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CHRISTIAN LIVING TODAY
I love teaching Scripture. My secret? I benefit when I prepare, and I’m sure God chuckles knowing I study more as I prepare.
I’m grateful for the desire He puts in my heart, and even the requirements He sets along the way.
I began noticing examples where God does something repeatedly. He initiates — a verb that describes Him clearly: causes the beginning of, gets going.
He establishes the principles of life. He takes the first step in forming a relationship with us, for our eternal good.
God initiated relationship with Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden. Their early relationships were warm and cordial, yet once they sinned, they hid from Him.
Do you think when God inquired of Adam, “Where are you?” that He didn’t know where Adam or Eve were hidden?
Of course He knew where they were, but they needed to realize where they were — scared, ashamed and hidden.
They were separated, but God looked for them first.
God initiated conversations with early patriarchs, giving them purpose and promises. He initiated covenants that remain today, and when He called Moses to lead the Israelites out of Egypt.
God initiated help and refreshment for Elijah. And when Elijah was depressed and alone, God came, saying, “Elijah, what are you doing here?”
The whole account describes a loving Heavenly Father, reaching out for His children, His followers, those who carry His name.
Throughout the Bible, God initiated conversations. Dreams. Instructions.
Those confused or angry with God are not abandoned either. Consider Job, a godly man who suffered incredible loss, yet God never abandoned him.
Believers doubt. We fail. We sin. We fall short of what we hope to do or be, yet, God remains.
Have you ever had a phone call just when you were about to give up, and no person knew your need but God? Have you ever received a note or card, especially one snailmailed that arrived at just the right time?
God knew your need before you even had a need. He initiated encouragement. He prompted a friend to phone or write … but God was the initiator.
He is omniscient and omnipresent. The Psalms encourage us to remember.
I’ll be reading that along with you. Until next week, Anita
Onarecker, an Elgin resident, author of “Divine Appointment: Our Journey to the Bridge” and minister to women and adults, earned a Master of Christian Education from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in 2007.
