As I sat across from Stan, he said, “I want to establish some ground rules.”
“What do you mean?” I asked.
“I spend a lot of my time talking to ticket holders. I try to help them understand where they are and where they should be going in this life, on this side of eternity, in pursuing spiritual maturity. I give a lot of prayerful thought to that.”
Continuing, he said, “My time is limited and I am led to help those who are serious about wanting to be helped. With the obvious exception of this time with you, most of my time is scheduled with pre-arranged times to get together with people who are serious about the walk from conversion to transformation into greater spiritual maturity.”
He then pulled out his calendar and opened it. I was amazed to see that it was virtually filled with names for dates and times.
“Do you want me to add you for some time next week?” He asked.
“Can I think about that?” I asked.
“Of course,” he replied, “and I like your answer. It shows you are not quick to jump into something without giving it some thought!”
Continuing, he said, “Much and maybe most of what I will relate to you will be based on my personal experience. You will be free to ask me any questions you want at any time. However, if I don’t answer, you are not to push for an answer.”
“I understand, and I agree to whatever ground rules you want. I see that you are serious about what you are doing. I would like to talk with you some more to see if having regular times together is something I want to pursue.”
“Good,” was his response. “Can you be back here this afternoon at 4:00?”
“Yes.”
“Great!” he replied. “We can spend some time and, perhaps, decide if we should get together on a regular basis.”
With that, Stan got up and said, “I need to get going. I have an appointment and I don’t want to be late. See you back here at 4:00.”
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And the Spirit and the bride say, “Come.” And let the one who is thirsty come; let the one who wishes take the water of life without cost. Revelation 22:17.
Prayer: Thank you, Father, for all of your provision of life eternally with you when it is time. Thank you, too, for what you have and want for me while you keep me on this side of eternity. I want to pursue knowing you as deeply as possible. Please help me in following your every step as you lead me to where you want me to be on the road from conversion towards transformation. Thank you I can and do bring these prayers before you in the name of Jesus. Amen.
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Things to think (and journal) about:
1. What is your biggest take-away from this devotional?
2. What does this devotional say about God and about us as His people?
3. What is God saying to you to do personally?
4. Who can you share this with to make a difference?
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Comments, questions, suggestions, and the like can be addressed to The Storyteller at: waiting4thetrain@gmail.com.