For family gatherings, I extend party invitations to all my family members.
Most of the time, they RSVP “yes,” except for the occasional scheduling conflict. After several celebrations, I realized one family member was a no show for all the events. The RSVPs went unanswered or declined. I wondered if I had done something to offend or if they were discontented with me. I was confused, angry, and frustrated. Why are they avoiding me or someone else in the family? Do I confront or just let it go? So many questions swirled in my head.
After more turmoil than I care to acknowledge, I realized my only option was taking this problem to the Lord. I prayed and waited. God answered, but not in the way I expected. He revealed the parallels between my loved one’s avoidance to family gatherings and our avoidance to His invitations on our lives. My family member expressed unwillingness to accept an invitation to family gatherings, just as many express reluctance to Christ's call to salvation.
I recalled countless times when I had ignored God’s requests on my own life. I had treated God just as my loved one had treated me. I ignored and repeatedly declined God. Thankfully, He continued to pursue me—as he did the psalmist—and now my RSVP to His invitation will lead to eternal celebration.
To mirror Christ and share His love with others, I humbled myself and continued inviting all my family members to our gatherings. And just as I eventually accepted Christ's invitation, my loved one eventually accepted mine.
If you haven’t already done so, accept God’s invitation to surrender your life to Him.
(Photo courtesy of pixabay.)
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Tonya Cotto is a writer, blogger, and teacher. She is a wife of twenty-three years and a mother of three adult children. She has a BA in Human Development and Family Studies. Tonya is passionate about serving Christ and discipling others through Bible studies and mentorship.