Mark 11:22-25
Jesus was matter-of-fact: “Embrace
this God-life. Really embrace it, and nothing will be too much for you.
This mountain, for instance: Just say, ‘Go jump in the lake’—no
shuffling or shilly-shallying—and it’s as good as done. That’s why I
urge you to pray for absolutely everything, ranging from small to large.
Include everything as you embrace this God-life, and you’ll get God’s
everything. And when you assume the posture of prayer, remember that
it’s not all asking. If you have anything against someone, forgive—only
then will your heavenly Father be inclined to also wipe your slate clean
of sins.”
Scripture
quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002
by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs,
CO. All rights reserved.
I watch so many cooking shows
and competitions on cable television that I should be a Le Cordon Bleu
chef by now! Often, in the “heat” of the competition, a contestant will
forget something really important...like turning the water on to boil
soon enough or getting the oven hot enough – or adding salt and
seasoning. As a result, the dish is just not what it should be. Oh,
“it’ll eat,” as we like to say in the South...but cakes and breads are a
little mushy in the center sometimes...and savory dishes (do you like
my “foodie” term there?!) are simply bland. A single step could have
made such a huge difference in the end result.
In our spiritual
lives, we often operate like the cooks in these competitions. We get so
caught up in ourselves and what God will do for us and through us that
we miss a step here and there...and this can make all the difference.
When we leave out forgiveness and mercy for others, Jesus still forgives
our sins. His Holy Spirit still guides our steps – and yes, He can
still move mountains for us. But He expects us to “get all of our ducks
in a row” first. It’s something akin to telling a child, “You can have
ice cream...but you have to finish your dinner first.” We can have
God’s “good stuff”...but we have to do what He asks and operate as He
would beforehand.
We would never dream of God not forgiving us
when we ask Him. We cannot imagine a God who doesn’t love us
wholeheartedly. We SAY that we believe in a God who moves
mountains...with whom all things are possible. And then we tie His
hands by acting in a “do-as-I-say-not-as-I-do” manner. How can we
expect God to forgive – and work on our behalf – when we are unwilling
to do the same toward others? Where is your “bump in the road” today?
Who needs the “salt and seasoning” of your mercy and forgiveness?
When
you think of your life as your “best dish” served up for God...what is
missing? Are you giving – and getting – the best results in your daily
living, as a result of total obedience in your faith? Isn’t it time you
were?
©2014 Debbie Robus
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