When God Gives Us Over -- A Warning from the Wilderness
In the wilderness, God showed His power and love to the Israelites again and again. He sent Moses to rescue them, performed the ten plagues in Egypt, parted the Red Sea, and led them with pillars of cloud and fire. His presence was unmistakable.
But the Israelites? They responded with constant complaints. When thirsty—they wanted to go back to Egypt. When hungry—back to Egypt. No meat? They grumbled. No garlic or onions? Still grumbling.
The Moment They Gave Up on God
One day, Moses went up the mountain to meet with God and was gone for forty days. The Israelites, thinking he might never return, asked Aaron to make them a new god—a golden calf they could see and worship. And what did God do?
“42 But God turned away and gave them over to worship the host of heaven…” (Acts 7:42)
That line is haunting: God turned away and gave them over.
Living With God vs. Living Together with God
Here’s the twist: God had never left them. He was always there. But they didn’t see Him. They were living near Him, but not with Him in the way that changes your heart. It’s the difference between sharing a house and sharing a life.
Because they didn’t live together with God, every problem made them panic. Every challenge made them long for slavery in Egypt. Miracles weren’t enough—because their hearts weren’t close to God.
Are We Any Different?
We face trials too. They may look different—relationship struggles, job stress, health concerns—but the test is the same: Will we draw near to God or turn away?
If we respond with frustration, self-pity, or neglecting our time with God, we’re slowly choosing the path of being “given over.”
And when God gives someone over, it doesn’t always come with thunder and lightning. Sometimes, it sounds like silence.
A Personal Story About “Letting Go”
When I was a kid, I was lazy about homework—especially the optional kind. One time, my mom told me I had to do some extra assignments. I argued. She got quiet, then said something I’ll never forget:
“Do whatever you want. It’s your life. I’m done reminding you. You’ll deal with the results yourself.”
I remember feeling weirdly free at first. But then the fear hit: Will she still wake me up tomorrow? Will she cook dinner? What if she really stops caring?
I ended up doing the homework—and not just doing it, but leaving it “accidentally” open on the table, so she’d notice.
Because deep down, we all know: being left alone by someone who loves you is terrifying.
When Love Lets Go
If that’s how we feel about a parent’s silence, how much more should we tremble at the thought of God turning His face away?
God’s “giving over” isn’t petty. It’s not abandonment—it’s love respecting your freedom. But that doesn’t make it any less painful.
So What Can We Do?
The answer isn’t to try harder or be perfect. The answer is Jesus.
Because of Jesus’ sacrifice, we can draw near to God no matter what. He took upon Himself the “giving over” we deserved, so we never have to experience that separation again. He opened the way for us to come boldly to God—to receive mercy, forgiveness, and grace.
So let’s not merely live near God. Let’s walk with Him—through prayer, through honest reflection, through humble repentance.
Not just in the good seasons, but especially in the desert.
Author’s Note: This article was originally written for the Sunday gathering on April 13, 2025. The version you are reading here has been lightly edited with the help of ChatGPT to improve grammar and clarity, while preserving the original message and intent.