Over the past several weeks at Medina Community Church, we have been talking about fruitfulness—abiding in Christ and allowing Him to produce fruit in our lives. We have celebrated baptisms, welcomed new families, and watched God work in encouraging ways.
But as Moses reminds us in Deuteronomy 8, seasons of blessing come with a danger.
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Most of us assume our greatest spiritual battles happen during difficult times. We think hardship, loss, and adversity are the biggest threats to our faith. Yet Moses warns that prosperity can be just as dangerous—perhaps even more so.
As Israel prepared to enter the Promised Land, Moses repeatedly gave them the same instruction:
“Remember.”
Remember how God led you through the wilderness.
Remember how He provided for you when you had nothing.
Remember the lessons He taught you when you were forced to depend on Him.
The wilderness was not wasted time. It was a classroom where God taught His people to trust Him.
Then Moses gives a warning:
“Beware.”
Beware that when life becomes comfortable, you do not forget the Lord.
When the bills are paid, the pantry is full, and life seems to be going well, it is easy to slowly drift into self-sufficiency. Most people do not intentionally walk away from God. More often, they simply stop remembering how much they need Him.
Finally, Moses tells God’s people how to respond:
“Bless the Lord your God.”
In other words, respond with gratitude.
Gratitude keeps our hearts soft. It reminds us that every good gift comes from God. It shifts our focus from the blessings we enjoy to the God who provides them.
Most importantly, this passage points us to Jesus. Israel often failed in the wilderness, but Jesus succeeded where they failed. When tempted in the wilderness, He trusted His Father completely and quoted Deuteronomy 8:3:
“Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.”
Because of Christ’s faithfulness, we can find forgiveness for our failures and strength to walk faithfully with Him.
A Question to Consider
What has God done in your life that you have started to take for granted?
Take a few moments this week to remember His faithfulness, thank Him for His blessings, and renew your dependence on Him.
Remember.
Beware.
Respond.
And don’t forget what the Lord has done.
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