Where is God, He Asked

Have you read the story about the married couple who had 2 little kids – two sons to be exact? They were about 10 years old. The two youngsters were seemingly always getting into trouble and had developed a reputation for being quite a nuisance.

The time came when their parents were exasperated about how to address their sons’ behavior. Things were out of control when they weren’t around. (Life Moment: How do WE act when our spouse or those who respect us aren’t around?)

The mom learned a well respected pastor was visiting their church, so she and her husband agreed to take the boys to speak with him. Perhaps the minister could steer them in the right direction, where other attempts had failed.

The youngest brother met with the pastor first. “Where is God?” he asked the young lad.

No response.

“I asked you, young man, where is God?” re-questioned the pastor to the boy.

No response. The boy just stared blankly.

With a more aggressive tone, the pastor cried out, “WHERE IS GOD?!”

No response.

Suddenly the boy darted out of the room and ran all the way home. He slammed his bedroom door shut and hid himself in the closet. His older brother followed him – he pried the door open, sat down beside of him, and asked what happened.

The younger brother wiped away tears and in a broken voice said, “We are in HUGE trouble this time!! God is missing and the preacher thinks we did it!!”

That story made me smile – and even though it’s fictional – my heart went out for the little boy.

And…It’s a good question! Where IS God? To be more specific, where is He in our lives – where do we place Him?

Are we making Him a priority? Is He in our speech? In our relationships? Is He numero uno in our decision making? Are we living our lives in such a way that when people learn we’re a Christian that they DON’T think we are a hypocrite? It is a common fact of society – people ARE watching our actions.

God wants our dedication. He desires for His children to serve and love Him. To the BEST of our ability.

I remember on my wedding day the comments; tidbits of advice that my beloved pastor’s wife said to me. She was like a second mother to me – and I wanted her to be proud of us – so I tried to absorb her heartfelt instructions.

She said, ‘Shug’ (short for “Sugar”) ya’ll always put God first in your marriage. Do your BEST to make Him first in your lives. And everything else will work out. God’s love is a BIG love. You’re going to need Him. There’ll be hard times. There’ll be heartaches. You’ll have joy. Don’t ever question where Jesus is at. He’ll never leave or forsake you, but don’t you go leaving him.”

I squeezed her and wiped the little tear that she had on her cheek. Aaahhh, what sound and Godly advice she bestowed!

I didn’t know it at the time, but she would leave her earthly body and go to heaven not too long after that conversation. I treasure those special memories. And her marital advice was right! Very right. His love IS a big love! Wherever we go – God is there. Whatever we go through – God is there. Every valley – God is there. Every mountain top – God is there! Every morning…God is there. Rich in mercy and grace.

The simple truth is this: God will be as big, as close, and as real to us as we allow! The MORE we love and serve Him, the more He’ll demonstrate that He’s a friend that ‘sticketh closer than a brother!’

Look UP my friends!