Ex 15:13 "In your unfailing love you will lead the people you have redeemed. In
your strength you will guide them to your holy dwelling." NIV
Today, January 2nd, 2004, I went to the doctor for my yearly physical. My
appointment was at 10:00 a.m. My wife had her physical at 11:00 and we agreed I
would wait for her to arrive to the doctor's office, so I could take our kids
home. Well, my physical was over in 15 minutes (I feel like I went to Pennzoil
for a personal oil change!). I was on the verge of calling my wife when God's
voice prompted me to go for a power walk with Him instead. How could I resist
such an invitation? So off I went, down the pier with my best friend. What a
great time I had! I never regret my walks with God! They are so powerful!
As I was walking on the pier, I was reminded of an episode in my life when I was
16 years old. I felt myself transposed in my home country of Belgium. The
weather at this time period of this year is identical as the one in Belgium,
foggy, wet and grey. 30 years ago, around the same time period, I was walking up
and down the streets of Oostende for hours on end. Why? I hoped to see a glimpse
of a girl I liked that I had met at church. She was visiting her grandparents
and was from the Netherlands. Whenever I had the opportunity to catch a glimpse
of her, my day was made. I was quite shy at that time, and I couldn't even
imagine myself talking to a girl! Can you imagine walking hours and hours only
to catch a brief glimpse of someone?
But why was I reminded of this episode of my life? My Heavenly Father revealed
to me then a powerful illustration: "This is how I am in pursuit with the people
of this planet. I am looking for someone to have fellowship with me. I will not
relent in my pursuit."
Wow! He then revealed to me the following. Many people treat their relationship
with their spouse, in the following ways:
1. There are the ones who only look out for themselves. Once married, their
spouses usually are left feeling neglected. These people don't really know their
spouse. They are too preoccupied with themselves!
The same is true with Christians who are too preoccupied with themselves. 2 Tim
3:4 "Lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God!" NIV They see God as a Santa
who has to give to them everything they want. They have no relationship with
God. They see God merely as a dog who has to obey them, and they often complain
that God does not care for them.
2. There are those who work themselves to death to provide the most comfortable
environment for their families. Their spouses usually don't know them at all
because they are never home. They are too busy working for the good for the
family. When they finally notice that something may be wrong with their
relationship with their spouse, they resort in lavishing them in an abundance of
presents, but still their spouse feel very very lonely.
These are the Christians who work and work to please the Lord! They are never
satisfied because they always fall short of the glory of God. They believe their
works will make them inherit the promised land. However when asked if they are
saved, they respond "I sure hope so!" In reality, they are unsure of the outcome
of their salvation. They don't have a personal relationship with the Father. Eph
2:8-9 "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith-and this not from
yourselves, it is the gift of God- 9 not by works, so that no one can boast."
NIV
3. Then there are those who take the time to have a personal relationship with
their spouse. They will go out for a dinner, be there when their spouse are in
trouble and always are available when their spouse need a listening ear. Their
spouse are the one who feels fulfilled. They feel they are important in their
mates' eyes.
Those are the Christians who are at the center of God's will. They are where God
is. They join God where God is at work. They have a personal relationship with
their Heavenly Father, just like Jesus did: John 5:19-20 "I tell you the truth,
the Son can do nothing by himself; he can do only what he sees his Father doing,
because whatever the Father does the Son also does. For the Father loves the Son
and shows him all he does." NIV
I asked myself in which category I belonged, and I was made aware that time
spend in the ministry is important, but not as important as time spend with God.
A ministry can become like the ones belonging to category 2. A healthy balance
is needed.
"But how can I accomplish that?" I asked.
"Nothing you do on your own will accomplish this." Was His answer.
Then out of nowhere, I felt wind caress my cheeks and realized that I needed to
depend solely on God's Spirit to have that healthy balance.
While I was praising God for this revelation, I was made to notice several boats
covered with blue tarps. The tarps would protect them from the upcoming
harshness of winter. So God, as long as I let Him be my shelter, will protect me
from the harshness of this world. In His shelter a proper balance will be
obtained. Ps 31:20 "In the shelter of your presence you hide them from the
intrigues of men; in your dwelling you keep them safe." NIV
I made my choice and decided not to let time rule over me any longer. I decided
to give glory to God in all things 1 Cor 10:31 "So then, whether you eat or
drink, or whatever you may do, do all for the honor and glory of God." AMP and
depend on Him for direction. I decided not to be so busy, so that I couldn't
notice where God was at work, but to join my Heavenly Father wherever He is at
work. My priority has become to have a personal relationship with the One who is
pursuing me.
You have a choice to make as well my friend. Which choice will you make? Maybe
it's time for a power walk with your Forever Friend. You won't regret it. I sure
didn't!
Rob Chaffart
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