I place before you life and death, blessing and curse, and command you to choose life.” Deut. 30:19

“Choose for yourselves this day, whom you will serve...” Joshua 24:15