This summer, God has impressed on me two areas to focus on:
1) Live life with open hands, not clenched fists (after studying the story of the Good Samaritan)
2) SEE people (after studying both the Good Samaritan & the story of Zacchaeus - Jesus SAW Zacchaeus up in that tree!)
Now, I have always been a "giver." ...But if I were honest with myself in the mirror, I do like my "things," too. I mean, I don't think I'm full-blown materialistic, but God has repeatedly reminded me that the blessings I enjoy are because of His goodness, not anything I can take responsibility for. And He has very clearly shown me that it's the object of my affection that is most important, meaning HE should be the object of my affection, not my things.
There is a point to this. I promise.
A few weeks ago, some of my former co-workers and I got together for lunch. As I got ready, I picked out my jewelry, deciding to wear one of my favorite rings. Now this was not just a regular ring; no, this one was unique. You see, it was reversible, with a white gemstone on one side and a gray one on the other. During lunch, my friend Angela complemented me on it and asked if she could see the ring up-close. As the proud owner, I gladly obliged. I showed her how it's reversible. She put it on her finger, and it fit like a charm. She admired it for a while, flashing her hand around, then gave it back.
As we were saying our goodbyes in the parking lot, I realized I better go to the bathroom before the trek home. And there, my friends, in the handicap stall of Saltgrass Steakhouse in Grapevine, Texas, is where God had a conversation with me. Loud and clear.
(God) "Why didn't you give Angela that ring? I told you to live with open hands, not clenched fists."
(Me, caught by surprise) "I didn't even think of it, God. I'm sorry."
(Me to myself) “Why didn’t I think of that! Did God really tell me, and I wasn’t listening?”
(God) "It's not too late."
(Me) "But everyone is gone. We already said our goodbyes, and are You sure? This is one of my favorites."
(God) "When will you ever learn? You need to be listening for my voice better. LISTEN TO ME, not your flesh! And like I said, it’s not too late."
(Me) "OK, God. I really am sorry! If they are still in the parking lot when I’m done, I'll go give it to her."
I finished up my business in the bathroom, but little did I know that my conversation with God wasn't completely over. Let’s just say it was on pause.
Lo and behold, the friends I already hugged goodbye were still in the parking lot, chatting away. (Big surprise, huh?)
There was no question in my mind about what I was supposed to do. The message from God was as clear as an audible voice, but my flesh apparently had to verify God’s will by confirming with Angela if the ring really did fit her! (I believe, Lord, help my unbelief!)
When she said it really did, I then gave her the ring. She tried to refuse, and I insisted that she take it. I think there was a little tear in her eye, but I'm not sure. All I know is that at that moment, I know God used me to bless her, and it felt good.
But remember that paused conversation with God? Well, it continued on the way home...
(Me) "I wonder if I can find another one of those rings..."
(God) "I can hear you, you know."
(Me, ignoring that still, small voice) "Maybe my mom can find one when she goes to volunteer." (You see, Premier went out of business and donated a large amount of inventory to some non-profits. My mom helps them sort a lot of that inventory.)
(God) That’s not obedience. I told you to give with open hands. If you go try to replace that ring, you might as well have a clenched fist! That's not what giving with open hands looks like to me. What about you?"
(Me) (Silence)
I replayed that conversation, and I knew God was right. I immediately was remorseful. Not because I gave Angela the ring, but because I knew that God rubbed a sore spot. I confessed to Him my focus on material things instead of obeying Him. And in typical God-fashion, He immediately replaced that desire to get another ring with overflowing joy about being able to make Angela's day.
And I've not even thought about Angela's ring again.
Not until today.
This morning my mom came over to tell me she had a surprise for me. While my mom was volunteering yesterday, she stumbled across something she thought I would like. Yes, you guessed it. It was a ring, exactly like Angela’s ring. And it actually fit!
I stand in awe of God’s goodness. I don’t understand it, and I definitely don’t deserve it. But that’s the cool thing about God. He loves me unconditionally, and when I least expect it, He reminds me just how good and giving He is. After all, He is good God Almighty, right?
Good God Almighty (David Crowder)
Good God Almighty, I hope You’ll find me
Praising Your name no matter what comes!
Cause I know where I’d be, without Your mercy
So I keep praising Your name at the top of my lungs.
Tell me, is He good? (He’s good!)
Tell me, is He God? (He’s God!)
He is good God Almighty!
Praise Him in the morning. Praise Him in the noontime. Praise Him when the sun goes down.
Praise Him in the morning. Praise Him in the noontime. Praise Him when the sun goes down.
He is good God Almighty!
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