“So whatever you believe about these things keep between yourself and God. Blessed is the one who does not condemn himself by what he approves.” Romans 14:22
NO! It was just as simple as that. NO! Having posted a story on a neighbor’s grass getting WAY too high, I received a response from my pseudo mother. At least I guess that is what I could call her. She was my mom’s best friend growing up and we stay in touch. She is smart, funny and quick. I received an email from her with the subject header, ”SUGGESTION.” I began laughing before I even opened it.
It was no surprise, even though it may have been an accident, but ALL the words were in capital letters. Years ago I used to send emails in all ‘caps’ and someone responded, “why are you yelling at me!” With a chuckle I realized that, even if it was unintentional, she was serious. She wrote, “CUT NEIGHBORS GRASS AND SAY…..CALL IF I CAN EVER HELP YOU ACT LIKE A CHRISTIAN…..YOU CAN DO IT..…” I couldn’t have said it better myself.
Have you ever been faced with a supernatural request from God? One where you KNOW that you KNOW He is telling you to DO something. Part of the fun of being a believer is learning how to hear His voice…and then act on it. Over the years He has asked me to do some pretty crazy stuff. At the risk of seeming to justify myself, I’ll refrain from specifics and keep them between myself and God. Wink wink!
So there it was! At ‘mom’s’ suggestion I realized I had a decision to make..again. Having already considered and made it over several weeks, the decision remained the same. “NO!” Now I have to live with the consequences. In this case, I’m OK with that!
I have learned that God’s will, even His suggestive will, comes in several ways. It can be a still small voice deep in my brain. It can be a visual that sparks the flame. The Bible or other reading material may plant the seed. Or it can be at the nudge of leaders or other people. In any event, the decision to do, or NOT do, ALWAYS rests with me. God’s approval or disapproval follows. It is a daily, and sometimes hourly, seesaw.
In the end… it was the 2 big dogs that helped my decision. I think you get the picture. The ‘zing’ of the email wasn’t enough to change my mind about the grass. And “No” stayed no! But I can live with that. Especially since someone else has already cut it! WHEW!!!! I’m glad God talks to more people than just me! AND glad I still have mom to keep me honest!