Having it All

Does God get everything thing He wants?

It's a lesson we have been and are trying to teach our children. . . and to learn ourselves, for that matter: You can't have everything you want.

During times of economic downturns - people learn to live on less and they forgo some luxuries.

But God? God gets everything He wants, when He wants it - right?

Well I ran across a verse today that snagged with its sense of controversy.

This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. . 1 Timothy 2:3-4 NIV

Note the second half of that verse - God desires everyone to be saved and come to the knowledge of the Truth.

Does He get everything He wants?
Why not?

I believe it is because he allows us to be free moral agents - we can choose not to accept what He has for us.

I believe He leaves an example for us in our dealing with others - particularly grown children. Sometimes we have to sit back and let them make their own decisions ... and then keep giving them our love in spite of their rejection.

Recently at work, I listened to a mother with a grown son who has moved away and is really being careless with his choices. I could hear some of the sadness and concern in her voice. But she still loves that boy.

The next verse in 1 Timothy 2 reveals how Jesus gave Himself as a ransom for all men ... so there is Christ, paying the price for everyone to come to the knowledge of the truth and be saved. Yet some will reject even His great Gift.

I believe that He keeps loving, keeps giving, keeps waiting.