A Ross-and-Rachel Relationship
Really, Rachel is way out of his league…but Ross is head-over-heels for her.
Reference: v.20b And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age. (TNIV Bible)
Explore: I’ve recently been watching some old episodes of Friends. I was really struck by the relationship between Ross and Rachel. Ross is a nerdy palaeontologist who is in love with the gorgeous, trendy Rachel. Really, Rachel is way out of his league and most of the time the relationship is very one-sided, but Ross is head-over-heels for her. There are, however, glimpses of hope for Ross as the seasons progress, and you know that at the end of series, they will be together, but not without a lot of challenges along the way.
Application: Looking back at my faith, I often feel like I have a Ross & Rachel relationship with God. I am Ross and God is Rachel (stay with me here!). It’s like he is totally out of my league and every now and again I catch a glimpse of a strong connection, but He often seems so distant. I know that at the end of my series (my life) that I will be with Him, but it seems like such a rocky journey to get there. To be honest I still feel like there is so much unknown and I’m not ever really sure I know that I am pleasing Him. But then I’m reminded of the Friends theme song:
But, I’ll be there for you, when the rain starts to pour.
I’ll be there for you, like I’ve been there before.
I’ll be there for you, cause you’re there for me too.
This is like a paraphrase of Matthew 28:20. God is not like Rachel, because He always wants to be there for me. It’s not an on-again off-again relationship for Him. He has committed completely and utterly to me and never wants to let me go. It’s up to me as to whether I want to commit completely to Him.
Prayer: Lord, I’ll be honest and say there are times when I really feel distant from you. I have the desire to serve you, but I’m not always sure what you would have me do. Help me to continue to trust you and remember that you are always there for me. Amen.
Do you truly believe that God will always be there for you?
This article was written by Linda Bailey
Linda started theological studies in 1999 in Australia. After working for ten years in various church ministries, she now works as the breakfast producer at 89.9 LightFM - the Christian radio station in Melbourne, Australia. She writes blogs every day about passages she is currently reading in the Bible. Follow her on Google Plus +Linda Bailey or Facebook by clicking the like button on the right of this page.
5 comments:
hello,
I really enjoyed this entry. In my own experience I feel like God is Ross and I am Rachel, because sometimes I want the relationship and other times I wanted to do my own thing. But as I have been going through this summer season and growing closer to God, I realize I am nothing without him and he truely does love me. It’s encouraging to know that I am not alone in my feelings and I hope to see more of your entries
Thank You
Aleta
Hey Aleta,
Thanks so much for taking the time to write.
I thought that people would be able to relate to either side of the example, I’m so glad you mentioned how you connect with the analogy.
Linda.
Very inspiring
Hey,
Thanks so much for your comment. I felt quite vulnerable writing this blog so I’m so glad that it has connected with you.
I appreciate you taking the time to write.
Linda.
Great Job you are doing, keep it up because it has kept me connected to God’s words every day.