BEING SPIRITUAL
I really need Jesus’ help- more on some days than others –and if you believe that, I have a bridge in Brooklyn I will sell you cheap – it isn’t true of course, but some days I feel that way. So, the other day when I was really feeling like I needed His direction while doing 4 errands in Billings, I prayed that God would just take over my day and lead me and guide me wherever I needed to go and when. I sort of had the trip planned out in my mind and the order of the stops. But, I released all my will and told Him it was His will that should be done.
The One Who always keeps His Word, took me at mine. Immediately upon arriving into Billings, He directed me to make a stop I hadn’t planned on. Blessedly, I had left early enough to be able to do this (I think He planned that, too). After the unplanned stop, we went to the planned appointment. While there, filling out papers, an unexpected event occurred and I had to leave suddenly. Appointment was canceled. Well, what now? So, I went to another place, not on MY list, and was easily facilitated there. Then I went to 2 of the last three items on my list and all went more than smoothly. The last place was Walmart to get some groceries I had ordered for pick-up (for the 3rd time and since the first time had to wait 45 min. and then no pick up, the 2nd time, I waited 40 min and got food), I didn’t know what to expect, but it was brought to me almost immediately – see it pays to pray, God can do anything!! Without further incident, I got some gas, a car wash, and drove home. However one stop I had planned, I never got to go to. What now? I don’t know, but I DO KNOW that the God Who created the universe controls every aspect of it, even down to my petty little errands in Billings. There is a reason I didn’t make that last stop and one day I will know what the reason is because I have asked.
When I first began to hear God’s voice and know it was Him, a friend told me to pray for parking spaces. So, I did. And driving in Peoria, IL.one day He gave me a parking place in front of the courthouse, an event which my passenger said NEVER happens! Then another friend told me that God was too busy to bother with a paltry thing like a parking space so don’t bother asking Him. I don’t think Jesus would agree with my second friend. For He says, “Ask, and it shall be given to you; seek, and you shall find; knock, and it shall be opened to you. For everyone that asks receives, and the one that seeks, finds, and to the one that knocks it shall be opened.” (Luke 11:9-10) Please don’t stop there, read verses 11-13 also. When in doubt and you get conflicting reports, go to the Owner’s Manual (the Holy Bible) it will answer all your questions.
The God that Jesus told us about Who has even the hairs on your head numbered, cares about every detail of your life. Nothing is too small for Him to take notice and attend to. And if you aren’t sure, read the story of Gideon in Judges 6. God answered Gideon’s doubts over and over again. I wouldn’t have been so patient with him, but Jesus has unlimited patience and never beats us up for asking. No question is too dumb to ask Him. Turn you life over to Jesus and the surprises will never stop! I love the song “I Need Thee Every Hour”. Nothing could be more true – in my life or yours.
Rev. Joyce Kaplan, M.Div., Retired United Church of Christ pastor.
Reader Comments(0)