During this past Sunday's sermon, Pastor Sam recounted an incident that occurred during his doctoral studies. A particular professor had informed the class that no one would earn an A grade, and our pastor gave himself over to intense study in order to earn an A in the class. He earned the A, but it cost him: effort, time, and even health were expended in order to do his best.
Pastor Sam then asked a question (paraphrased here) that only he can answer: I wonder if my wife will see me seeking after God as intensely as I sought after that A in the class.
I think we all have our own version of the question. Is seeking after God something we give ourselves over to, completely? Is the presence of God the thing we crave above all else? Are we willing to sacrifice time, sleep, or whatever else seems "necessary", in order to hear the voice of the Lord?
As we noted in yesterday's post, it is extended time in the presence of God that assists us in recognizing the will of God. As we pray and fast between now and February 9, we let go of certain things in order to focus on God. Pastor Sam shared with us that this giving up of temporal things, things that are necessary and normal, allows us to turn our attention to the eternal.
My prayer is that seeking God is worth much more to us than everything else we pursue.
"But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you." (Matthew 6:33)
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