Omnipresent Love

Chapter 11 - Follow Him

"James, where are you now? I've been waiting here for an hour already here in the restaurant!" Angela was getting mad because I was too late.

"I'm near my love, I'm sorry! We had extended our discipleship group. It rained so hard that it made it more difficult to travel. I promise it won't happen again".

Then she dropped the call immediately.

"My love, here I am, I'm sorry," I was catching my breath.

"Sorry? You are always sorry. You don't have much time for me unlike before since you became active in the church!"

"I did not ask you to drop them all, but all I want is more time with you. We have been in a long-distance relationship for so long. I felt that I'm not your priority anymore!" she continued.

"Angela, if you only have the passion that I have, this won't be a problem. It's enjoyable serving God and if you only see what I see how fulfilling it is to serve God and spending time with Him."

"Enough of that! I did not foresee you become like this. You are now acting like my sister that you became too obsessed with spirituality. I don't like to eat anymore, I will go home now, just eat by yourself here!" She walked away disappointed.

I was again torn between my faith and my girlfriend. I need a piece of advice on what to do so the first thing that crosses my mind is Angela's sister, Mary.

"Good evening sister Mary! I need some advice from you about Angela. Can we meet tomorrow?"

"Oh, okay James, meet me tomorrow night at a coffee shop near my workplace."

**********

Then I started eating dinner by myself. I keep on thinking about the situation I am facing right now. I am very disappointed why Angela despite having a mature Christian sister, did not influence her to become also one.

"Oh, I'm sorry, James, I'm late, I just needed to finish some work." as Mary sat down and ordered a tea from the waiter.

"That's alright sis, by the way, I have these problems lately with your sister."

"I know this would come along, James. Angela hasn't yet opened her eyes for the Lord. She may appear going church, but her heart is still calloused."

"Yes, I don't know why she is so hard?"

"You know what James, she is still bitter with God because our mother died when we were young. Angela is very close to her and she partly blames God for why that happened." She flashed back her memories when their mother died of cancer in a hospital.

"I see. I hope she would let that go. But sis, my other problem is I'm really tired about compromising my faith just for her. I feel that I still did not maximize my full potential on living a godly life because of Angela."

"I understand, James. Can you open your Bible and read it to me Luke 9:23?"

So I grabbed my phone and opened a Bible app that points to that verse and then I read it to her.

"Then he said to them all: "Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me."

"Based on that verse, it says that if you want to follow Jesus fully, you give up all your plans, your life, and even people that hinder you from following him!"

"You mean, even Angela?"

"Look, James, see this tea? When Jesus is already is in your life, your life will change just like this hot water changes its color. Your desires will change also and you cannot help it. But there are many things that block our way of fully committing to him. There are times that we must choose to let go of them even that are close in our hearts."

"You deserve a woman after God's own heart brother, the one who will walk with God you. You must not waste your godly life by choosing the wrong partner. It is very crucial to find a lifetime mate because it could make you or break you!"

These words of Mary make me think and reflect for a while. Can I really give up Angela? Do I have the courage to throw away the relationship I highly invested in?

**********

As I was walking to his way home. Angela texted me.

"Sorry, my love about my attitude yesterday. I miss you. Can we talk tomorrow?"

"Yes, my love. There is something that I want to tell you also"

"Okay, see you tomorrow!"

Then I was struggling to sleep. I am still undecided on what I should say to Angela. I was crying to God and prayed to ask wisdom and courage when we are going to meet. I am meditating again Luke 9:23

"Whatever it is Lord, thy will be done!" Then I fell asleep holding the Bible.

**********

"Hi, James, I miss you so much!" as Angela hugged me when we met in a plaza.

"Angela, there is something I need to tell you. I've been thinking of this many times and please don't take this personally. It's not about you or about me, but it's about God."

"Can you tell me right away, you are making me scared!" She started crying.

"Angela, I'm sorry, I think we need to break up. I need to follow Jesus and I cannot make it when we are together. I need to do His will and purpose for my life and I think you need to encounter Him also."