Whatever

"Whatever" is an interesting word. It can mean wildly different things according to the context, voice inflection, and, mainly, the heart of the one saying it. I've witnessed teens rebelliously muttering the word under their breath. The scowl on their face shows their meaning: "Yeah. Right. I don't think so."

Adults, beaten down by tough circumstances, have heavily sighed out the word. Their hardened tone relays their meaning: "I can't do anything about this anyway. Bring it on. I'll attempt to survive it."

Yet the word "Whatever" is the only way to truly serve God! "Whatever" breathed out in a humble prayer is a powerful word. I dare say it is THE most powerful word in the English language. "Whatever You tell me to do, God, I will do for You." If it means going someplace I DON'T want to go - "Whatever." If it means staying when I really WANT to go - "Whatever, Lord." If it means painfully enduring hard circumstances to learn patience or display true peace and calm, then - "Whatever." If it means giving up my dreams and be willing to let God give me NEW dreams - "Whatever You want of me, God."

God doesn't need important people, the rich, or the highly talented. He is not scouring the earth desperately seeking the possessors of special gifts, the most intelligent, or those successful in their chosen professions. He just wants one who will totally surrender. That's it. He'll do the rest. The Bible is chockful of exciting histories of the completely average who turned their world upside down: a young shepherd, simple fishermen, tent makers, a destitute, widowed daughter-in-law, a favored son hated by his brothers, a carpenter, a teenage virgin girl. All had different plans for their lives; all surrendered their dreams for His dreams. All made a difference beyond their wildest dreams. That's because God is only looking for surrender...for those who are willing to say "Whatever".