If
I've spent a lot of time lamenting past mistakes. 'If only I hadn't done
this. If only I HAD done that. If only, if only, if only.
But I didn't. I cannot change the past. I cannot change myself. But because the
desire is in me to grow and change, He is the One who can.
"My son, IF you accept my words and store up my commands within you, listening
closely to wisdom and directing your heart to understanding; furthermore, IF you
call out to insight and lift your voice to understanding, IF you seek it like
silver and search for it like hidden treasure, then you will understand the fear
of the LORD and discover the knowledge of God. Proverbs 2:1-5" (HCSB)
I thought I'd been doing this, but on closer examination, I have NOT been
seeking His word and savoring it like I should have. IF it were REALLY important
to me, nothing else could intrude. Nothing else would be more important-and I
find that I can find every excuse in the book to put that time with Him off for
another hour. It's only when I'm truly desperate that I cry out-and lately that
has been a lot. Hmmm…wonder if there's some sort of lesson there? Well, heck
yeah!
It's a treasure hunt. Remember those stories about the people who turned their
worlds inside out looking for a lost coin or a pearl of great price? I've spent
some time on my hands and knees, not in prayer, but looking for the stone out of
that bracelet. Looking for an earring-because it's REAL GOLD, after all! The
ironic thing about those instances? When I've prayed, 'Please Lord, help me find
my glasses/keys/earring/insurance card-He has. They've almost magically appeared
out of nowhere. He will put a thought in my head and I'll KNOW where those
things are.
Why should it be any different when it comes to His word? Why do I find myself
glazing over when I should be PORING over the wonderful concepts that He has for
me? When I spend time with others in that pursuit, I'm amazed at the insights He
brings-but do I do it on my own? Not nearly often enough.
IF you accept my WORDS and STORE up my commands within you. Listen and direct
your HEART to understanding. SEEK it like silver, SEARCH for it like hidden
treasure. Those are the keys to UNDERSTANDING-and understanding is the
springboard to peace-which comes from the very knowledge of God.
By entering through faith into what God has always wanted to do for us-set us
right with him, make us fit for him-we have it all together with God because of
our Master Jesus. And that's not all: We throw open our doors to God and
discover at the same moment that he has already thrown open his door to us. We
find ourselves standing where we always hoped we might stand-out in the wide
open spaces of God's grace and glory, standing tall and shouting our praise."
Romans 5:1-2 (MSG)
IF we have the relationship, we have the freedom. IF we have the relationship,
through FAITH in Christ Jesus, we will stand in the wide open spaces of God's
grace and glory! I want that! Don't YOU? IF only I could be there-and He says,
"You are. Trust and believe it-it is the truth."
Over and over, He tells me He has called me. Over and over He reassures me
through the fears and tears, the doubts and jeers of the enemy. He brings me
confirmation and tells me to stand firm and tall. I pray for boldness, the
boldness of knowing without a doubt, that IF I commit my life to seeking Him
first, I cannot fail.
Do you have 'what ifs?' In your life? Here's another one: What IF you give it to
Him and see how HE will handle it? Not easy, is it? But when has your way been
any easier? Think of the times you said, "Okay, next time, Lord. This time, I'll
handle it myself. But I hear Ya! Next time, okay?
There may not be a next time. No one knows the hour or the day. It becomes more
urgent with each new earthquake and flood, war and catastrophe-whether
world-wide-or in your own personal landscape.
Okay, Lord, this time we'll give it to You. No more Ifs, ands or buts!
Fondly,
Stephanie McIver
stephs_stuff15@hotmail.com