Draw near to God – Day 17

A few years ago I found myself in one of those awkward situations that many parents try to avoid at all times! After a trip to the mall, I was busy fastening my daughter, Joalé, who was two years old at the time, into her car seat and I placed my car keys on the front seat so that I knew where they would be later on. Up to this point, everything went smoothly. However, when I closed the back door to get in at the front, I heard the sound of the alarm activating itself! Within seconds, I stood outside with my daughter and the car keys inside the car.

With a cold shiver of shock and panic running down my spine, I thought of a hundred ideas to get the door open – even smashing the window. A security guard approached me to offer help. He informed me that he would ask his control room to contact a locksmith to come and help me. This might have taken up to an hour. To me, an hour was way too long, since all the windows of the car were locked. Just as I wanted to burst into tears, a logical thought came to me: Talk to your child. In my shock and panic, I did not even think of doing it. I got Joalé’s attention and, through the window, guided her step by step to detach herself, climb forward in the car and press the button on the alarm to open the doors! I cannot explain the relief I felt as I hugged her afterwards.

This incident taught me a spiritual lesson. On earth, we as believers can be likened to my daughter in the car, while God stands outside. Although He is almighty and, [in the same way, I could have broken open the window or called the locksmith] can accomplish what needs to be done instantly, He chooses to use us as His instruments to show His love and mercy on earth. We, therefore, have to be obedient and follow His guidance. The question remains: Are you obedient when He calls you?

In 1 Corinthians 3:9 we read: “For we are both God’s workers. And you are God’s field. You are God’s building.” It is written in Romans 6:13: “… give yourselves completely to God … So use your whole body as an instrument to do what is right for the glory of God.” And in 2 Timothy 2:20-21 we read: “In a wealthy home some utensils are made of gold and silver, and some are made of wood and clay. The expensive utensils are used for special occasions, and the cheap ones are for everyday use. If you keep yourself pure, you will be a special utensil for honourable use. Your life will be clean, and you will be ready for the Master to use you for every good work.”

What is God asking you to do today? Does it feel overwhelming and as if the sacrifice might be too much? Or are you afraid that you might not have the wisdom to see the project through? Remember, God has His eyes on you and will guide you step by step, through His Holy Spirit, to the finish line. Let’s stay obedient. I am convinced that He also has a broad smile on His face when we are obedient. God bless.