Wednesday's Word

It would have been a lot easier on God if he had provided his creation with a series of 'how to' manuals, complete with helpful stick men illustrations and the necessary tools so we could build our lives according to his divine specifications. Every package would include building materials of the highest standards and everything would be clearly marked. Of course, a toll-free number to a 'help center' would be needed but that could be automated as well. As long as people followed his directions, there would be no need for time-consuming communication and God could sit back and watch his marvel of efficiency shine. Some people have referred to the bible as the greatest 'how-to' manual ever written. I believe God intended his Word to be so much more than mere instructions dictated from a distance.

God wants to get down on his knees with his children and help them to build their lives to be all that he intended. He delights in answering our questions, explaining how things work. He is the kind of Dad who has oil under his nails, dirt on his nose and a satisfied grin on his face as works with his kids in the family garage. Our God is the kind of Dad who knows that even though it would have been easier to buy a new car, he buys an old clunker for them as a project. He wants to sit with his kids around the kitchen table and make oatmeal cookies from scratch, even though it means countless hours of scraping dough from the walls, ceiling and floors when things get a bit out of hand.

While he works with his children, God delights in our accomplishments and encourages us through the momentary yet painful frustrations that threaten to abort projects and plans. God gives us His Word as a manual yes, but he gives us His Word so we can discover his heart. His written word was not meant to be a replacement of an intimate, heart-to-heart relationship with his creation. He wants our faith and trust to be in him and waits for us to spend time with Him so we may know more than merely his 'way of doing things'. He wants us to know his heart. What an amazing offer and it's not an offer that I will let slip by. How about you?

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Being more than overcomers is to have a shout at the end of the fight!