How delightful would it be to find a genie in a bottle?

To have a magical being that could grant your every wish and transform your life?

What would your three wishes be?

Fame Money Success Happiness Love

I'm afraid if I had a genie in a bottle, I would waste my wishes, regret my choices and be disappointed in the results.

I have a history of hesitating when it comes to life-altering decisions and second-guessing many of my choices.

So, how can we successfully respond to critical questions or decisions in life?

I find this Biblical encounter between Jesus and his first two disciples fascinating because it hinges upon the answer to a simple question.

"The next day John (the Baptist) was there again with two of his disciples. When he saw Jesus passing by, he said, “Look, the Lamb of God!”

When the two disciples heard him say this, they followed Jesus. Turning around, Jesus saw them following and asked, “What do you want?”" ~John 1:35-37

“What do you want?”

The very first words that Jesus ever spoke to his first disciples- a simple question that rocked their world.

What’s interesting- the disciples never verbally answer. They simply follow. Lives transformed by an unspoken response to a simple question.

I believe that God asks this same question of each of us today- “What do you want?”

What do you want out of this life?

What do you want to accomplish?

What do you want to “be?”

Maybe you say, “I want fame and fortune.” Perhaps you say, “I want to be a better spouse, parent, or friend.” Maybe you say, “I want a new career.”

Simple questions that have a multitude of possible responses.

The key to life-changing success is found in the maturing of your responses.

Over time, if you are walking closely with Christ, you will find that your responses (wishes, desires) change and mature.

Hopefully, like the disciples, our ultimate response will be to follow Christ- to be like Christ!

Without hesitation. Without restraint. Without fear.

Jesus tells us, "Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened to you." ~Luke 11:9. This exchange is in direct correlation to your walk with God. When you are asking for your purpose to be revealed, when you are seeking His will and when you are actively pursuing the things that matter to God- HE WILL RESPOND & TRANSFORMATION TAKES PLACE.

** True purpose is not found in the temporal things of this life; rather, in our relationship with Christ – in our on-going dialogue with the King of kings.

** Life transformation happens when we answer Christ's question and begin our conversation with Him by continuing to ask, to seek, and to knock on our journey with Jesus.

Never underestimate the power and intimacy found in this precious exchange. It is in the dialogue that our purpose is revealed.

We don’t need a genie in a bottle to transform our lives.

Because, God is alive, He is more than capable, and His generosity has no limit!

All we have to do is be open to the discussion and willing to mature in our responses.

Lord, you are the King of kings and Lord of lords. You are the real source of all good things. You are eager to grant us the desires of our hearts and to bless us with your peace. Father, I pray that you would give us clarity in our divine purpose and give us the courage to dialogue with you honestly and authentically. May we always look to you for purpose and provision.

“The Lord will fulfill His purpose for me; your steadfast love, Oh Lord, endures forever.” ~Psalm 138:8