Not Always as Planned

It was early September 2021 and a family member totaled Wendell’s 2018 Nissan. He was driving home one night, and a deer jumped out in front of him. His wheels caught the gravel, and he wrecked the car. The insurance company called it a total loss and in Mid-October of that same year I received word from the insurance agent that she had been given the okay to pay and had issued a check.

Oh, the relief I felt!

It was a fair settlement. Close to the value of the car. And although upset about losing my late husband’s car, I was comforted with the fact that a nice check was coming my way. I had plans!

Each day I would check my mailbox with anticipation and each day there would be nothing from the insurance company. After many days, I reached out and received this reply: “It was found that this is not a comprehensive loss; it is a collision loss. You do not have collision on your vehicle…This loss is not a covered loss.”

The denial of my insurance claim; the shock and disappointment of faithfully paying premiums only to discover a lack of coverage in the most critical moment, mirrors, in a very small way, the Bible story told in Matthew 7. These people too thought they were owed something.

“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?’ And then will I declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.’ ” Matthew 7:21-23 ESV

These people believed they were aligned with Jesus's teachings through their deeds yet were met with the unsettling revelation of being “unknown” by Him.

I don’t know about you, but the last thing I want to hear from my Lord is “I don’t know you; leave My sight.”

It prompts deep questioning—why do our biggest efforts often yield disappointing outcomes, despite earnestly following the rules, established guidelines or beliefs? After all, I, in good faith made monthly payments, but that mattered not when it came time for the payout. I was wrong.

Friend, we can earnestly be wrong. However, my disappointment with not receiving monetary compensation will pale in comparison to those people who are turned away from Heaven and eternal salvation.

This statement in Matthew is a blunt warning about the importance of genuine faith and relationship with Jesus rather than just performing impressive deeds.

Jesus emphasizes that merely doing outwardly impressive acts does not guarantee a genuine connection with Him or a place in His Kingdom.

It’s a call to examine our faith and relationship with God, aligning our life with God's will rather than just performing impressive acts without that deep, personal connection.

It is a sobering reminder that true faith involves more than just external actions—it's about knowing and being known by God on a personal, heartfelt level.

by Jeanette – Wednesday, December 6, 2023