My Neighbor (Part Two)

A man's heart plans his way, But the LORD directs his steps. (Proverbs 16:9)

Most of the time my life is rather pedestrian in nature, lots of routine, things I do day in and day out, and when I'm running on auto, I occasionally miss something God wants to see. I believe from time to time He punctuates my life with a (Joe) in order for me to see the condition of my heart.
Often we think we're doing ok, because everything's going our way, there are no unusual demands on our time or resources, life is good. Over the years I've had physical examinations and the results have always been good and I thought that would always be the case. Some years ago I got a bad report, my cholesterol level was high. I assumed I could eat whatever I wanted with no consequences and I would have continued to do so if I the report were different.

Pr 17:3 The refining pot is for silver and the furnace for gold, But the LORD tests the hearts.
Ps 26:2 Examine me, O LORD, and prove me; Try my mind and my heart.


God has a way of testing or proving our willingness to do His will. It's the age old question: Does my talk equal my walk? I think we all know that's where the rubber meets the road, and this is where God deals with us...in real situations, in real time. I believe most of us have a sense of what we will do in any given situation, especially if it's favorable, but that's certainly subject to change.
My time of testing came with a phone call. As I listened to the one sided conversation I knew I was going to be asked to do something I did not want to do. I could feel the resistance building inside and at the same time I knew I should say yes. The battle begins.
When I consider myself, I think I'm fairly generous with my time and resources. On the other hand, God who knows my heart, is trying me and finding me.... wanting.
The truth is, I'm rather selfish with my time. I like to schedule my day, check off the things on my to-do list and to do that without interruption. Of course the day rarely go according to plan, nevertheless this is the way I'd like it to go.
Back to the phone call. The upshot of the call was, Joe was coming for an extended period of time. Did I mention I had to pick him up?
I don't like these feelings, that are at present, ruling my thoughts and behavior