One morning I awoke to a rooster’s crowing alarm at 6 a.m..
It was one of those mornings when God woke me up out of a deep sleep.
I knew He wanted to talk.
Since I was up before the rest of the girls in my room, I decided to go ahead and get my shower.
God and I have our best conversations there.
There was a hint of excitement for this shower in particular. I was looking forward to washing away the yester day of climbing 175-step temples at the Mayan Ruins in Tikal – and rumor had it that the hotel where we were staying overnight had hot water.
Hot water for a World Racer is like gold for a miner.
My shower experience was slightly disappointing. The water wasn’t cold but neither was it hot. It was lukewarm.
At the realization, God spoke. He reminded me of the church of Laodicea in Revelation 3.
“To the angel of the church in Laodicea write: These are the words of the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the ruler of God’s creation. I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! So because you are lukewarm – neither hot nor cold – I am about to spit you out of my mouth …" Revelation 3:14-16
I thought about the times in my life where I have been lukewarm in my relationship with Him and how grateful I am for the second, third, fourth, fifth, and 30th chances He’s given me to get right! I’m always overwhelmed by His love that whips and chases after me time and time again.
“Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest and repent. Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me.” Revelation 3:19-20
The temperature of the water neither sent a chill through my body nor did it light my skin on fire. But standing still under the lukewarm water, I got the lesson. My feelings of disappointment from the water’s temperature reflect how God feels when we lack zeal in serving Him. He wants us to keep our spiritual fire ablaze always.
“Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.” Romans 12:9-12
On this morning, God not only wanted to talk – He wanted to do a temperature check.
I can say with full conviction like Jeremiah that I’m on fire for Him like never before and if feels so good!
What’s the temperature reading on your spiritual relationship with God?
