The Sameness of our Savior

One of the most popular movie lines of all time (it ranks on AFI’s list as #40 out of the top #100 movie quotes) is known by young and old alike, regardless of their knowledge of the movie itself:

"Mama always said life was like a box of chocolates. You never know what you're gonna get." Forrest Gump, 1994

We say the line to be clever.  Or factual.  To be funny, or even to encourage someone.  Because, quite frankly, we just don’t know what life holds.  And what better way to sum up life’s complexities than with a comparison to chocolate?

While the quote is great, another comparison can be made that is very sad indeed--we treat God as if He is a box of chocolates.  We act like God sent a different Savior for each individual.  “She has the God who showers her with blessings!”  “I have a God who is distant.”  “Lord, your plan looked great-but why did you reveal a surprise?”

As we prepare to celebrate the birth of Christ, it is critical we realize the biggest truth God has given:  “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever” (Hebrew 13:8).  Our all-knowing God sent us a Savior who could connect with each of us on a personal level.  Not because Christ could change, but because He is enough to meet the needs of every--very different!--individual.

God truly loves us so much that He sent His Son--not so we would have a top #100 verse to quote (John 3:16), but so we could know how much He loves and values each of us.  We don’t know what life holds, but please cling to the truth that God is with you and for you all the time.  May your relationship with Christ be the sweetest, most special treat you ever accept and enjoy.

Just Trust

Ever had a season in life where you know God has a plan and a purpose, but you just don’t know what it is? Then–in His own timing–God reveals it bit by bit. You may be overjoyed. Or overwhelmed. Encouraged. Perhaps still confused. Content. Impatient.

Boy, wouldn’t help along the way to know what it is that God desires of us? I’ve thought, “Reveal yourself, Lord, and I can follow you more completely”.

And then I listen to my 8 year old daughter read from her devotion book:

God made a promise. But do I believe it? I say, “Do, something, God, and I will trust you.” God says, “Trust me and then I will do something!” *

God has such amazing plans for me–and for you–and He simply asks us to trust Him. It’s so easy in my sinful humanity to ask for a sign. But keep in mind:

• We celebrate Christmas–Christ’s Birth! God did that “something” for us.
• We believe in the Resurrection–again, my celebration at Easter means I need to show my belief and trust God completely year-round.

In John 6:30 the crowds say to Jesus, “Then what sign will you do, that we may see and believe you?

Do you know what day the crowd asked Jesus this? One day after He fed over 5,000 people with five barley loaves and two fish! The day after He walked on water & the crowd couldn’t figure out how Jesus got to Capernaum because they knew He had not gone by boat. Signs were all around, yet the people wanted more before they would give Jesus anything. I can’t pretend my response would have been any different.

As 2011 comes to a close, God has laid this upon my heart:  JUST TRUST. May He lay the same upon your heart as well.

*Book excerpt taken from Jesus Wants all of Me-Bedtime Prayer Edition. Barbour Publishing, Urischsville, OH. Copyright 2007