Jesus’ words here are simple, direct, and to the point. Yet how many of us still try and ‘work our way’ into salvation? I find myself trying to do that far too often.
Yet the times I feel closest to God; the times I feel I am truly being led by the Spirit, and not trying to make my own way; these are times when I feel like I am also closest to whom I am meant to be. These times don’t come often enough!
Why is it so easy to turn away? How can I love something so much and not spend all my time and effort to keep it? I admit; even though I recognize that the freewill God has given us is a blessing and a gift…. I sometimes beg God to just force me to do His Will, and stop giving me a choice. Because I have proven over and over again in my life that I don’t know what’s best for me!
And here’s the deal…I’m scared to death that I’m going to just totally blow it. I know God is amazing; I know the Son died for my sins; I am crazy in love with Him, and I often feel the Spirit leading me – so what am I so afraid of?
I'm afraid of all those other times…when I don’t feel the Spirit leading me; when I catch myself in one of those “how did that thought even get in my head?” moments; when I struggle to try and get back on the path He has laid for me after blowing it for the millionth time.
Sometimes the roller coaster just gets old, you know? So I want off – I want God to just zap me and turn me into an obedient slave that cannot make stupid decisions that I’ll later regret.
Of course, that isn’t how it works. Even though I can accomplish nothing on my own, God still requires my obedience. Similar to how a car doesn't drive itself without human intervention, but if the steering wheel refuses to turn it may wreck regardless of the drivers' efforts
I think this life is more like homemade bread than a boxed pancake mix… I can’t just add water, slap it on the griddle, flip it and call it done. It takes work, patience – and there are times along the way where it sure doesn’t look very appetizing… I have to be mixed, rolled, kneaded, and given time to rise. Then after all that… I might just become something really great… And all of it is actually quite beautiful.
I just hope I turn out okay – and I’m very glad I’m in the hands of the Master Baker!