"Anything you can do, I can do better," was the saying of two talented friends. Competitive in everything, they continually sought to outdo one another. So when they noted a new girl moved into the neighborhood, they decided to impress her with their riding skills. For three nights they cruised by as she sat on the porch, and gave approving nods, and waves to their riding skills. Then the fourth night, as they went by right on schedule, they noticed the porch was empty. Who was going to watch their wheelies, stoppies, and burn outs now? Their question was quickly answered when her father appeared on the porch. As they went by slowly, looking, he waved them over.
"My daughter is really impressed with both your guys riding skills. And she loves to ride, too. So when another guy stopped by and asked her if she wanted to go for a ride, she accepted." And their disappointment turned to disgust, when they found out who it was. He rode a lesser bike, has lesser skills, and wasn't nearly as cool as them. And as her dad headed back inside, one blurted out, "why would she go out with a guy like that when we came by every night?"
Her father coolly answering, "he asked, you didn't." If only they had thought of that, instead of feeding their own egos, she would be riding with them too.
Impression is one thing, execution is another. And a great example of how not to walk with God. I hear attitudes from time to time of how "I'm going make God love me more. Or make Him proud of me." And then watch as this fool tries to attend church more, Or go to more Bible studies, or read the Bible through in a year. Maybe even sign up for a missions trip, bragging of what he is doing, but miserable inside. God is not impressed, He already loves you in an agape way-more than you can imagine, and cannot love you anymore than He does. And even when seeing your heart, that doesn't change. You cannot please God by trying to impress Him. It is called pride, and stands between you and Him.
Without faith it is impossible to please God. And so you must trust Him with the situations you are in. And let Him guide you through, not leaning on your own wisdom. Let faith show itself approved in your actions, and as you trust God more, be filled with His joy. Jesus put it simply, "He gives a joy that surpasses understanding." Despite the situation, the health, the money, or the relationship in question, His joy out weighs them all. Even to two proud riders, who missed the object of their affection.
Don't you. Life is not a contest, but it is a race. An endurance race. Don't let one bad event ruin your future. Trust God, leaving the past where it belongs, and looking to the heavenlies for guidance. For where you look, you will follow. Taking the lesson from the lesser rider, who didn't lean on his lesser skills, but took the opportunity to ask for a date. You may not have because you don't ask, but also because you don't listen.
God has a way through your situation right now. And He hears your questions? Will you take the time to listen to His answers? Coulda, shoulda, and woulda are the man's mantra who doesn't trust God. Just ask the two riders-dateless and proud. Just because they didn't ask for what they really wanted.
Trust God. And watch and listen. As the peace that surpasses understanding guides your life. That's love.
love with compassion,
Mike
matthew25biker.blogspot.com