"But I don't want to change," Sarah repeated for what must have been the fifteenth time that afternoon. For years, Sarah had lived the life of a pauper. The open sky had been her shelter; the generosity of passerby's her only income and shelters her source of food and clothing.
Now, her father stood before her and offered Sarah once again, what he had offered her every day of her life -- to give her a new life with him. Her father loved her so much more than she could even imagine. "But, why do you insist on clinging to your bankrupt ways, when I have offered a way out?" her father asked once more.
Sarah could hear the pain in her father's voice. Nevertheless, she stubbornly shook her head and replied, "I don't want to change," she repeated again. "I like the way things are!" "But just last week, you complained about how you went to bed hungry. And don't you remember how miserable life can be in the rain?" her father answered.
Sarah paused as she contemplated his viewpoints. They were true. Life could get very miserable out on the streets. But, how could she give up the life she had known for so long. Oh, no, that she could not do! She would much rather go on complaining, even while ignoring the solution to her complaints!
"I can't change, Father," Sarah argued, "I'm too set in my ways and it's a hopeless case. I tried a few months back to give up this life, remember? And the very first day I was back on the streets! I just can't help myself!"
"Oh, but you can! I will help you! You can come live with me and I will give you other things to do besides aimlessly roaming the streets in this fashion. We could have so much fun together! Oh, do come Sarah, do come!" Sarah's father reached out his hand as if to invite her to join him.
However, Sarah shook her head. "I just can't change" she repeated. "You can't or you won't?" The question was made in a voice barely above a whisper. Sarah did not reply. She simply turned and walked down the street to continue her self-imposed miserable life.
Sarah's father forced back the tears as he watched his daughter leave him. He slowly turned and walked behind her. He would ask her again tomorrow, maybe than Sarah would be ready to accept his gift of love.
And, so it is with God... as He beckons and calls out to all those who would come to Him. Sadly, many do not answer His call simply because, they do not want to change. Many are content to roam aimlessly, seeking a form of happiness in a world that could care less about them. Still, God asks and He waits patiently for us to come to Him.
My friend, don't fall in love with the ways of this world. Don't love the things that are in this world. Your love for this world will drive out any love you might have for the Father.
This world is like that of a spoiled child... it forces you to want everything your own way -- to want everything for yourself. This world wants nothing to do with our heavenly Father... it just seeks to isolate you from Him.
The things of this world will never satisfy you -- it will only drive you to chase after fleshly lusts and they will never be enough. There will never be enough alcohol, drugs, sex, pornography or carnal desires to fulfill your ravenousness appetite or desires.
Listen carefully... only God can give you a life that is satisfied and content and He longs to take your hand and do just that! God's Word states: Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore. Psalm 16:11
Your Father in heaven is waiting... waiting for you to take His hand. He is waiting to pluck you out of the muck and mire of this world. He longs to give you the peace, the joy and the love you have been searching for.
My friend... will you come to the Father today?