“I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you.” (John 15:15 NIV)

Travel wasn’t exactly easy during the COVID pandemic. There were so many factors to take into consideration. We knew from the start that it would be vitally important to have as much information as possible if any trip would even be feasible.

What do you do, however, when you are planning a trip in a place you’ve never been to before, and you don’t know anyone there?

That’s where we found ourselves as we prepared for a winter trip to Hawai’i. I truly don’t know how people planned trips before the internet. Now I’m not as computer savvy as the younger generation; nonetheless, despite the constraints of the pandemic, we were able to find everything we needed to know through the computer. We found flights, lodging, car rentals, food and even churches, to say nothing of endless lists of attractions, beaches, volcanoes to visit, etc.

Something that surprised me was how advanced the internet bots have become. My son assured me that the little “bots” simply honed in on the general theme of my recent searches; but for all practical purposes, it seemed like the computer could read my thoughts! Whatever it was I was wanting to research would “appear” on my screen! It was like there was some unseen person on the other end “talking” to me! Who would have thought such a “conversation” possible! And who would have thought that I would have such “friends” over the internet when researching a trip to Hawai’i?

Conversations are such a vital part of humanity. They are necessary for the exchange of information, for relationships, for everything. In a similar manner, communication with God is also a vital part of our relationship with Him. Sometimes, however, communicating with God can seem as challenging as communication with Hawai’i during COVID! Fortunately for us, just like those little internet “bots” can tell what I’m wanting to research, God knows what we are thinking before we even voice it. And unlike those “bots”, He is NEVER wrong. Oh, sometimes we think He’s wrong, and sometimes we may even hope He’s wrong; but He never is. And He is always there, eager to communicate with us!

The Internet is excellent for doing research and learning all kinds of things; but it does have it’s limitations. For example, although it seemed like I had friends over the internet, it was truly only those electronic bots doing the work. I am so thankful that God is a true friend, One I can talk to at any time! Even when I need to complain! It’s amazing how He always gets me back on track! Even when it is Him I’m complaining about! In fact, when we take our complaints to God, not only is He pleased, but it is a sign of our faith in Him!

No matter what you need to research, the Internet is a great place to start. But if you want a true, personal friend Who is ALWAYS there, why not try working on your relationship with God?

In His love,
Rob Chaffart
Director, Answer2prayer Ministries