We kicked off Christmas at Sugar Hill yesterday, and it was a wonderful day. Thank you, Sugar Hill Church for another awesome Sunday. But that’snot what I’m writing about. I’m writing about the topic of yesterday’s sermon – “It’s a Wonderful Life.”
I could see a good bit of squirming as I spoke of how God started the entire process of Christmas giving. When I got the part that our Creator saw our need for Him to redeem our hearts and that He came to give us life in abundance and life eternal, folks were starting to think, “o boy, he’s off on money again.” But then we blew past the thought of money and started messing around with giving ourselves away.
The illustration of George Bailey, from “It’s a Wonderful Life” left little to the imagination. George had a crisis in the 1946 movie. He turned to Mr. Potter, who offered no help. Wanna know why? Because Scripture is clear about this: whatever is in your heart will inevitably be revealed in your words and your attitude. If grace reigns in your heart, you’ll extend grace. If evil reigns in your heart, you’ll offer evil. Mr. Potter simply offered what was in his heart…and George discovered that he needed help from a more trustworthy partner. So he turns to God in a prayer at a bar. A prayer that ends in these words; “please show me the way.” And in that prayer, the process of giving started. God gave us His best, that we might have life and keep giving. Giving from our heart, our home and our story.
The reason this movie ends with George’s needs being met, and more, is that George turned to the one source of help, that will never turn you away, always love you, and offers you redemption and hope…especially during this hectic season of Christmas.
Maybe, like George, you are at the end of your rope. It’s as simple as George Bailey’s plan. God, show me the way. That statement alone has more power in it than anything you could imagine. It is birthed in our recognition that we need help. It is affirmed that He is always here for us. And it is confirmation that when we are at the end of our rope, He has the answers and the cures for our hurting souls.
So, if this season has you fretful and frustrated, stop and offer this humble, heartfelt prayer, “God, show me the way.” He can. He will. He is able. And He will always love you. He is always good, and you are always loved. That’s why “It’s a Wonderful Life.”
—Chuck
