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By Rev Don Rivers
This weekend unofficially closes out the summer, I wonder if we have built some new relationships over the last few months? The closeness of those relationships depends on our actions. How much effort do we invest? I wonder how close is our relationship with God? Have we given God control? Are we actively listening, following His directions? Greetings in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ
For the past few races, you have struggled to find the right setup for your car. You have tried everything you can think of but the car just does not respond. What do you do? You start asking questions. But who do you ask? You ask people who have experience dealing with the chassis you run. Maybe you start at the manufacturer, or you go to the car builder. You may seek out a crew chief who has had success in the past making a similar car go fast. You hire him and give him control of the team. You let him use his experience and make the necessary changes.
Why then, when we get to the point in our lives that we decide to give our life to Christ, do we hold something back; we are not willing to give him full control. In Luke’s Gospel Jesus asks the question;
Luke 6:46; “Why do you call me, `Lord, Lord,’ and do not do what I say?
Imagine how long a crew chief or driver would stick around if you didn’t let them have the authority to make changes? I am sure we have all experienced the frustration of having the responsibility to work something out but we don’t have the authority to make changes. A crew chief or driver who doesn’t have the authority to make changes will soon get frustrated and move on. I am thankful that Jesus has more patience with us when we fail to follow His guidance and direction.
Having a relationship with God is similar, we need to allow God to make the necessary changes in our lives, that will lead to an abundant life. We have to actively listen, that means make the changes God directs us to. Then and only then will we be on the path God has for us. Here’s an illustration that might help.
Once there was this very wealthy young man. He lived in a great, elaborate house with dozens of rooms. There were paintings and sculptures; crystal chandeliers and golden ornate railings on the stairs. More beauty than many had ever seen.
One day he invited the Lord to come into his life and live with him. When the Lord arrived, this young man offered him the very best room in the house. The room was upstairs and at the end of the hall. “This room is yours, Jesus! Stay as long as you like and you can do whatever you want to in this room, remember Jesus, it’s all yours.”
That evening after he had retired for the night there came a loud knocking at the front door. The young man pulled on his robe and made his way downstairs. When he opened the door, he found that the devil had sent three of his demons to attack the man. He quickly tried to close the door but one of the demons kept sticking his foot in. Sometime later, after a great struggle, he managed to slam the door shut and returned to his room totally exhausted.
”Can you believe that”, “the man thought. “Jesus is upstairs in my very best room sleeping while I am down here battling demons. Oh, well, maybe he just didn’t hear.” He slept fitfully that night.
The next day things went along as normal and, being tired as he was, the young man retired early that evening. Along about midnight, there came such a terrible ruckus at the front door that the young man was sure that whatever it was would tear the door down. He stumbled down the stairs once again and opened the door to find that were dozens of demons now trying to get into his beautiful home.
For more than three hours he fought and struggled against the demons from hell and finally overtook them enough to shut the door against their attack. All energy seemed to fail him. He really didn’t understand this at all. “Why won’t the Lord come to my rescue? Why does he allow me to fight all by myself? I feel so alone”. Troubled, he found his way to the sofa and fell into a restless sleep.
The next morning, he decided to inquire of the Lord about the happenings of the last two evenings. Quietly he made his way to the elegant bedroom where he had left Jesus.
“Jesus,” he called as he tapped at the door. “Lord, I don’t understand what is happening. For the last two nights I have had to fight the demons away from my door while you laid up here sleeping. Don’t you care about me? Did I not give you the very best room in the house?”
“My precious child,” Jesus spoke so softly. “I do love and care for you. I protect all that you have released into my care. But when you invited me to come here and stay, you brought me to this lovely room and you shut the door to the rest of your house. I am Lord of this room but I am not Master of this house. I have protected this room and no demon may enter here.”
“Oh Lord, please forgive me. Take my entire house; it is yours. I am so sorry that I never offered you all to begin with. I want you to have control of everything.” With this he flung open the bedroom door and knelt at Jesus’ feet. “Please forgive me Lord for being so selfish.”
Jesus smiled and told him that He had already forgiven him and that He would take care of things from now on. That night as the young man prepared for bed he thought, “I wonder if those demons will return, I am so tired of fighting them each and every night.” But he knew that Jesus said that he would take care of things from now on.
Along about midnight the banging on the door was frightening. The young man slipped out of his room in time to see Jesus going down the stairs. He watched in awe as Jesus swung open the door, no need to be afraid.
Satan stood at the door this time demanding to be let in. “What do you want, Satan?” the Lord asked. The devil bowed low in the presence of the Lord, “So sorry, I seem to have gotten the wrong address.” And with that, he and the demons left.
Jesus wants all of us, not just a part. He will receive whatever we give Him but nothing more. How much of our life have we given to the Lord? Are we keeping a portion of it away from Him? Why do you call me Lord and not listen to what I say? Are you ready to let Jesus have authority over our whole life? Are we actively listening, surrendering the power and authority of our lives unto the one who can provide the best life possible?
John 10:10; The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life.
Until next time, remember God loves you and Jesus is Lord over Auto Racing! God Bless. Remember, that your prayerful support and donations helps us continue this ministry. Thank You.
