Willing
At a very young age, and throughout my life, I experienced God and knew there was a call on my life to do more for His kingdom. I wish I could say I always kept that call on the forefront of my mind, but sadly, I didn't. If anything, I tucked it away deep down inside, along with all the hate, anger, fear, bitterness, shame, and other dark emotions that followed me throughout life.
As I sit here thinking of what to write, many of my past failures begin flooding my mind. But quickly I am reminded that His strength is made perfect in weakness. I am reminded that He hasn't called me to be perfect, He has called me to be willing. God knew all my weaknesses and failures before the foundation of the world even began, yet He still called my name. The words of David in Psalm 8:4 echo in my mind, and I ask, Who am I that You are so mindful of me?
I am truly overwhelmed by the love Jesus has for us.
I am reminded of the prodigal son, a young man who had the audacity to demand his inheritance from his father. Spending all his money foolishly on wild living, he ended up at rock bottom—alone and starving to the point that the pigs’ food was enticing. After the son faced the shameful realities, and consequences, of the life he thought he wanted, he realized there was a better way. He realized he could go back to his father.
And that’s what he did.
(Luke 15:20, KJV)
And he arose, and came to his father. But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and
had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him.
It’s time to arise. I don’t know what’s caused you to leave or to distance yourself from your Father, but He is eagerly waiting for you to come back to Him! Taste and see that the Lord is good (Psalm 34:8). His goodness is from everlasting to everlasting (Psalm 103:17).
(Matthew 11:28, KJV)
Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
He will make all things new!
(2 Corinthians 5:17 NLT)
This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a
new life has begun!
I am determined to never again be like the prodigal son, living life foolishly and squandering the purpose God has for me. I refuse to be like Jonah and run away from what God has called me to do. I choose to be like Samuel and say, "Here I am, Lord, I am listening!" I choose to be like Isaiah and say, "Here I am. Send me!"
So as I walk out this journey God has placed me on, believing that I am forgiven and determined to live my calling, I challenge you to do the same. Let’s step out in faith, fully trusting God and His master plan. Let’s not worry what tomorrow holds, for we know who holds tomorrow! Let’s continually remind ourselves that we serve a God who knows the end from the beginning and has already made every provision needed. There is nothing that lies ahead of us that is hidden from God!
(Psalms 121:1-3, KJV)
I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. My help cometh from the Lord , which made heaven and earth. He will not suffer thy foot to be moved: he that keepeth thee will not slumber.
Whatever your situation is today, I am praying for us both.
Lord, I believe you are capable and powerful enough to move mountains and calm (and even part!) seas. I know You can help us right where we are today. Please show us if there is anything preventing us from fully trusting or following You, and please give us the strength to let those things go. I pray that You continue to permeate the hearts of Your people. Stir a desire in the ones who have been on the fence, not fully committed to who You have called them to be. Draw the ones who don't even know where to begin to get to know about You surround them with Your amazing, forgiving, accepting love. Speak to them right where they are. The Bible says your word is sharper than any two-edged sword and that it cuts through soul and spirit (Hebrews 4:12). Let your words penetrate their hearts and speak life into them. Will these dry bones live? Yes! We are speaking life! We will see these dry bones rising up to make an exceedingly great army. All for Your glory! Amen.
