DEVOTION//What kind of god

Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give a reason for the hope that is in you (1 Peter 3:15).

You’re talking with a co-worker over lunch when the topic of church comes up.  You present with pure eloquence an explanation about all the programs your church offers and how great your pastor is.  The thought even crosses your mind that maybe your co-worker will join you for a Sunday service. 

And then, out of nowhere, she says, “I don’t believe in God.”

What god don’t you believe in?

George Buttrick, a former chaplain at Harvard, had many students come into his office and say that same thing.  Instead of throwing in the towel and giving up on the conversation, he replied, “Sit down and tell me what kind of God you don’t believe in.  I probably don’t believe in that God either.”

Many people don’t want to believe in a God who hates people and sends them hardships to punish them.  They don’t want to believe in a God who created a world full of sickness and wars.  They don’t want to believe in a God who doesn’t care.

I don’t believe in that god either.

And we don’t believe in that kind of God either. 

We believe in a God who cares about each of us so much that He could not stand seeing us live apart from Him because of our sins. 

We believe in a God who loves us so much that He sent his Son, Jesus Christ, to earth to take away every one of our sins. 

We believe in a God who adores us so much that He has prepared mansions for us in heaven, a place that is free from all sin.  A place where we will be in his perfect, awesome presence! 

Our God is good! That is the God we believe in!

Prayer:  Dear Lord, please help me share with the world that You are a God of love.  And when this world gets me down, remind me that through Jesus heaven awaits me when You call me home.  Amen.

Source: Pastor Joel Schulz, Divine Savior Church and School, Delray Beach, FL