One of the usual plots of rom-coms (romantic comedies) is good friends falling for each other. The lead star usually comes to a point where he or she finally notices that the faithful and funny friend who has been there all along, was actually the right person to end up with.
There are several things in our lives that we hardly notice although they are constantly there. When something is consistently in our presence or instantly there when we need it, we do not give it much attention. Very much akin to our relationship with Jesus Christ.
“But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Romans 5:8
Back when we still have not surrendered our lives to Him, He patiently waited for us to finally notice Him working in our lives. He has been with us even before we have been conceived, and is eternally present in our lives everywhere we go. The problem though is not all of us notice and acknowledge His presence.
“Your eyes saw my unformed substance; in your book were written, every one of them, the days that were formed for me, when as yet there was none of them.” Psalm 139:16
Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ is a gentleman, and He will never impose Himself on us. He will just be there, knocking into our lives, but never demanding to barge in. It is up to us, if we will let Him in by starting and nurturing a relationship with Him.
“Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me.” Revelation 3:20
There are several reasons why we may not hear God knocking on our door. We may be too busy with our lives. His knocking may be drowned out by the many things that catch our attention.
It is also possible that we have heard Him knocking but we are too ashamed to make Him enter because our lives are messed up. We refuse to open up because we are with someone we have no business to be with and we do not want Him to see us with that person or those people.
But God’s grace is just so sufficient that we can never do something He cannot forgive. Our messy and shameful lives can just be immediately cleaned out by His blood if we only let Him. We can never use up all the patience and love He has for each of us.
“The Lord is gracious and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love. The Lord is good to all, and His mercy is over all that He has made.” Psalm 145:8-9
And so, if you haven’t noticed Him yet in your life, look back at the last crisis of your life and think back how you managed to be here now. Whose invisible hands covered you from danger and stresses, and who held back even more problems that could have come your way?
If that’s not even enough to realize how God has worked in your life, then just count the many things in your life that money cannot buy, and thank the only true King who enabled you to enjoy all those. All you need to do is open the door of your heart, walk away from your sinful lifestyle, ask for His forgiveness, and grow your faith in Him moving forward.
“If you prepare your heart, you will stretch out your hands toward him. If iniquity is in your hand, put it far away, and let not injustice dwell in your tents. Surely then you will lift up your face without blemish; you will be secure and will not fear. You will forget your misery; you will remember it as waters that have passed away.” Job 11:13-16
Thank you for reading through our devotional today. I invite you to ponder on Job 11:13-20 to dig deeper on today’s topic.
Reflection Question: Have you finally noticed God’s presence in your life? If not yet, what could be the possible reasons you cannot hear His call?
Conversation with the Lord: Lord Jesus, thank you for being our Savior and Redeemer. For relentlessly calling us to come back to the Father through You. Thank you for your all-sufficient grace and patience. Please grant us the confidence to come to you, and live a life of worship. Amen.