Relationships
are tricky. They have an ebb and flow with a timing of their own. Two distinct
personalities with their own set of individual circumstances are unpredictable
at best. One person may be more interested than the other, or it may be mutual
attraction.
One
choice sets us up for heart break, the other has more potential, but there is
never a guarantee. Even after years of marriage, one mate may decide there is
no future together, and that divorce is the only option.
The most important relationship we can ever
cultivate is with God. Knowing Him personally through an intimate relationship
is easy and eternal (John 3:16-17). Yet, three-fourths of the world reject Him
for their own personal reasons (John 3:18).
Some
people do repent of their sins, and never go to God again unless they need
something - a superficial relationship. Others go overboard to impress God and
to keep the letter of His law - unsuccessfully, of course.
However,
the way to nurture our relationship with our Creator, Savior and King is
through prayer - casual talking to God without ceasing, through every moment
and aspect of our day (1 Thessalonians 5:17). The more we interact, the more He
hears and provides.
Prayer
enables us to see our problems and decisions from God's point of view instead
of our own. It helps us to totally surrender our desire, goals and ideas to
God; and to submit to His perfect plans for our life (John 7:17).
Reading
God's Word also allows us to deepen our intimate relationship with God. We
learn to walk by faith (Matthew 9:29), by seeing how others trusted God and
what He did for them. His living Word divides our humanity from our
spirituality (Hebrews 4:12).
Prayer:
Father
God, help us to share our experiences with others to help them to deepen their
relationship with You too. Our circumstances turn into learning moments for us
and for those involved in our life. We long for more intimacy with You as You
use us for Your Kingdom's advancement each and every day.
Remind
us that if we trust in our self, we lose before we even start (Psalm 49:
12-13). Your power is greater and Your glory deeper, when You use broken
vessels for Your honor. We count it a privilege to be ranked in their number.
Help us to cooperate as You continually prepare us to do Your will on the
earth.
Thought
for the Day:
In
our relationships we can give or take, bless or demand, love or live selfishly;
our choices make the difference in our fulfillment both now and for eternity.
