Meet Me Halfway

Dwayne settled down on the blanket next to Molly after setting the fishing gear down by the other side of the blanket. He promised her she would enjoy fishing if she gave it even just a half-hearted try. He agreed to be the one who would bait the hook for her. Then he got serious. “Molly what do think about what you just did with God’s offer of salvation?” She looked up to him with a full smile and sparkling eyes and said, “The only way I can describe it is like I just started my life over again and I am now squeaky clean. I’ve never felt like this in my life, and I always knew there was a God. And I’ve prayed to Him now and again. I went to church services—not regularly—but frequently. I’ve heard sermons and listened to Christmas and Easter musical specials, but none of that did to me what I just experienced. There’s something significant, special and real—especially real—to how having my sins forgiven makes me feel.” Dwayne took Molly’s hand and said, “I think your description is exactly on target. But just a word of advice, be careful not to completely trust your feelings. I think you can trust them this time, but they won’t always be so trustworthy. You see, you now have a spiritual you that is alive and in tune with God’s Holy Spirit inside of you. But your feelings—better known as your emotions, are part of your soulish realm. That’s the area of your mind, will and emotions. Those three facets are the fabric of our soul. You exercised your will a little while ago when you said you wanted your sins forgiven. Then you exercised it further by praying sincerely to God to forgive you and let Jesus be your Redeemer. But pesky feelings are not to be 100 percent trusted. They have a way of fooling you. If what they’re telling doesn’t seem right, or you feel they are in error, then chances are they are.” “Dwayne, I like how you explain spiritual things to me. You simplify them so I can understand them. You’ll be a great minister.” “You just made me very happy. But there’s something else you need to know. You need to start learning for yourself by getting and routinely reading a Bible. That will help you learn who God is. What His plan for you is. And what your responsibilities are in this Kingdom you are now an important part of. And just as importantly, who the enemy is and how to not be his victim as he seeks to ‘steal, kill and destroy’ anything or anyone who belongs to God—and remember, you now belong to Him. You’re His child and you need to hold tightly to that truth. Now, shall we bless the meal and stop our stomachs from growling?”