He would call out from his bedroom, “Don’t bother me. The door is locked, and we are all in bed. I can’t help you this time.” Luke 11: 7 NLT
They were our neighbors, and they loved Christmas.
The first church I pastored was a small congregation located
several miles out in the country. Our next-door neighbors were a retired pastor
and his family. Although it was only him, his wife, and their adult daughter,
they had a large extended family.
When the Christmas holidays arrived, so did all the kids,
grandkids, and great-grandkids. The old farmhouse was spacious but not enough
for each of them to have their own rooms and beds. No problem. They loved
family, wanted them there, and stacked them on the floor like cordwood. Getting
up at night for a visit to the bathroom or kitchen could be treacherous. But no
one complained. They enjoyed being together for the holidays and wouldn’t have
thought about holding up in a motel. Determination to be together led them to
re-arrange the house so everyone could find a place to sleep.
The friend who had a friend visit at midnight in search of
food for a friend who had shown up at his house met a similar scenario. Getting
up would have meant disturbing his wife, kids, and animals. But the knocking
friend wouldn’t go away or take no for an answer. His determination won the day
. . . and the food.
Determination demonstrates our sincerity and moves us forward
in God’s work. The midnight caller determined to find food for his friend, who
had called at a late hour. Societal rules demanded this courtesy. Had this
friend refused him, he would have tried another.
Our neighbors were equally determined to find room for their
large family. When we’re determined, we’ll do more for God, not less, and he
won’t have to beg us to work for him.
Determination is usually met with rewards. It was for the
friend at midnight. Now he wouldn’t have to return to his house and cook for
this midnight caller. Although our determination is sometimes overlooked in
life, God says He will reward our faithful, sincere service now and in the
hereafter.
God is determined to carry out his plan for our lives and
this world. He wants us to be equally determined to do our best for Him.
Determine to be more determined in your work for God?
Father, increase my determination to do my best for you.
If you enjoyed this devotion, please share it with your friends.
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.
No comments:
Post a Comment