Sunrise on the Nile River
I entered an old password because I didn't recall that I had changed it awhile back - because I couldn't remember it then. Today I knew something was amiss when I was being asked security questions such as:
"What was the name of your first boyfriend or girlfriend?" Since I have never had a boyfriend, I wasn't sure how to answer the question.
Then there was: "Name your favorite sports team." The LA Dodgers, the Portland Trailblazers? My mind searched for what response I might have given when I chose the question so long ago. Or did I even choose that security question?
I liked this one: "What was the name of your first pet?" Ah, yes, an easy one - Fuzzy - our first-ever orange tabby cat. :)
After logging in and out of the site several times, I finally accomplished what I had set out to do - make a payment. Phew. A lot of frustration for a little work.
It seems that passwords, user IDs, pin numbers, etc. are required at and in so many places - ATM's, Amazon, e-mail, Facebook, and a myriad of other Internet sites. Unfortunately, my memory is challenged, especially when it comes to remembering numbers. I have tried to come up with ways to compensate for that. ; )
All of this reminds me how grateful I am that I don't have to "log in" when I want to talk to my Heavenly Father or go through an automated routing service just to have some quiet time with Him.
Can you imagine such scenarios as: "Press 1 to talk to an angel to make an appointment with God," "Press 2 to being your quiet time," "Press 3 to log in to learn what the Holy Spirit is speaking to you"?
Although I am one among nearly 7 billion people on earth, God knows who I am and everything about me. I don't need to submit a password to verify my identity with Him.
We make things complicated; God keeps them simple.
I love the following promises:
"Before they call I will answer; while they are still speaking I will hear." - Isaiah 65:24
"Sacrifice thank offerings to God, fulfill your vows to the Most High, and call upon me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you will honor me.” - Psalm 50:14-15
What does God want? Not passwords, nor IDs.
"'For I know the plans I have for you,' declares the Lord, 'plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you,' declares the Lord,' and will bring you back from captivity.'" - Jeremiah 29:11-14a (emphasis mine)
I am God's child and He wants me to seek Him with all of my heart.
What lovely reminder and analogy. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteGood post and I love the example of the passwords you used!
ReplyDeleteWonderful analogy! I, too, am often password-memory challenged, and I am so grateful that God doesn't demand works of me to earn my salvation.
ReplyDeleteRuthie - This is so funny - but, so much truth!! I get confused with my p/w. I finally wrote them all down on a 3x5 card, so I could keep them straight. Great message, Winkers!!
ReplyDeleteJamie, you are welcome and thank you for the nice comment!
ReplyDeleteKendra, thank you for being a faithful reader and commenter. :)
Yes, Lauren, praise the Lord that His Way is clear, simple and full of grace.
Thank you, Marmee, I am glad you got a laugh. :) I have written down some of my passwords in a special place, which is so helpful. Otherwise I would be constantly struggling.
YES!!! I walk through some of the same, of course... at least the questions, such as my dad's middle name, pop up at one place. The first pet we use was Dave's... b/c I can't remember any pet names from my family. It is so annoying to have to fit into this huge mix... but unless we do it, we will never have a chance to keep in touch with our dear ones or pay our bills or order bits and pieces from Amazon or others. Life has changed so recently... can you imagine being in prison for 20 years or "lost" someplace or in a coma? And then having to figure out how to use phones or know a computer's techie stuff? Glad you were able to pay your bill, though... FROM AN ISLAND IN UGANDA. That wouldn't have been possible a short time ago.
ReplyDeleteBlessings....