More From Bob LaForge

The longer that I have been a Christian the more I have realized how important it is to obey God, to resist sin, and to do what is right. Throughout my life, I have had expectations of what God should do and when, and if God does not meet those expectations, then I have the right to do whatever I can to meet those needs myself. But I have realized that what is more important than meeting my own wants is to do what is right and let God take care of the results. And I have noticed that when I do that, God is honored, the gospel is better received, and I am more satisfied.

I always wanted to marry and have children, but nothing worked out. It was not until I was 43 that I finally married and, after many struggles and disappointments for five years, we finally had two wonderful twin daughters. God came through in God’s timing.

I always thought that I should have had a more dynamic and high-powered career. But after moving from department to department, I realized that I am quite content and satisfied with where my career has taken me. I may not be a CEO making a ton of money, but I am content with my salary, and I get to spend a lot of time with my family, which is more important anyway. So after years of wondering why God has not taken me further on the career path, I now realize that God was right all along.

Sins that I made excuses for and justified, I finally said “enough” and determined to do what is right instead. The clear conscience and freedom that has given to me has been a fountain of refreshment.

Ultimately, it comes down to recognizing that God really does know what he is doing and that God does want the best for my life. Many times I may not cooperate, and that is to my determent. But God is patient. Remember in the book of Jonah how Jonah disobeyed God and fled in the opposite direction? After Jonah repented and was vomited up by the fish, it says in Jonah 3:1, “Now the word of the Lord came to Jonah the second time, saying…” We mess up; God gives us a second chance. We mess up again; God gives us a third chance. As long as we sincerely repent and truly desire to do what is right, God will continue to give us chances.

I would appreciate it if you would check out my website at www.disciplescorner.com. There is a section on Bible Literacy with a number of short sections on basic Bible doctrines intended to build a solid foundation in our lives. There are also several hundred devotionals and a number of Bible studies including one on the End Times and another on how to imitate Jesus.

I wrote three books all of which are free to read or download on my website. One book is on how to develop great relationships and another is on the attributes of God. The foundation of our Christian life, what keeps us going each day, is not how we feel, or if things are going well, but how well we know who and what God is. That is what will truly carry us through the valleys.

Know God, trust God, obey God, do what is right. The result will be an inner peace and an outer demonstration of the Gospel.