We don’t get to pick and choose what we believe about God.

Well, in reality, we can and we often do. But it doesn’t mean we’re right. We can sincerely believe…and be sincerely wrong!

We often approach faith as a shopping trip to Target. We have lots of options surrounding us with every turn. Need healing? Browse the pharmacy and healthcare aisles. Need structure and organization? Visit the office and school supplies. Want to pass the time? Books and movies abound. Or maybe you just want to put some decor on what you already have. Take your pick of extensive color schemes to fill whatever wall and room space you have.

It doesn’t matter how intentional you are when you start shopping, you’ll likely find things that weren’t on your list that you either decide to take home or, at the very least, stop to examine and consider for a time. Some things scream for your attention, and they’re usually found in the special displays and checkout aisles. And that sign that declares, SALE…well, how can you refuse? You don’t actually need a single thing from those sale bins, but after all, they’re only a dollar, so can’t you find a way to use them somehow?

Not to mention, you can do all this shopping with a comforting Starbucks drink to sustain you.

Do you approach your faith with such an expectation of comfort, choice, and convenience?

God meets you where you are, but you have to look and listen for him. Your expectations and preferences don’t change him. But when you fully yield to him instead of expecting him to yield to you, he changes you in ways that fill you beyond what you can fit into your shopping cart.

Faith isn’t about shopping. It’s about searching.