At the end of July 2020, my husband suddenly passed away. In a moment, everything in my life changed. No longer would I be able to physically or financially stay in our home. Things accumulated that had to be dealt with; debt to pay, where to live, packing, cleaning, moving – all alone. But then I discovered I wasn’t alone. Family and friends rallied to my side. I will never know how to thank them for their friendship and love during that time.
Best of all, God had not left me alone. He already had a plan for me and immediately began to take care of everything. The sale of the house. Funds to pay the debt, medical expenses and funeral costs were provided. I had longed to return home to Wichita, Kansas, and that had been our retirement intention. It must have also been God’s plan, for He provided work and sufficient income that made it possible for me to leave my job and move home. This briefly describes what God has done for me over the last five months.
In spite of God’s miraculous providence, there were still times I had the notion that I was totally alone accomplishing these things. Every step of the way God has provided for me. I am so unworthy of all He has done. I realize that He does not intervene in our lives because we are worthy, but because of our great need. We may be capable of doing many things, but still we often struggle to be willing to surrender our lives and let Jesus do the work that He has promised to do in us.
How easy it is to continue your own way while knowing it is contrary to God’s will. Yet, He still patiently nudges us to draw us back and fully trust Him.
“Says the true Witness, ‘Behold, I stand at the door, and knock’ (Revelation 3:20). … With every knock unheeded, your determination to open becomes weaker and weaker. If the voice of Jesus is not heeded at once, it becomes confused in the mind with a multitude of other voices, the world’s care and business engross the attention, and conviction dies away. The heart becomes less impressible, and lapses into a perilous unconsciousness of the shortness of time, and of the great eternity beyond.” The Review and Herald, November 2, 1886.
Talk about a painful reminder. Later in this same article Ellen White writes how those who profess His name fail to become what He designed them to be. “The Saviour says, ‘What more could I have done that I have not done?’ ” Ibid. Imagine, the God of heaven having to ask that question. Then it reminds us that we have no time to wait for convenience. Now is the time to repent. “Oh, it is peace that you need – Heaven’s forgiveness, peace and love in the soul. Money cannot buy it, intellect cannot procure it, wisdom cannot attain to it; but Jesus offers it as a gift. It is yours if you will but reach out your hand and grasp it.” Ibid.
Friends, the choice is ours to make. Will we be willing to become what God designed us to be or will we willfully hold on to self and the things of this world? Give it some thought.
Father: Thank You for Your love and patience toward this sinful world. Cleanse our hard hearts so that we can hear Your voice and be willing to follow You and become vessels of honor for Your sake. Amen.