We All Have This In Common
It is part of being a human being.
Our default state — where we all begin — even though we look like little innocent babies at first — is war with God.
This is why we win when we finally, willingly, surrender.
I clearly remember what my life was like when I thought God was superstition, that he was as real as comic books and fairy tales.
And like most, I think, he didn’t reveal himself in any extraordinary miracle that would have removed all doubt.
No, my conclusions about God came secondary to my conclusions about myself.
The longer I lived the more I realized how unfree I was.
I was slave to fears and doubts.
I didn’t know who to trust — including trusting myself.
I saw behavior in me I didn’t like and really couldn’t explain — and excuses didn’t cut it, they simply reinforced how out of self control I was.
Eventually, in a very stark contrast to the fake life I was living I came in contact with some my age who seemed happy.
And it wasn’t because everything was going their way. Often their genuinely gentle and kind behavior towards others, even those like me who outwardly rejected their ideas as foolish, came with circumstances much worse than my own.
This caused me to stop and consider what they were saying.
I became convicted that up to that point I was unwilling to investigate any of it. They believed in “The Bible” and I didn’t — even though I had never read it.
So I gave up my pride, picked up the book, and started reading.
My life dramatically improved after that.
Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.
In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.
Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD, and turn away from evil.
It will be healing to your flesh and refreshment to your bones.
Proverbs 3:5-8 (ESV)
