By Anita Mondragon

 

Have you ever heard that old saying, “You think you’re pulling the wool over my eyes, but it’s 99 % cotton!” ?  

 

Most of us walk around every day, wearing a fake smile, ‘doing good things’ but with wrong intentions and motives, acting holy…but not even close, etc.  And be sure…I’m not just preaching to you!  I’m preaching to myself as well!  So today, I want to be transparent…an open book, and confess to you what God already knows.

 

The Bible says Galatians 6:9, NIV: “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” … Galatians 6:9, KJV: “And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.”

 

Here’s the deal…I’m weary!  I admit it!  I’m ready to faint!  I’m tired.  In fact, for the last two Sundays, I’ve had to make myself climb out of bed, get dressed, and go to church.  Sad… but true!  Am I angry at God?  Hardly! 

 

This past Sunday, I was already dressed and ready to go.  Now keep in mind, many folks think I’m a little crazy because I talk to God out loud…not just in prayer, but whenever I really want Him to hear me.  I said out loud, “That’s it!  I’m not going!  YOU said we shouldn’t do things out of obligation…we should give to YOU and do service to YOU out of joy and a grateful heart.  Well!  I’m grateful…but I’m not joyful!”

 

All of a sudden this old rock-n-roll song came to mind.  Maybe you remember it.  It’s called Turn Around, Look At Me.  It was by The Vogues.  I’m going to change the words a little to share with you what God was saying to me.  They are bold and in italics….  Here’s what I heard…

 

There is someone
Walking behind you
Turn around it’s me
There is someone
Watching your footsteps
Turn around it’s me
I am someone
Who really needs you
Here’s my heart
In my hand
Turn around (turn around)
Look at me (look at me)
Understand, understand
That I‘m here
Standing beside you
Turn around
Look at me
And I’m someone
Who’ll love and guide you
Turn around look at me
Oh! I’ve waited
And I’ll wait forever
For you
To come to me
Look at someone (look at someone)
Who really loves you, (yeah loves you)
Turn around
Look at me
Please! Turn around
Look at me

 

Well, needless to say, I was in tears as I headed out the door for church!  And, incidentally, the sermon was exactly what I needed to hear!  

 

The devil is cunning!  He knows what will keep your feet on the straight path to God, and he will throw everything in your way to make you take a detour!  DONT LET HIM!!  Remember…Jesus was in the lion’s den with Daniel!  Jesus was in the furnace with the three Hebrew Children.  Jesus was with David as he slung that stone at Goliath.  Jesus is with you!  He’s walking behind you…He’s walking beside you!  You are NOT alone!

 

Now that’s something to get joyful about!