Well…maybe you haven’t been waiting for it, but I’ve watched this time draw nearer and nearer with eager anticipation of what glorious revelation will certainly flow from my fingers when I plunk out Wading blog No. 100. And the time has finally come–on the eve of U2 tickets going on sale for their concert this fall in Auburn Hills.
The latest idea flowing through my noggin’–presented somewhat this past Wednesday night at church–is that Jesus has predictable personality and character traits just like any other friend does. And as I continue to get to know him better by talking to him, spending time with him, reading his Word…I’ll come to expect certain things as I would from any other good friend.
For instance, 3 out of 4 times I come home when Clark is already home, he’ll shout out "Hello?" from his room or where ever he’s at. He doesn’t actually wonder who just came in the house…it’s just something he does. Just like Scott calls me at work around 4:50 most days or I come into work at 8:30 most days. We all have predictable behavior patterns…
Jesus does to: when he gets around sick people, he heals them; when people ask for his forgiveness, he grants it unconditionally; when your heart is broken, he binds it up…stuff like that. And the great thing about it is that he performs this stuff without fail. It’s not just 3 out of 4 times…he’s completely predictable.
Actually, I take that back. He can be a bit unpredictable–simply because he often OVERWHELMS our circumstances and blows us away entirely.
This past summer, my prayers toward situations in my family increased significantly and I took some steps I felt led to take to "stir things up" a bit. Now, over six months later, I’m completely blown away by what’s unfolded. God’s answered my prayers "abundantly more than I could ask or imagine." Has it unfolded the way I envisioned or prayed or hoped? Not really. I never would have prayed my family to go through what it has the past six months dealing with my nephew’s near-death experience and other mucky-muck.
But it happened and God has been our refuge and I thank him that he’s been able to bring good from it–just as is promised in his Word.
I’m just excited about getting to know him more intimately and pick up on more behavior patterns. Thinking about Jesus this way helps make him more real and tangible. Drives me to his Word…and I’m starting to be able to finish his sentences.
