Daily Devotional for March 31, 2022

 
Christie is my sister-in-law.  She serves a church in Fort Worth.  I have always thought a lot of Christie and considered her a marginally adequate pastor.  Sadly, I am having to rethink my opinion.  I may have been wrong.  Let me explain.
 
Every year, as a discipline for Lent, Christie gives up Facebook.  For her, this is a true sacrifice and I’ve always been impressed that she does it.
 
The other day, I asked Christie if she had given up Facebook for Lent.  She said, “I did give up Facebook, but I am still on Instagram.”  At that moment, my wonderful opinion of my sister-in-law came crashing down.
 
I explained in my patient, articulate, calm way, giving up one form of social media and plugging into another was the wimpiest thing I had ever heard.  I told her she was having a Wimp Lent. 
 
After that, I had nothing left to say.  There were no words to convey my overwhelming disappointment.  Still, she didn’t get it.
 
While you may not have a sister-in-law that doesn’t truly understand the depths of depravity, more than likely, you have a family member that causes you difficulty.  That’s because every family has crazy in it.  This can be very frustrating.
 
My father used to say, “God gave us families so we would know what heaven and hell are like at the same time.”  I never understood why he always looked at me when he said that.
 
The bottom line is family can be hard.  But when it is done right, there is no greater blessing.
 
By believing in Jesus as Lord and Savior, you are a part of a family that will never end.  It is a family that is not defined by a last name, a family tree, or biology.  It is about belief.
 
This is what John meant by saying, “Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God— children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God.”  (John 1:12-13)
 
If, as of yet, you have been unable to truly believe, take the leap, step out on faith, and choose to believe.  It will change your life forever and be the best, most rewarding decision you ever make.  I know because I speak from experience.
 
Prayer:  Dear Gracious Heavenly God, in those moments of weakness, help me believe.  Let my life be governed by your love, mercy, and grace.  In Jesus’ name I pray.  Amen.
 
God has already taken care of all the hard parts.  All God asks is that you believe.
 
Believe and be blessed.
 
Also, just for the record, even though Christie has completely missed the point, we are still family.  But I can tell you, the first time I met her, when the entire family was playing Monopoly, she went bankrupt almost immediately.  That should have been my first clue.
 
I pray your day is filled with joy and laughter.
Tom Robbins