What might God do to lead you to Him? What circumstances would lead you to Him?
When someone is called to God, is it by humble circumstances or through some magnificent miracle? How might God help you to know Him better and bring you closer to Him? Is it through suffering? Blessings?
The man was entering the church building for Sunday morning worship. He was frazzled because he was running a bit late. In front of him was a teenage girl with her father. They were moving slowly. The man wanted his usual seat.
He thought about rushing past the pair and letting out a loud sigh. Until!
The teenage girl was in her Sunday best. The girl’s flowing spring dress added to her outer beauty (Now, God isn’t too particular about how people dress to worship Him unless it distracts others - 1 Timothy 2:810).
The man noticed that the girl struggled to walk. This beautiful young person had a terrible physical flaw. It caused her to use an upper left arm attachment which supported a single metal device that helped stabilize and support the girl’s left side. Her gait was erratic. She needed help just to move. The man felt compassion for her. He also felt shame. He was selfish and critical. Maybe the Lord placed her in front of that man to remind him to have compassion.
The young girl may have cerebral palsy, scoliosis, or several other maladies. Maybe a car wreck damaged her spine.
A young man was active in his home church for many years. Then an illness struck him, and he needed a wheelchair to get around. Every week his wife wheeled him into the church building for morning worship. He was still the same person on the inside. He loved God!
Like the teen girl, this man did not blame God for his limitations in life. They both still worshipped the Lord!
Blaming God for life’s setbacks and serious health issues is the least productive way to face them.
The apostle Paul explains: “And not only this, but we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope; and hope does not disappoint because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us” (Romans5:35).
God’s ways are higher than man’s (Isaiah 55). He has chosen adversity to bring humility, and He has chosen kindness. He wants the same result in both -- that people would draw near to Him.
Are you ready to draw near to God? Will you turn to Jesus?