Norma

I love talking with people who want to follow God with a whole heart. But it's painful to hear their stories and know how hard their lives are. Following God doesn't mean you won't get thrown to the lions. Obeying him fully won't keep you from imprisonment or crucifixion.

But you'll never regret obeying him, no matter how hard life gets.

Norma called yesterday. She's been living with a man for nine years. They have a child together. She became a Christian not long ago. Lately she's had this feeling that her relationship with this man isn't the best. He's a good guy, but he's not interested in God. And they're not married.

She went to a church and was counseled by a pastor. It's no big deal.

But that still, small voice is telling her there's something off, something not right.

I encouraged her to listen to that voice and surround herself with some people who want to help her obey God. I also encouraged her to separate from that live-in relationship.

I do not think this is going to be easy. Her heart is entangled with this man. Her child has a father and some would say it would be foolish to give that up. But I believe Norma has something better in front of her. And I have the faith to believe that this man who isn't interested in knowing God might consider eternal truths in a crisis like this.

But you can't manipulate people into the Kingdom. You can't cajole or finagle the grace of God. Norma's job, and yours, and mine, is to obey what God says because ultimately He has the best interests of Norma, her child, and the man she is living with at heart.

Say a prayer for Norma today. Say a prayer for her friend. For her child. Ask God to bring around her people who will care for all three of them through what will no doubt be one of the most difficult times of their lives.

And while you're praying, ask God to look in your own heart and point out something you need to obey, some way you need to follow more closely. He has a way of doing hard things that lead to good for his children.