Lessons from Pam's Bedside - July 5, 2000

 

Now that Pam is in a regular room, her nurses have brought in a cot so I can sleep in her room. Even though she can't see me, it brings her peace to know I am there and I will be ready to help if she calls my name. That's how our relationship with God should be. God wants us to grow so close to Him that we know He's there even when we don't feel the "tingles" of His presence. Our relationship to God should be like a good marriage. When a couple is newly in love, they live in a warm mushy world of emotion. Many couples run into trouble because they expect that emotional high to last forever. Trust me, it doesn't. Relationships that go the distance are built on commitment. When we are new Christians we can get wrapped up in the emotional surge of God's presence. But when the desert of disappointment stretches out of sight and God's hand seems so far away, it's the commitment of knowing God is there, ready to help with the slightest call of His name that gets you through. One of Pam's favorite lines is "when you can't trace His hand, trust His heart." To fully trust His heart you must know God as more than just an exalted deity, He must be your closest companion.

Fortunately for us, God is willing to come much more than halfway in our relationship. He went all the way to the cross so He could come all the way into your heart. Just ask Him into your life and He'll be there. Then like any good relationship, you must take the time to talk to him (prayer), read His love letters (the Bible), and spend plenty of time just expressing your love (worship). Take it from us, when you have God first in your life, you can make it through ANYTHING.

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