Ways To Give

The Choice Answer

Written by Julie Cosgrove

Are you waiting on God for something? Let us pray for you. 

“I will give you thanks, for you answered me; you have become my salvation.” (Psalm 118:21)

What was the question that David thanked God for answering?  I think it is the one we all ask. Are you there God and do you care about me? 

In so many ways He answers, “Yes I am and of course I do.”  He often responds with small moments.  It may be a bird singing, the words of Scripture, or a song’s lyrics at just the right moment. Perhaps it is a response to our deepest prayer we have yet to pray. However, in the din of this broken world it is sometimes hard to hear His voice. Our self-reliant ears become deafened.

Recently a friend sent me an email that told a story of two men standing in line to get coffee. One said he was a barber, the other a pastor. The barber asked the pastor how he could believe in God. “How could a loving God allow so much pain in the world?” he asked.  “He doesn’t exist.”  Just then a scraggly bearded, long-haired man walked in.

The pastor pointed to the man. “Well, maybe you barbers do not exist. If there were barbers, unkempt men would not be walking around.”

The barber splayed his hands out wide. “I can’t help it if they choose to not come to me.”

The pastor gave him a wry smile. “God feels the same way.”

What a cool answer!

I remembered my youth pastor stated that when he was in his teens, he decided he didn’t believe in God. Then, one day he realized he had been shaking his fist at someone he claimed was not real.  By saying, “I don’t care if my parents go to church, I don’t believe in You,” he was just acknowledging his choice, not confirming that God did not exist. In one stark, revealing, “Oh!” moment, he had his answer and gave his heart to Jesus.

I have heard it said that God is a gentleman. Yes, He opens doors for you, but he waits for you to ask. Jesus says in the Book of Revelation that he stands at the door and knocks. It is up to us to let Him inside.

Each day, I have the choice to allow Him to be the Lord over my life or not. I can follow His Spirit’s promptings or put Him back on the shelf, only to take Him down for a while as I pray or attend services. But somewhere along the way, something will happen.  Most likely it will be tragic, because it is often when we feel the most helpless that we look beyond ourselves. Will I have God with me holding my hand through it because I chose to walk His way?  Or, will I whisper through my searching tears, “Are you there God? Don’t you love me?”

If I have not chosen to follow Him that day, rest assured He will be perched on the shelf of my life, waiting for me to once again turn to Him so He can answer me, “Yes I am and of course I do.”

Father, Help me to choose to live for you, every day. Don’t let me believe the lie that I can do this on my own.  Gently remind me how much I need you and how much you love me.  Thank you that You never walk away, You are always ready and waiting to bring me home.  Amen.

 Question: Is God sitting on your life shelf waiting for you to choose to include Him in your daily walk?

 

 

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