Would You Go

In November 1981, Billy Graham presided over an eight-day crusade at the Rice Stadium. It was reported that about 18,000 were there each of those chilly nights. Eva and I were there one of those nights and I was amazed by what I saw. I was moved by his message, but to see the number of people leaving their seats up in the bleachers and making their way to the stage area was something I did not expect to see.

Most Americans have heard about the “second coming of Jesus” and I hope all Christians not only believe it will happen, but they also look forward to that day. What if you heard that Jesus would be in your hometown for one night at a location you could get to, would you go? Would you have to look at your calendar to see if that night was free of other activities? Would you be concerned about the traffic or weather? Would you be willing to miss a soccer game? Perhaps think I know what His going to say and maybe it will be on YouTube?

There really is only one question that we all should ask ourselves, “Do I truly want to hear directly from Jesus what He wants to tell me?” If the answer is yes, then the next question is, “Has Jesus already provided the answers to all my questions, and I have not read them?” Jesus does not send text messages, or emails, or post His answers on YouTube. All His messages are in the Bible, and you only need to go there to find your answers.

If you have ever played a sport, jogged, or had a child involved with any activity, you know practice, lots of practice is required. Knowing how to find answers from Jesus does not take practice, but it does take prayer. Time spent in prayer prepares your mind and heart to know what you need instead of what you want. Once you understand that God knows what you need and when you need it, that is when you learn to trust. We live in the moment and believe we know what will solve our immediate problem. Prayer is a conversation with God when we tell Him things He already knows and then tell Him how we want it delivered and when it needs to be delivered.

We need to talk to God about our pain and keep our hearts available to get a response from God. No, you will not have an angel appear to tell you your answer. When you follow your prayers with time by reading the Bible and with an open mind, you may have scriptures that take on new meanings. There is a difference between “believing in God” and “believing God”. There is a difference between “God give me what I want” and “God I want what is best and I trust you”. No pill or drink will make that easier to attain in your life. Only time spent in prayer and time spent reading His word will help any of us with that transition.

Jesus is in town today and you do not have to drive anywhere to tell Him what is on your mind. If you are new to reading the Bible to find answers, start with the Book of Luke to see how a physician told his view of Jesus and Jesus’ messages we all need to know.

Would you go?