“But true wisdom and power are wih God; counsel and understanding are his. What he destroys cannot be rebuilt. When he closes in on someone, there is no escape” (Job 12:13-14 NLT).
My sisters and I used to have to share the backseat. There were times when sharing wasn’t an issue. We rode along peacefully. Enjoyed the trip. Then there were car rides (and Mom would attest to this) that were a little less than joyful. One of my sisters would cross the line and have a portion of their body in my space. We’d take a curve in the car and they would have the audacity to touch me. On the worst of drives, one of them might even look at me—and then the fight was on.
We all, regardless of our age, like our space. We take comfort in certain places. We entertain certain ways of doing things. We relish, at times, being left completely alone.
Think about the unsaved friends and loved ones on your prayer list. God is in the backseat with them.
Some days He nudges a little too closely for their liking. And conviction is a very ugly thing. It lashes out. It fights back. It occasionally produces hurtful words and sour attitudes.
Some days He gets thrown into their space. Circumstances—not a surprise to Him—happen, and the unsaved are faced with Him staring them right in the face. Curves in the road remind them of their lack of control and His infinite power and might.
Some days He stands silently beside them as they make poor choices. He doesn’t tap them on the shoulder or nudge them in the back, but He allows them to use their free will, regardless of how much it hurts Him.
Some days (and this is what we’re all praying for), He steps in and embraces them fully. They fight against it. They think want no part of it. They atttempt to balk and try to get away. Deep down, deep down in their hearts, it’s just what they’ve been waiting for.
Keep praying that God closes in on those you love. following them closely, making His presence known, getting in their space.
Malinda Edgell
Illinois
PRAY TOGETHER: Pray for former Alabama WAC president Elwanda Oakes, who continues to face health decline and for Treasure Facilitator Guide writer Carolyn Michael, as she attends to her care.
