What If ...

Those common and seemingly insignificant words, at one time in my life, brought waves of terror with them as they slowly, but surely, took control of my life.  If that sounds overly dramatic, let me recount for you the sleepless nights that often brought with them debilitating fears.  Let me invite you to hear the sounds of the ambulance as I was driven off to the ER ... where they assured me that I wasn't having a heart attack.  Or let me allow you to see the love of a sister who sat by my bedside, holding my hand deep into the quiet hours of the night, as she desperately tried to assure me that my children would be safe and secure from the evils of the world around us.

But THANK GOD, times have changed ... grace has been poured out ... and the terror associated with the 'What if" monster has turned into blessings of unspeakable joy.  If THAT sounds overly dramatic to you, let me take you on a journey that may allow you the same blessing ...

What if ... as you woke up this morning you saw an image of the living Christ at the foot of your bed?  And what if ... you heard Christ saying to you "Come, my beloved, spend the day with me.  Come, and I will provide you with everything for your enjoyment" (1Tim 617)
And what if ... every sense within you was heightened to ecstasy in anticipation of what you were about to experience on this day that you set aside to be with the Lord ...
Oh, to see beauty beyond your ability to fathom
... to hear sounds of tenderness that softly demands your undivided attention
... to smell aromas that peak every ounce of your curiosity
... to taste in excess of your ultimate pleasure
... to experience a touch of perfection as waves of true love envelop you
... to laugh endlessly, praise joyfully and sing masterfully with a choir of angels as you spend the day with the love of your life ... Jesus!!!

Where would you spend your day?  And once there, would you openly worship Him in the hope that your appreciation was understood?  Or would you sit quietly, allowing your spirit to enjoy the pleasures that saturate you with images of heaven?

This is what 'Living in the spirit' is all about.  Seeking His pureness.  Resting inthe peace of His promises.  Relating intimately - one heart to another - with our God who IS love.

Initially, my attempts to go there seem futile as tears of unworthiness form a pool around me ... and yet I want nothing more in this moment than to be alone with him.  I am overwhelmed by His eagerness to draw me close to Himself and to lavish His love on me.  Thankfully, I am not strong enough to resist the lure of His presence ... and now that I am here, I sense an all consuming desire to remain here forever.

What if ... what if ... what if ... !  Years ago, long before I knew the Lord's heart, my cry of relief was nonetheless heard and as a result of His unfathomable love, my bannor of freedom read 'SO, what if'!  Now, realizing that all of this and more is waiting for those whose heart is pure, I praise God for the Words given to us in Matthew 5:8 "Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God."

Father God, I pray that Your will can be done in each of us as we realize the joy of living out the 'what if's' of our lives, arm in arm with Jesus, the Author and Finisher of our faith (Heb 12:2).  Consume us, Father, with your tender loving mercies, in Jesus' name I pray.
Amen and amen.