“Do you pray about spaghetti sauce?”
“She doesn’t even buy a jar of spaghetti sauce without praying about it!” This was a statement I once heard to describe the mother of a friend. Initially, I assumed it was overly exaggerated, but the truth was my friend was serious about the remark; the woman prayed about everything. This mother was known for seeking God’s counsel with anything in her life. She simply recognized the need for God in every moment and stayed in prayer with Him, hence her coined description. My friend’s remark lingers in my head as I picture and admire strong Godly people that make daily decisions in that manner.
What comes to mind when you picture a man or woman of God? Is it a person without any faults or a person simply involving God in all circumstances? A great example for all of us to consider would be our reoccurring friend from the Old Testament, Moses.
As the pages of Exodus come to an end and Leviticus peeks around the corner at me, I considered the virtues of Moses shown throughout Exodus. Moses wasn’t free from failure, but he trusted God. He didn’t conquer all his emotions and control every reaction, but he welcomed humility and conviction and most importantly, Moses demonstrated obedience out of respect. So often, I am reminded that my relationship with God not only involves trusting Him, but obeying His commands, holding a reverence for Him, and allowing Him in all areas of my life.
Exodus 34:8, 9 is a powerful depiction of Moses wholeheartedly experiencing his relationship with God and revealing his character, “Moses immediately knelt low on the ground and worshiped. Then he said, My Lord, if I have indeed found favor with you, my Lord, please go with us, even though this is a stiff-necked people, forgive our iniquity and our sin, and accept us as your own possession.”
I love the imagery in this text…. bowing low, showing respect, seeking God’s favor, recognizing His Holiness, desiring His counsel, and acknowledging their sin.
I don’t personally know the ‘lady that prays before buying spaghetti sauce’ at the market, but I would like to assume she has a heart like Moses…filled with respect and obedience.
Today’s world will not encourage us, nor our children, to include God in the details of our daily lives, but God says otherwise. He wants an ongoing conversation with you. He is present in the mundane.
· Worried about your child’s grades and attention span in class? Kneel before God and give it all to Him.
· Burnt out in your career and just uncertain of your next step? Seek Him with all of your heart and find favor with Him.
· Concerned about decisions to be made for your family? Place it before the Lord and worship Him.
The list goes on and is filled with endless circumstances, but God’s response never changes.
Are you like the spaghetti sauce lady and our friend Moses? Maybe you aren’t praying over Ragu or Prego, but have you included God in your thoughts and concerns today? Invite Him into your daily decisions and everyday encounters; experience Him for who He is- a faithful, Holy Father to His children.
