Perhaps

Jeremiah 36:3

“Perhaps the house of Judah will hear all the calamity which I plan to bring on them, in order that every man will turn from his evil ways; then I will forgive their iniquity and their sin.”

Inside every person, there is a “perhaps.” From parents to bosses to co-workers, we all have the “perhaps” clause in our minds. Parents give their children a little responsibility, and perhaps they will be responsible. Bosses give employees things to do and projects to oversee, and perhaps they will do all that is asked of them and more. Co-workers rely on co-workers to fulfill their end of the work so others in the team will not be delayed. “Perhaps” is a small gift of trust that is often unwarranted.

We serve a “perhaps” God who came down and died on a cross for the forgiveness of our sins so we could perhaps give our own lives over to Him. Matthew 16:24-26 says, “24 Then Jesus told his disciples, ‘If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. 25 For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it. 26 For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? Or what shall a man give in return for his soul?’”

Christ Jesus gave His life so that God’s creation could have a way to spend eternity with the Father. He died for all the sins of people who had already lived up to that point and also for every last soul on this planet after that point, so perhaps they would follow Christ. Praise the Lord He is not a “you had your chance” God or a “I am done with this one” God.

Unfortunately, many of us have this view of the Lord. We view Him as a mighty smiter who holds a lightning bolt, waiting to punish the unruly ones. No, God is a merciful God, and He sent His Son to die for you. Perhaps you need a different view of the Lord? Maybe the situation you are in is your own doing. Remember the sign, “Everything happens for a reason, and sometimes it’s because you are stupid and make bad decisions”?

The good news is that the Lord came to give you peace that passes all understanding. The kind where the world is falling down around you, and you are the one not freaking out… that kind of peace. Do you want it? Today, the Lord is waiting, and perhaps you will give Him your all, not just your Sunday, not just your Easter service, not just your Christmas service, not even your prayer before you eat, but everything in between. Perhaps.

Prayer: Father, we serve a perfect God in You, Lord. You have chosen to send Your Son to die on that cross so we would one day have a relationship with You on earth and in heaven. I pray that we follow all of Your ways and that our “perhaps” would turn into a “yes and amen.” I pray that we see the supernatural love of the Father and follow Him all the days of our lives, in Jesus’ name, amen.