What About This?

What seems a lifetime ago, Danny and I flew to Delaware to visit my aunt and uncle.  While I packed our essentials, Danny busied himself selecting toys and putting them into a book bag.  Carry-on restrictions were more lenient than today, but even then his toy guns didn't make it through screening!

 

God said this through His prophet, Jeremiah: "I will give your life to you as a prize in all places, wherever you go. (Jeremiah 45:5).  Unfortunately, I had not checked Danny's bag before we left home so as soon as it passed through screening, security officers grabbed it and took it to a remote corner for inspection.  Right on their heels was little Danny -- he wasn't willing to give up the bag nor its contents.  Have you ever wondered why you don't feel a Oneness with God?  As faithfully as you read the Bible, pray, and seek fellowship with The Father, it seems just out of reach.  Perhaps it doesn't come because we're holding on to something God wants us to let go of - unforgiveness, a bad habit, jealousy, etc.  What greater gift can God give to us than life -- He promises us life "as a prize in all places, wherever you go."  Those things we hold so tightly are of no good to us apart from life!  Jim Elliot, martyred missionary to the Auca Indians, said: "God always gives His best to those who leave the choice with Him."  With a little help from his mama, Danny finally gave up his bag to checked baggage, and we were soon seated and on our way.  It may be letting go of what we hold so tightly is the one thing that delivers sweet fellowship and Oneness with God -- the Giver and Sustainer of life.  Open your closed fist, releasing what you're holding on to, and ask ... Lord, what about this?