Thursday, July 24, 2014

By: Brandon Bilbo

 

The Space Between

 

Revelation 2:4 But I have this complaint against you. You don't love me or each other as you did at first!

  

In today's verse, God is expressing His extreme disappointment in the church for becoming apathetic in their relationships with God and each other.

 

I am reminded of a story that Pastor Danny Knight often tells. There was once an older couple riding in their car. The car had one long seat in the front with no center console separating the husband and wife. The wife, who was sitting against the passenger door, looked at her husband who was driving and asked, "Honey, why don't we sit close to each other like we used to and hold hands anymore?" He looked at her and replied, "Baby, I never moved." Wow!

 

There are times in each of our relationships with God that we may feel as if He is not right beside us or as if He doesn't care anymore. However, Hebrews 13:8 says, "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever." God has not changed, but more than likely, we may have moved inch by inch until we can't feel His presence as strong. Many things can cause this "space" between us and God--specifically a lack of time in prayer and His word.

 

I challenge you today to rekindle your relationship with God and your relationships with those you love--your spouse, children, friends, etc. Be that person you were when you first encountered these special people in your life.

 

We often point out the faults in others and think "only if THEY can change..." Most people find little success in trying to "change" another individual. That's God's job. However, if YOU commit to making positive improvements and doing the special things you once did, it is very likely that the "space" between you and that individual will become smaller as that person reciprocates your efforts. Remember though, in some of your relationships, it may take time. The "distance" was not formed in a day and may not be recovered that quickly either. Thankfully, God is always waiting for us to return to Him with open arms.

 

Dear Lord, I thank You that You are steadfast in Your love for me. Forgive me for times that I have allowed distractions to cause distance between us. Help me love You and others as You have created me to do.

 

I thank You Jesus for dying for me. I believe that You are Lord and that God raised You from the grave so that I can have eternal life.

 

Reflection: Are there things I can do to close the gap between me and those I love - including my relationship with God?