16 So then, it doesn’t depend on a person’s desire or effort. It depends entirely on God, who shows mercy.
The Message (approx verse 18): All we’re saying is that God has the first word, initiating the action in which we play our part for better or worse.
Reflection
My knee-jerk reaction to Romans 9:16 was, “Eew. Free will is a thing. Effort and desire DO matter. Back off, Bro!”
Then I listened to Pastor Joe’s Sermon from the 5th, and the scripture made a bit more sense. I reread it, specifically, The Message’s translation emphasizing that God initiates the action, and a devotion started to come together.
We got some homework this week from Pastor Joe. He asked members of the congregation to, in a prayerful state, peruse a selection of words he had displayed in the sanctuary and to choose one that for whatever reason was pulling them in. Congregates are meant to post this word somewhere they will see it every day and listen or watch for and reflect on God’s message. “What do I need to learn about __________?” The idea is that if it’s something you’re focusing on, you’re eventually going to feel God communicating something to you in relation to that word.
Pastor Joe never said the word, but this is a thing: Synchronicity, which, as it turns out, is a slightly heated debate topic. Synchronicity is when something that you are suddenly aware of, or are focusing on, starts popping up all over the place in your life. Pastor Joe described it as if you buy a car and suddenly in that first year of driving it everyone else seems to have that same car now. Another example: you learn a new word, then suddenly you hear it randomly in several unrelated conversations. The debate is whether or not these coincidental occurrences are worth divining a spiritual message, or if they are truly random but our brains find and organize a brand new pattern. Well, our homework is to divine a message. But this is also what this scripture is talking about. Choosing a word, that’s God initiating the action, tipping the first domino.
It took me a minute but this scripture isn’t about God controlling us like ants under a magnifying glass. It reminds us that every nudge, every push, every pull in life, every lull, every slump, every respite, these are Godwinks and guidance from God who loves us and wants us to succeed. I got defensive about this scripture because I’ve been in a slump and I feel guilty about it. God is merciful, and this is a strong reminder of “All in good time.” Of course I need to keep trying, we always need to continue working towards our goals and remain focused on our goals. Our focus will help clarify the opportunities God presents us to be successful.
by Ashley Bowler
For Pondering and Prayer
How has God’s mercy shown itself in the timing of your life?
What messages have you received through synchronicity?
Prayer: Dear Lord,
Your timing is mysterious and merciful. Your love and support are unending and constant. Help us remember these facts as we create and focus on our goals this year. Let us be vigilant in spotting your communication and open to interpreting your messages. Amen.
