Among the relentless demands, is it possible to find balance in life?
I found my answer last Saturday in the park. I went down on one knee and held my granddaughter’s smooth face in my hands. “Look sweet girl,” I said, “if you keep your eyes ahead; if you keep pedaling, and if you don’t look to the sides, you’ll be riding your bike in no time.”
She gave a long sigh. “That’s a lot of ifs, Nana.”
She was right. But she obeyed. After a few dozen attempts, I was glad no one had a camera to capture the out-of-control cheers this Nana gave.
She moved those legs and then with a shout, she told her Papa to let go. That princess rode that bike in perfect balance.
I clapped and did a dance of victory on her behalf.
That’s the same reaction God must have when He finds that you and I followed all the “ifs” he poses. They’re numerous as they’re sprinkled throughout the Bible. To find that delicious balance in life, here are a list of five top “ifs” right from God’s mouth:
1. “If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you.” (John 15:7)
2. “I tell you the truth, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.” (Matthew 17:20)
3. “If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you.” (John 15:7)
4. “…if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.” (Matthew 6:14,)
5. “If you fully obey the Lord your God and carefully follow all his commands I give you today, the Lord your God will set you high above all the nations on earth.” (Deuteronomy 28:1)
Father, how silly of me to go through life riding with the training wheels of doubt. I thank you for the freedom that let me soar ahead, feeling the wind of joy on my face each time I follow your instructions, your commands and guidance. In Jesus’s name, amen.
* What keeps your life off-balance?
* What needs to change to find the peace a balanced life offers?
*Which of God’s instructions do you need to obey to bring balance to your life?
Janet P. Eckles
