If… then – it makes perfect sense to me. If I do this, then you do that. If I give you $5, then you will give me some overpriced coffee.
And often it’s not even tangible items, it’s emotions or actions.
If I am nice to them, then they will be nice to me. (I should be nice anyway).
If I invest in your life, then you will invest in mine. (In that mutual friendship sort of way, not the strange stalker kind of way).
If I do this, then you will do that. (Nope, not the way it always works.)
I expect people to invest in me the same amount that I invest in them, but life doesn’t work like that. Maybe she doesn’t have time or is willing to make the time. But God…God is always there.
If I do this, then God will you…..
And this is where it breaks down. God does not bargain – He is God.
There are days I think I want the if…then God. It’s on those days when I’m bargaining with God. You know the scenario: Lord, if I promise to spend all my spare time studying Your Word,then will you give me what I want?
If I’m really good and promise to stop doing the bad stuff, God, then will You give me what I want?
God doesn’t need my promises – He requires my obedience. He requires that I give up self to follow him….
And he said to all, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. Luke 9:23
Come after me…. Lord, let this be the desire of my heart! Grant me the desire to chase after You and You alone.
deny himself ….Lord, show me how to deny myself. Teach me to put others before myself. Teach me to look beyond my own wants and see the needs of those around me.
take up his cross daily …. Lord, what is my cross? Show me how to walk daily with my cross.
follow me ….. Lord, how I so want to follow You. Please get me the strength and courage because I know following after You will not be easy but it will be incredible.
If….then. Lord, if we call come after you with our whole hearts, then we will make a difference in the world around us. Give us the wisdom, courage and strength.
What if….then statement are you walking out in your life today?
I’m trying to live up to 2 Chronicles 7:14, Mary….
“IF my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, THEN will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.”
*Hugs*
Excellent!
Lord show me how to walk daily with my cross…..thank you Mary!!! Reading this makes me think you have been peeking into my thoughts:)
****“Lord if I stop this and stop that… will you make my life easier?”****
Then He says “Oh Sandy, you can do All things with me in your corner, it may not be easier but I am gonna be with you every step of the way”
Love you!!!