God never drives us; instead it is an invitation. Many of the spiritual greats saw themselves as courtesans, those invited into the court of the king. And, God invites us...inside, as we invite Him...inside.
From Moses looking at the Glory train from the cleft of the rock, to Jesus describing Himself as the Good Shepherd, God is always previous, preparing the way for you. Even if you find yourself dealing with pain, rejection and uncertainty, you can be sure that God is there.
How can I say that? Because when I believed in belief alone, when I hoped in hope alone, it was just a wish. Bur as I get to know the God of the Universe, I realize that His ways are not my ways, and His thoughts are not my thoughts. As He prepares that way for me, my personal destiny, I learn some of His ways.
1 - He is a God of breakthrough. From the miraculous rescue at the Exodus, to the most recent confession of faith in Jesus Christ, the moment of salvation, of rescue, appears often at what is our "midnight" hour. However in the 400 years of waiting for deliverance from slavery, as in the 400 years of intertestmental history, God was always there, always previous, preparing the way. (cp Galatian 4:4, 19)
Ever notice that when you impatiently waiting at a red light, that the light always turns green at the maximum level of your impatience? Hmmmm....
2 - He is a God of "suddenlies". At that 12th hour, at that moment of what seems like last hope, we see the good hand of the Lord. So often in Mark's Gospel account, we see the word "immediately." "He is not slow to fulfil his promises as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance." (2 Peter 3:9) So in God's big picture, He is always doing the right thing at the right time, although it might feel like a long time for us.
3 - He is a God who leads. God is always out ahead of us. He doesn't need to be briefed, catch up on His emails, or a read a recent bio on your situation. He knows all about it. Jesus knows the thoughts of a man. (Matthew 9:3,4; Psalm 94:11) Because of His all-knowing nature, this is how He is living out ahead of us. This is why righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Sprit converge on us when we are in the will of God, when our will is aligned with His, we're no longer off course! Jesus is the Good Shepherd, calling His sheep by name, inviting them to good pasture. He's out front, protecting you, fending off wolves, taking the hits. That's what the cross is all about.
So invite the Lord of the universe to be the king of you. God makes Himself evident in Jesus Christ, His own flesh-and-blood demonstration of His loving leadership.
Everybody ought to follow Jesus. Be blessed today, stay inspired, keep hope alive, and the faith fires burning!
pax Christi,
sp
