As our hearts are turned toward the recent devastation in the nation of Haiti, many cannot help but turn their sadness into prayer. As I began to turn my concern for these beautiful people to the Lord, I was reminded of a woman I know who has a reputation for making demands and badgering people until she receives what she’s demanded. Through the years she has been known to administer badgering, as if she was pitching one fast flying ball after another for an athlete up to bat.
This technique has actually been effective for her. However, truthfully I am not so sure that these tactics have served her well. Most people have grown weary of her badgering, leaving her alone and friendless.
There is however a time that we are actually encouraged in this kind of persistence in a Bible story about a city judge who cared for no one. Yet, because a widow in the city consistently badgered and protested for her rights, the judge eventually relented and the woman received justice.
Although God is not a proponent of cunning, manipulative devices, He encourages us to ask Him and keep asking for the help we need. Read the words of Jesus, “Do you hear what that judge, corrupt as he is, is saying? So what makes you think God won’t step in and work justice for his chosen people, who continue to cry out for help? Won’t he stick up for them? I assure you, He will. He will not drag His feet. But how much of that kind of persistent faith will the Son of Man find on the earth when He comes?” (Luke 18:6-8 MSG)
It’s not always on our time table and that may be why Jesus instructed, “If you grasp and cling to life on your terms, you’ll lose it, but if you let that life go, you’ll get life on God’s terms.” (Luke 17:32 MSG)
God's terms at times may seem unpredictable, or even harsh, but that is because we can't see the full picture. Everything that God does is done in love. He causes all things to work for good for those who love Him.
Living life in pursuit of our own self-centered demands is a dead-end street. Yet, when we live life from an attitude of service and love we begin to comprehend life on God’s terms.
Despite what the motto touts, those that end with the most toys are not the winners; those who understand that life involves much more than an individual’s selfish demands have gotten in the race.
Those are the one’s who cry out for justice beyond their own backyard and jump in to give a hand to help others. God's ears are primed for our cries in response to the nation of Haiti’s pain. God is present, ready and available when we seek Him. In Jeremiah 33:3, God even gives us His phone number. “Call to me and I will answer you, and tell you great and mighty things, which you do not know.” (NAS)
