May 4, 2024
I once read a story about a man who tore down an old building that stood on his property for many years. After clearing away the debris, he broke up and smoothed over the ground. Soon, spring rains fell and sunshine flooded the area.
It wasn’t long until an array of flowers burst forth, unlike any others in the neighborhood. The explanation was simple. The spot on which the house was built had once been a beautiful garden. The seeds were in the ground the whole time, deprived of moisture, warmth, and light for decades. Once the sun and rain came, beauty emerged.
This story describes so many people that I’ve run across over the years. Trials and tribulations have taken their toll. Hearts that once overflowed with joy and delight have grown cold and hard. Years of disappointment and unfulfilled expectations have caused their faith to flounder.
The Bible tells us to “lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us” (Hebrews 12:1 NASB). Is there something in your life keeping you from being all God wants you to be? Something you’re involved in that needs to stop? Unforgiveness that needs to be released?
I remember while fishing as a kid, jumping out of the boat and trying to swim in blue jeans (not shorts). I quickly got tired. It could have ended tragically, had I not found shallow water. The same holds true in life. Living each day while tangled up in poor habits, bad decisions, and sketchy relationships is like swimming in blue jeans.
At a point in history over 2,500 years ago, with His people mired in rebellion and disobedience, God told his people through on of His prophets, “I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; and I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh” (Ezekiel 36:27 NASB).
While that promise still holds today, it comes about only when the Holy Spirit comes to live within us; which happens when we receive Jesus Christ as Savior. As the Bible says, “You are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you. But if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Him” (Romans 8:9 NASB).
Jesus says, “Look! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in, and we will share a meal together as friends” (Revelation 3:20, NLT). If He’s knocking at the door of your heart, rather than putting out the “Do Not Disturb” sign, turn it over to where it says, “Come In And Clean.”
Despite being in Athens for almost four years, I still rely on GPS to get where I need to be. When I miss a turn or get off course, I get the “rerouting” message. Spiritually speaking, the same holds true. If you find yourself off course, let God reroute you and provide abundant life that only comes from life in Jesus, His Son.
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Todd Gaddis is a semi-retired minister living in Athens. He continues to serve as an interim pastor and can be reached at jtoddgaddis@gmail.com.
