One More Thing

                Sometimes I feel like no one understands why I am doing the things I do even though I know they are right. I often experience this feeling in church when I finally give in and allow my son to hang upside down from my arms. I love my son very much and would never do anything I thought would endanger him, but I also know him very well. It never fails that as soon as we reach our seat, he is ready to start moving. While in my arms he tries to crawl over my shoulder, turn around, crawl down my legs, on top of my head, lay sideways, lay back ways, lay front ways, and after all of that I realize it has only been about five minutes. When he finally settles himself into the position of hanging upside-down and that is the only position he seems to be comfortable with, I start getting looks from the people around me. Even though no one around me may understand, I know my little boy needs to move. If he is not sleeping, he is moving, and as long as he is moving, he is happy.

                Matthew 27 describes Jesus’ death on the cross. While he was suffering for our sins, many people mocked Him and said if He saved himself now, then they would believe in Him. Jesus knew He was suffering for those people that doubted him and everyone at that time seemed to doubt him. Even though He was giving us the greatest gift possible, all those around Him could do was ask for one more sign.

                I know and believe God always does what is right and wants what is best for me, but I wonder how many times I have said what Jews said while Jesus was dying on the cross. Have I ever asked God to give me a sign when He was trying to give me something greater? Have I questioned if God was really doing the right thing in my life? Have I doubted God’s love while He sacrificed His Son for my sake? Sometimes when I ask God for something I think in the back of my mind, “If God really loves me, He will do this.” Have I asked for more than the sacrifice of His Son to prove His love?

                Lord, please forgive me for trying to force You to prove Your love for me again. Help me to act on my knowledge of Your love and trust in the promises you have given me. Amen.