We have more now than any generation that preceded us. Technology, medicines, infrastructure and a whole bunch of retailers clamouring to keep us happy. Convenience awaits on every street corner, the air conditioner better not be set wrong, and man, that lady at the checkout queue sure can take her time — I’ve got a good mind to buy my free-range_low-fat_slow-roasted_chicken somewhere else.
History may well remember us as the spoilt generation, the ones who had all the resources and took them for granted, squandered our blessings and then wailed that we do not have enough to keep us happy. In ages past hardship was viewed as a necessary part of life, even suffering had its rightful place within the full circle of our earthly existence.
But now…we complain…about everything.
It is easy to overlook the very real effect the disposable age has upon our view of God. This culture of entitlement is not limited only to our expectations of each other, but has leaked through and stained our perception of the One who made us.
He is peddled on TV as a means to get our needs met, the genie that pops out when we rub the bottle just right. Let’s see–1 tsp quiet time, 2 cups prayer and a squeeze of kindness here and there. Surely that will get the response we require, no wait, deserve? And when the heat is turned up slightly we shake our fist in the face of the Potter. How dare He allow this?
God quickly becomes merely our co-pilot, the helping hand that takes over in rough conditions. Or maybe just the spare wheel in case we get a flat.
There is some really good news though. All this is set to change. Seldom in history has there been such a welling up of desire to draw near to God. To love Him like our children do, without agendas, just because. The Spirit is moving in the hearts of men, women and children, young and old, as He reminds us of our sonship. That He is our Abba.
But everything is going wrong, you say? Exactly. The lines are being drawn. Wherever you are right now, whether there is difficulty, rejoicing, heartache, betrayal or peace, God is calling His own closer, a lot closer. When you get frustrated or want to bail out, He is not offended. Amidst our disillusionment and tantrums, He holds us even tighter, pouring out grace upon grace, like a precious balm that flows over us.
For He is good, and He loves you.
No longer will we call the co-pilot to take over, because He is now in the pilot’s seat. As we yield to Him with our whole heart the spare wheel becomes the steering wheel. For you and your family, there is no safer place than this.
If history cares to remember us, may it be because we were the ones who bucked the trend. Who rocked the system. Lovers of God with our entire being.
I reckon, before we all go home, you should go big.
What’s it gonna be?
WS
Hi Werner,
Through all the hustle and bustle (clearly nead to read "I'm too busy" again) I've only read this post today. How grateful I am to you. In being obedient to God and his gifts intrusted in you, I feel encournaged maybe a little disappointed too in the selfish and expected manner in which I sometimes live my life. It's high time we get in the back seat, allow Christ to be in control and allow Christ to have HIS way with us and it's during this time that we learn the true meaning of Faith + Trust! Werner thank you for your wonderful words of encouragement, spoken straight from the soul. I'm looking forward to the next one, Landi.
Landi – good to hear from you! Glad this post meant something to you. I have been slacking the last week or two, but will post again later this week. Chat soon – WS
Thanks Vicky, Brigitte and Craig. You guys are a blessing.
WS
Hi there, thanks for another thought provoking comment.
Is it possible that the designer and creator of both the vehicle (me) and the road ( life) can be trusted to match both and work them together for good?
I saw a clip from America's got tallent the other day. It was of a 4 year old girl singing a song "some where out there'. It was one of the most engaging things I have seen for a long while and from the my and audiences reaction, melted hearts and drew us in together as we witnessed the simplicity and humility of a child being who she really was. No hype or fanfare just a real heart to heart moment.
I wondered if God saw me like that. His child in all my simplicty, vulnerability and weakness, singing my life song just as it is, to my Dad and wondering when we will be together again.
Imagine, if a simple song sung in simplicity could move our hardened hearts to engage fully and identify with this child, how much more will our Dad in heaven draw near to us and engage with us when we come to Him in childlike simplicty and trust.
I know it is time to let go of the wheel and trust.
Love and blessings
Craig
WS Once again this is God led. With so much happening around us we at times seem to look to the left and the right and lose focus on God who is in control of what lies ahead in our lives and in the world. Looking at our situation now we are not in a good place however even though I feel rather like I want to give up He reminds me of who He is and holds my hand. So I owe Him!
Understanding Gods love and having faith in him being the pilot is probably the most difficult thing for me to live. I pray for this understanding and if it becomes clearer trough suffering i would rather suffer now and live in luxury with God in heaven. Not easy though!