Matt 16:15 He pressed them, “And how about you? Who do you say I am?”
16 Simon Peter said, “You’re the Christ, the Messiah, the Son of the living God.”
17-18 Jesus came back, “God bless you, Simon, son of Jonah! You didn’t get that answer out of books or from teachers. My Father in heaven, God himself, let you in on this secret of who I really am. And now I’m going to tell you who you are, really are. You are Peter, a rock. This is the rock on which I will put together my church, a church so expansive with energy that not even the gates of hell will be able to keep it out.
19 “And that’s not all. You will have complete and free access to God’s kingdom, keys to open any and every door: no more barriers between heaven and earth, earth and heaven. A yes on earth is yes in heaven. A no on earth is no in heaven.”
Behave! By Tony Stoltzfus
In Flatland, God makes up his mind what must be done and our job is to figure out his will and obey. But in a relationship where you and God have fallen in love, there are many matters where he loves to leave the decision to you. Several years ago I was facing a very difficult coaching session with a client who was in serious trouble. Before the appointment I was out walking and pleading for wisdom in how to approach the problem. Out of the blue I heard God say, “Why are you asking me? I like watching you function.”
I wanted a word from him because I was scared and not feeling particularly hopeful. Instead of telling me what to do, he gave me what I really needed: confidence. He believed in me instead of giving me an answer. Often, it is God’s good pleasure simply to watch us choosing, and exercising the free will he gave us through the mind of Christ he is planting in us. His enjoyment of us is often a greater purpose than our making the “right” choice.
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