Withstand God?

"Who was I that I could withstand God?"
~ Acts 11:17 (NKJV)

But it displeased Jonah exceedingly, and he became angry. So he prayed to the LORD, and said, "Ah, LORD, was not this what I said ...? For I know that You are a gracious and merciful God, slow to anger and abundant in lovingkindness, One who relents from doing harm."
~ Jonah 4:1-2 (NKJV)

"The true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for the Father is seeking such to worship Him."
~ John 4:23 (NKJV)

In Acts 10-11, the Lord challenges Peter to expand his view of God beyond limitations of Jewish law and tradition, and Peter is compelled to yield his preconception.

Who is God to you? Which attribute stands above others as absolute?
Do you have room for a harmoniously contrasting attribute to be just as absolute? Do you attempt to withstand God if contrasts in His nature conflict with your agenda (as did Jonah)?

Our Father's limitless love allows pain to discipline us. Our ruthless Judge requires retribution and mercifully provides it. The Lord's sovereign will cannot be frustrated, yet He ordains human will and forces Himself on no one. The holy King suffers the existence of rebellious evil to manifest His goodness and patience. The terrifying Lion of Judah is the gentle Lamb of God.

Regardless of how we see Him, I AM is true to Himself. True worshipers worship Him in truth.

God of mercy, we long withstood Your grace, long provoked You to Your face. You yet withhold judgment and patiently love us. Please grant to each of us reading these words a richer understanding of who You are, that we might more fully worship and love You.

Feedback invited. Post to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com. Copyright 2009, Anne Lang Bundy