SURPRISED BY JOY (3)

In hindsight, I now see that Jesus reached to me many times, drawing me to Him continually, even during my childhood. Sometimes it was through thought impressions, sometimes through music or books, sometimes through someone’s words or actions. He never stopped speaking to me or guiding my life so that whatever turn I took, I bumped into Him. At times I even responded, though only partially. I usually just pushed Him away. But He never gave up.

Am I unique? No! Jesus wants to save all of us from the stress we bring on ourselves. He has said, “I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with loving kindness have I drawn thee” (Jeremiah 31:3). He is working behind the scenes in all of our lives, and there isn’t a single person who He isn’t patiently, lovingly trying to reach. Most of the time we don’t pay any attention. And Jesus, a respecter of free choice, will never forcibly stop us from making mistakes and taking wrong turns. Yet His love for us is steady and inalienable.

In your present situation, Jesus is with you. He is actively involved in your very existence moment by moment, although you may not yet perceive it. “He is not far from every one of us, for in Him we live and move and have our being” (Acts 17:28). You can even speak to Him at any time, and He will hear and answer you. You might not necessarily hear a voice, but you will recognize the answer if you look for it.

Just as He had a better plan for me if I had turned to Him, so He has one for you. He promises, “Call unto me, and I will answer Thee, and show thee great and mighty things which thou knowest not” (Jeremiah 33:3).