DEVOTION OF THE MONTH – OCTOBER 2010

No Upgrade Needed

By Jennifer McClure | August 27, 2009

People’s response to technology amazes me sometimes — especially in regards to cellular devices. Waiting in line overnight to be the first to own a new iPhone. Trading in and updating cell phones as soon something better is released. Investing financially to ensure the latest and greatest apps and favorite tunes are found on their phones.
My mobile world got a recent upgrade when my husband surprised me with a new cell phone. No, it’s not an iPhone or a Blackberry or even a simple camera phone. But that’s completely fine with me, because those are not what I needed. I simply needed a new cell phone.

After nearly seven years of rough treatment, my faithful, silver Nokia had reached a place in life where it wasn’t so reliable. I’m sure the numerous times its components split apart onto a parking lot or hard flooring when it had been dropped is partially to blame. Not to mention the time chocolate melted into it while I was hiking. (Though I was fairly successful in digging out all of the chocolate, the phone never was the same.)

Needless to say, I’m looking forward to using a phone that will allow people on the other end to understand me, will let me hear them and won’t shut off when merely set down on a hard surface.

But you know what’s great? Though I deeply appreciate and even admire technology, I’m so thankful that no technology is required for us to communicate with God. How horrible would it be if we had to wait until we had a good signal before we could call on God or if we couldn’t reach Him when our battery is dead?

Thankfully, He is always there … and here. He can handle multiple calls simultaneously. He recharges us, and we don’t have to somehow get re-energized before connecting with Him. He hears and understands us regardless of how quietly or loudly we speak. He even hears and understands the concerns of our hearts that we’re unable to express aloud.

Our connection with God does not require technology, but it does require a Person. Jesus Christ’s sacrifice of His life on the cross makes this all possible.

“Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water” (Hebrews 10:19-22, NIV).