Need Some Space? - Martin Wiles

He (God) is restraining himself on account of you, holding back the End because he doesn’t want anyone lost. He’s giving everyone space and time to change. 2 Peter 3:9 MSG

Everybody needs space—some more than others.

Personal space. That area around me wherein if someone steps in I get uncomfortable or nervous. I fear, back away, or enjoy. The width of the space varies by individual. And usually by how well I know the person. The need for personal space is heard in the old saying when confrontation arises: “I dare you to step across this line.” And then the person draws one with the tip of their shoe.

Writers fear the white space. The area on paper we must fill up with something we want to write or have been contracted to write. And when we get brain block and can’t think of words to put on the paper, our panic level rises.

Prisoners have their space. Measured in small increments of feet, they exist there until their sentences are served.

Houses have space. Depending on the needs or wants of the owner, the amount is large, medium, or small.

Even gangs have their space. An area of town they control. People who enter without invitation face danger—perhaps even death. A space the gang controls and feels comfortable with.

And God has space—but of a different kind. He gives us space. According to Peter, He does this because He wants people to repent. He gives us space to believe—as much as we want. But not without consequence. If the end comes and we haven’t filled that space with belief, our eternity won’t be pretty. If we have, our eternity will be beyond our wildest imagination.

God gave this space from the very beginning when He gave Adam and Eve the choice to obey or disobey Him. He wanted to have a relationship with them, but He wanted them to want the same thing.

God doesn’t force us to fill up our space with Him. If He did, He’d have only robots—and these wouldn’t provide the fellowship He desires. He wants us to willingly choose to let Him into our personal space.

Experience the most enjoyable life by allowing God into your personal space.

Prayer: Father, may our lives always be filled with the beauty of Your presence.

Tweetable: What are you doing with your space? 

Thanks to all our faithful followers who share our posts! We also invite you to follow and like us on Facebook, Pinterest, Twitter, and Instagram. Help us spread God's encouragement through His Love Lines.