A Better Offer
“Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us, to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever! Amen."- Ephesians 3:20-21
Is there a professional shopper out there? I am talking about someone who has logged the necessary hours searching the internet, flipping through catalogs, identifying the best brands, and locating shops that are hidden treasures in our town. The reality is that you don't have to be a "professional shopper" in order to get the best deal or special offer on something. When it comes to our lives, there are times where God's Blessing becomes AVAILABLE in an instant in such an overwhelming degree that nothing else can even remotely compare to it. Let me share a story from the summer of 1988 to illustrate this timeless truth.
Me and my friends were hanging out doing the normal teenage boy stuff while on summer vacation: Playing cards and video games; shooting hoops at the park; stopping at seven-eleven for some soda and chips; and capping off the late afternoon at the swimming pool at our Canoga Park apartment complex. While we were swimming, my mother came running out to tell me that another friend had an extra ticket to the Dodger game and wanted to know if I was interested? Well, I was out of that pool as quick as Peter jumped out of the boat at the sight of Jesus being alive! The reason for my incomparable enthusiasm and immediate change of plans was the fact that this was no ordinary baseball game. The Dodgers would be playing my favorite team, the New York Mets. And if that wasn't enough motivation to get moving, there was even more incentive (i.e.- a cherry on top), as that night's pitching match-up was between both team's aces and all-time greats, Orel Hershiser and Dwight Gooden. The game lived up to the hype as the Mets beat the Dodgers 2-1 in a pitcher's duel, instant classic, and a forever Leaf memory!
This 1988 example and our entrance into the spring season has my mind, heart, and focus set on the new life God wants to release in our lives. In John 10:10 Jesus says, "The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full." Through the grace gift of salvation, through the Living Word of the Scriptures, and through the power of the Holy Spirit, the Lord wants to invite us to experience His very best. He wants us to be convinced that when we follow Him our daily needs will be covered, our relationships will be healthier, our life purpose will be refined, and our joy will be complete! Earlier this month I felt the Holy Spirit encouraging me with this word, "Take My hand, obey My commands and you will find life!" When I meditate on this very specific message for this season, I am reminded of Jesus calling people to follow Him. In Matthew 16:25 our Savior makes the offer of a lifetime, "Whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for Me will find it." The disciples act of obedience and faith to follow Jesus would later be confirmed and rewarded when Jesus spoke of what would transpire following His resurrection victory. In John 16:22 Jesus promises, "Now is your time of grief, but I will see you again and you will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy."
Perhaps the place you find yourself on this beautiful spring day in 2017 is quite similar to my jam-packed, fun-filled summer day in 1988. Can you believe for and even desire a Holy interruption to your schedule, your activities, your demands, your relationships, and even your identity? Allow the Lord to speak an invitation of something far better than the busy schedule, the momentary enjoyments of life, and the malaise of the ordinary that fills your calendar. Our God has something super special, something beyond compare, and something mysteriously marvelous just for you! If you take the Lord up on His offer, get ready to watch Him work in your life. When you fully (and joyfully) surrender and follow the Lord, He will take your abilities to a new level, your effectiveness at the job to a new dimension, your marriage/family to a better state, and your daily lives to a whole different paradigm and satisfaction level. Who wants a ticket to this type Heaven blessing and wonderful reality?