The Ball Is In Your Court

But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. Isaiah 40:31

The Lord is close to all who call on him, yes, to all who call on him in truth. Psalm 145:18

And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them. Romans 8:28

God needs to be invited into your life, so that He can intervene in your life. -Sadie Robertson

God isn’t hiding, many of us simply aren’t seeking. -Kelley Latta

The Lord is my shepherd, the Lord is close to us, we find new strength, He causes everything to work together for our good. These words are all so comforting. These blessings are available to every single person on this earth. But they require action, they don’t just happen automatically. We need to invite Him into our lives. We need to seek Him, trust Him, call on Him. Grace is a gift, it is offered to everyone, but it is not forced upon anyone. The choice is ours to accept it or reject it. But if we reject it, how can we expect to see God working in our lives?

The world sees bad things happen and wonders, “where is God?” God sees the same things happen and wonders, “where are you?” We want the freedom to do whatever we want, no rules, whatever makes us feel happy…He gives it to us. Be careful what you wish for. He can’t intervene unless you accept his gift and invite Him in.

God made the first move when He loved us enough to send his Son to take our punishment and die for our sins. Now the ball is in your court. Are you going to watch it roll right past you, let it sit there in a corner of the room and ignore it, kick it out the door because it’s in your way and cramps your style? Are you then going to get angry when something goes wrong and you can’t find God? Or are you going to pick up the ball, toss it back, and start a game of catch with your Father? You can start to talk to Him about what’s happening in your life, invite Him to be a part of it, build a relationship with Him through this simple game of catch, and fall into his arms when things go wrong.

God’s love made the first move, the next move is yours. Choose wisely because His next move depends on you. You can reject the simple gift because the enemy lures you away with sparkly, glittery, empty promises. Or you can start a ball game with your Father. What does all that glitter offer you when life falls apart? Your father offers you rest, peace, and strength. He offers to be close to you, to protect and comfort you. He offers you overflowing blessings. He promises to be with you always, and that you will live with Him forever.

The Lord is my shepherd;
  I have all that I need.
He lets me rest in green meadows:
  he leads me beside peaceful streams.
  He renews my strength.
He guides me along right paths, bringing honor to his name.
  Even when I walk through the darkest valley,
    I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me.
Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me.
  You prepare a feast for me in the presence of my enemies.
You honor me by anointing my head with oil.
  My cup overflows with blessings.
Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me
  all the days of my life, 
and I will live in the house of the Lord forever.

Psalm 23