Do you know anyone who walks through life with a “holier than you” kind of attitude? It’s natural to want to feel superior to others and it’s easy to get a big head when God uses you to be a part of bringing in his kingdom. But beware of thinking too highly of yourself. “For God has shut up all mankind together in disobedience in order that he might show mercy to all.” (Romans 11:32) Not one of us can make it through even one day with no sinful act or thought.

God gave us the desire to be better so that we would strive to be like Jesus, but He left us in a pool of sin so that we would need and seek his mercy. “O the depth of the riches and the wisdom and knowledge of God!” (Romans 11:33) Have you ever recognized God’s mercy in your life? Mercy means that God does not give us what we deserve, which is the death penalty. He loves us too much to leave us where we take ourselves–He sees the dangers on the road ahead, things that we are unaware of. 

He sends us warnings in ways we don’t expect and often miss such as Balaam nearly did while he was traveling with the princes. His donkey saw the angel with the drawn sword but he didn’t. He was simply angry with his animal for not following directions which was God’s feeling about Balaam. But, in His mercy, He opened the donkey’s mouth to have a discussion with Balaam about the error of his ways. (Numbers 22:28-31) “Who has known the mind of ADONAI [the Lord]? Who has been his counselor?” (Romans 11:34) He will do what he knows you need to believe, have faith, courage, and motivation. 

Pay attention to the signs around you and expect God to be in them, “For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be the glory forever! Amen.” (Romans 11:36) Spoiler alert… He’s not hiding.