Following Jesus - When we are disconnected with God we search and search for peace and fulfillment in life. We may throw ourselves into relatsionships, diversions, and pursuits but many times in those quite or thoughtful moments, we still feel we are missing something important. Life can feel strangely empty. Often we also want to stop feeling bad about things we've done or said. It's hard to own up to the fact that we can't handle things on our own, and most often people try to avoid the matter. Still, deep down we know life is not quite right. This is what happens when God is calling us to a better life–A life that includes Him. Jesus says, "follow me" and he knows the way home, to God.
Coming to God is like coming home. Communication is important for any relationship, and peace with God starts begins a dialogue with Him too. A relationship with God can start once we tell God we can't go through life right without Him. It happens when we admit we've stiff-armed Him or have not been faithful to Him. It also requires admiting we can't work for His love, or get to him on our own merits. A relationship with him is not like getting badges in the Boy Scouts, nor could it ever be. It is a free gift. It is grace.
Jesus’ willing death and his resurrection from the dead is like our pre-paid claim ticket for a new life with God. Before we can follow Jesus and walk with Him, we have to tell God we accept this offer. We offer God our heart in return, just like a spouse offers life, heart and faithfulness to her or his mate. God, like any self-respecting spouse, wants exclusivity and devotion.
After we have made things right with God, we need to start a new journey. This journey is one that walks hand-and-hand with God. We hear His messages to us through His words in the Bible, and through others who love him and are devoted to him. We talk to Him and seek to know Him better. We can work with other followers to help other people as well. With His forgiveness we get a clean start too! This brings great relief.
There will be obstacles in this journey. I won't tell you it's "Easy Street" from now on. Recommitting ourselves to God must happen daily too, just like being faithful and loving your spouse everyday is important to that relationship. We decide to be faithful to God. The road of life with Him isn’t bump-free, but it is a road that you will not go on alone anymore. On this road we grow in ways we never thought possible. We can love with a love like his love for us, gracious and sturdy. His perfect love casts out fear. It fills us with strength and courage for the road ahead.
If this has been helpful and you would like to discuss spiritual matters or reconcilation with God through Jesus, please contact me through email at ethoughts@verizon.net.
May your life be blessed! -Lisa |
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