GOD WANTS TO PULL THE STICKERS OUT
The little girl hopped away screaming. Obviously, the fear of living forever with a sticker in her foot was not as terrifying as the thought of me pulling it out. But a five-year-old could not out-run the preacher. Not hopping on one foot, anyway.
After I wrestled her into position and swiftly pulled the sticker from her foot, her eyes filled with joy. She danced away, laughing, free, thankful. She dance, and danced, and danced.
It wasn’t long ago that I realized that any real encounter with God was somewhat confrontational. There was always something that needed to be removed from my life so that His joy could be added.
So many times, I hopped away from God, fearing the removal, settling for the pain and damage that God longed to eliminate. Just like Adam, trying to hide where shadows lie about privacy from our Father.
But unlike Adam, I have been here before. I know the routine. Kick, scream, fight, and protest until God maneuvers me into position to remove the sin and free me from further damage. But I never learn. It is the same with my rebellious heart again and again.
Every time, I try to negotiate with God. "God, I can live with this one. Watch me! I have even developed this special hobble that you will find endearing. Father, can’t we pretend this once that I am already OK? Can’t I hop a little longer? Why do we have to worry about this now?"
His Spirit reminds me, "And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ" Philippians 1:6 ESV.
Why do I forget the joy of dancing, laughing, freedom and thankfulness that comes after God pulls my stickers? But I
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