Sometimes our Christianity feels rather flat as if it doesn’t really mean anything. We get up in the morning, have some quiet time, but before we know it we’re on the run again. We run to get the kids up and grab some breakfast before we rush out of the door with great fanfare. Then it is work, work and more work. And after a day of rushing from one place to another, we arrive at home thoroughly exhausted and try to stop for a bit. We listen how everyone’s day went, grab something to eat, watch TV and fall into bed. Another day has gone.

Does this sound familiar?

Let’s be honest: How much space did all the rushing leave for God? Did I live my life the way I wanted to or did He have some input? Did I do as I saw fit, or did I listen to the voice of God?

I suspect the origin of most of this chaos is because we make all the decisions. When we should first stop at the major crossroads in life to ask God what He thinks, there is simply no time. There is no time in our busy lifestyle to be silent and wait on God’s whisper. And that is why I say a quick prayer, ask a couple of friends to pray as well and hope that somewhere, somehow my decision connects with that of God.

5 Test yourselves to make sure you are solid in the faith. Don’t drift along taking everything for granted. Give yourselves regular checkups.

Before you agree with Paul’s instruction though, look at your own life recently. What did you think about most? What ate most of your energy? How much space did God have in your life?

This really does not mean that you have to stagger around under an enormous feeling of guilt and start biting your nails. Nor is it the right time to leave everything behind and sign up for missionary work in Africa.

No, God wants to use you where you live. That’s the good news. God is with you every moment wherever you go. At work, in the boardroom, in your car together with all the motorists struggling through the traffic with you, when you’re with your family, when you’re with your friends.

Yes, God’s Spirit is always with you. He is with you in all the rush, longing to help you with your choices, your words and your actions. Every time He puts up his hand, maybe thinking: If I could only get a chance to say something she would bear so much more fruit!

6You need firsthand evidence, not mere hearsay, that Jesus Christ is in you. 9 … and then go on to celebrate every strength, every triumph of the truth in you. We pray hard that it will all come together in your lives.

The rest is simply noise.

We’ve heard this message so many times. We know exactly what to do. We know we have to give God so much more space in our lives, but time and again we start running and when we face God one day, we realize we’re still in the exact place that we started from. The only difference is that we’re exhausted and have very little peace.

The question is: How can we give God more space in our lives? How will we do what God wants us to do? How will our faith start growing?

Make an appointment with yourself and with God. Maybe it’s time to start the day in God’s presence, and come hell or high water, to do it religiously (no pun intended) every day.

2 Corinthians 13:1-10

Reflection

How are you going to give God more space in your life?

How are you going to do what God wants you to do?

How will your faith start growing?

Prayer

Lord, I fall into the trap again and again. The world outside is rushing and all it says is: Faster, faster. I’m tired of all the running. I want to hear what You say. I want to do what You want me to do. I want to be sure what You want me to decide. Please help me to make my appointments with You. Amen