As I opened my
computer at work this morning, My “Lync Frequent Contacts” window popped up as
it always does. Lync is the method of instant messaging my
co-workers. One of my frequent contacts had been on medical leave,
recovering from surgery for several months. Her name had been followed by
“offline # days.” The # had been ever increasing. She returned to
work last week while I was on vacation. Yesterday had been the first time
I had again seen the word “Available” and a green box beside her name. It looked so good, because it represented that
she was healthy and strong enough to be back in the spot she fills so well.
Different messages can
be displayed beside a name. I have already mentioned Available and Offline.
There are also, Busy, Away, In a Meeting, Do Not Disturb, Inactive,
and various notes that can include how long the person will be in the current
status. These are all helpful in knowing when to contact someone or
when to expect an answer. Because someone covers my breaks using my log in,
there are only three messages associated with my name. When I sign in I
am Available. If I do not use
my computer for a period of time my computer locks, and I become Inactive. When I log off for the
night my status reads Offline.
Is God on my Frequent
Contact List? Fortunately, I can answer ‘yes’ to this question. I
speak with Him throughout the day. I
also know that I am on His. Whenever I look to contact Him, the status is
always available. Sometimes I wonder which status message He receives
when attempting to speak with me.
I would love to say
that I am always available and just like young Samuel, who jumped up in the
middle of the night. “Then Samuel answered,
Speak, Lord, for Your servant is listening.” (1Samuel 3:10 AMP) God
shared His plan with Samuel. For many years and he listened and played his
part well. Although this is becoming increasingly true in my life, I
often fall short.
‘Inactive’ is probably
the most common of my unavailable responses to God. I may simply not be
paying attention to Him. Be it cooking, cleaning, playing a computer game
or watching TV, I can get caught up in other things and miss His call.
None of these are bad things, but I can concentrate on them to the exclusion of
listening for the Holy Spirit. Just as I may have other duties at work, I
must frequently check my computer so that it does not lock and cause me to miss
e-mails or messages. Likewise I should frequently check in with God throughout
my daily activities.
‘Busy,’ ‘Away’ and ‘In
a Meeting’ are more intentional. These are the times that I do not want
my schedule interrupted. I have a plan with places to go, things to do
and people to see. It reminds me of the parable of the King’s wedding feast.
(See Matthew 22:1-15) The excuses given for not attending have some
merit, just as most of my plans are good things. These plans may involve
family or ministry work. Even writing these stories, which I believe God
has called me to do, can interfere with His plan for the moment. I must
always be ready to allow God to mix things up for the benefit of His
kingdom. I have even caught myself saying, “Not now Lord, I’m studying
Your Word.” It would be comical if it wasn’t true.
‘Do Not Disturb” is
the worst of the messages I can give to my loving heavenly Father. This
comes out when I shrink back from allowing Him into particular areas of my
life. This may involve forgiveness for another or even myself. Even in
this, God is caring for my best interest. “So also My heavenly
Father will deal with every one of you if you do not
freely forgive your brother from your heart his
offenses.” (Matthew 18:35 AMP) He does not want my refusal to
forgive to separate me from Him in any way. ‘Do Not Disturb’ may
also involve past hurts that I am unwilling to face and deal with. God
wants to bring healing, but I want to protect myself. I must remember
that He is tender and kind and receive His grace and healing in order to be
able to bring grace and healing to others. “…inasmuch as the Lord
is full of pity and compassion and tenderness and mercy.” (James
5:11b AMP)
‘Offline’ would
involve shutting God out. I can happily say that this setting no longer
appears in my life. After serving God for many years, I went through a
time when I just gave up. Having come back from this dark hopelessness, I
know and enjoy my complete dependency on Him. Even as I wake in the
night, I will pray and sing to Him. I am striving to be open to Him at
all times.
What message are you
giving to God today? Are you Available and ready to hear
and obey? I hope so. Would Inactive or just not quite
paying attention better describe you? Maybe it is Busy, Away or In
a Meeting. For any of these, open your eyes, ears and heart to
the nudges of the Holy Spirit. If you have put out the Do Not
Disturb sign, please hear the heart of the Father, who cares only for
your very best. If Offline (either because you have not
entered a relationship with Jesus Christ or you have allowed your heart to stop
trusting or following Him) know that God loves you more than you can imagine.
Keep God on your
‘Frequent Contact’ list. He’s Available! Are you?
No comments:
Post a Comment