June 29, 2009
God takes initiative. He actually makes the first move. It is easy, though, in the midst of our lives to think that it all depends on you. You have to make it happen. There is an old adage that says, “If it is to be, it’s up to me.” There is some truth in that. We do have a role to play. However, we must remember that God is alive and engaged. He is not some uninvolved, detached being off in never-never land looking on passively to see if we get it right.
I have realized that it is easy for me to go about my life busily trying to carry all my God-given responsibilities – husband, father, brother, leader, follower – gutting it out, trying to do the best that I can. Sure, I ask the Lord to lead and guide me, to give me wisdom and strength to do what He has asked me to do, but do I really believe that He will move on my behalf without being asked to by me? Or does He only move because I have done something to earn His favour, or catch His attention?
I call this Christian Atheism – knowing Jesus, believing in Him, following Him, but not truly believing that He is alive and well and that He takes initiative in my life. Not truly believing that He loves me and delights in me and that He will be actively involved in my life – by His initiative. Not believing that He will surprise me with His love, and not simply respond to my “faithfulness”.
When I was 9, the Lord miraculously saved my life after I was run over by a car on the highway at Whistler. He broke into my life and called me to follow Him. I didn’t ask for that. He chose me. He initiated this relationship. And, He has continued to take initiative in my life for over 35 years.
He did the same for you. He called you and He continues to call you. He continues to take initiative in your life. He does this because He loves you and delights in you.
Don’t fall into the trap of Christian Atheism – God calls you, He initiates because He loves you. It’s not all up to you.
John 15: 16
“You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit-fruit that will last. Then the Father will give you whatever you ask in my name.”
Strength and courage,
David MacLean