When Scott and I went on our first date, it wasn't actually supposed to be a date. He lured me in with some crazy excuse about not wanting to go to the movies by himself. I agreed to help him out. (Pardon me while I take a moment to consider how magnanimous I am.) But, the tables would be turned on a balmy July evening. To say Scott knocked my socks off that first date would be an understatement. His many wonderful qualities attracted me, and our casual outing morphed into the beginning of a lifetime with my best friend.
My walk with Jesus, this walk in faith, is somewhat similar. We are together, but even death will not part us. He is faithful and true. He loves me with an everlasting love. He knows my every need and my every sorrow. Everything good I have ever received has come from Him. He laid down His life so I did not have to pay what I owed, and He has made me new. He has promised to never leave me -- even for a minute. As we travel this life, He continues to "wow" me with how good He truly is.
Someone recently suggested I get a little carried away with my "God talk", as if I overdo it with my faith, as if there is something wrong with me taking every. word. of His Word so seriously. Really? Would it be better if I believed He was God on Sunday alone, just between the hours of 9AM and Noon? Maybe I could try to go it alone the rest of the week, only call on Him when things get really dicey. Or, what if I believed the things He did for Moses, He is unable or unwilling to do for me today? When did He stop raising people from the dead, exactly? Maybe just until the Bible made it to print, just long enough to establish a written record of His generous and mighty reputation? Then, "Stop the presses! We've got enough material -- no need to continue with this 'miracle' stuff." And what of the Savior who says to pray for "whatever" and "anything"? Should I not be committed to a God like that?
What would be your response if someone said, "Why be so loyal to your friend? No need to get so carried away." Or, "What's with you and your best friend? Do you two have to do everything together?" You'd probably think they were nuts. You'd probably answer, "We have a relationship -- an important one at that! If you really knew him/ her you'd probably feel the same. If you knew all we've been through together, you wouldn't say that." You might even feel a bit sorry for them because they didn't grasp the concept of true friendship, or commitment, or because they didn't have a great relationship like the one you've got. Maybe they'd never met anyone like your friend. You'd probably think it was sad they were so bitter or unaware.
And you would be right. But you'd keep telling them there's hope. And you'd pray they would find a relationship just like yours.
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