Being a Jesus follower is the most amazing decision I ever made. Walking on this earth with Him through the good, the bad, and the ugly has been my life’s greatest joy.
It’s no surprise that claiming the Name of Jesus isn’t always a popular choice. His Word tells us that. He was rejected then and still today. As I walked through this part of Nehemiah, many instances of where I allowed well-meaning people to draw me away from God’s will came to mind. We love our families, and we want the very, very best for them. And when we see what we perceive as danger coming their way, we immediately lock into protection mode. For instance, when Jordan and I decided we weren’t going to kiss until we got married, someone told me if he agreed to that, there was something wrong with him. I’m glad I didn’t listen. He and I talk all the time about the desires we have in the area of parenting, Lord willing that day comes. We are very aware there will probably be opposition. It’ll all be well-meaning, of course. Elisabeth Elliot often stated the most dangerous place you can be is outside of the will of God. So if the world opposes what you’re doing, but God has called you to it, although it seems dangerous or odd to the world, it’s the safest place you can be. (Now there are some crazies out there saying God told them to do something that very obviously doesn’t align with His Word. In finding His will, we have to seek Him, walk closely with Him, and be in and know His Word. I’m not talking about agreeing with the crazies. Don’t drink the koolaid. I’m talking about if God calls you to a dangerous mission field, and your family is fearful, remember Who called you to it.) Peer pressure was real in Jr. High, and it’s real today. It’s something I particularly struggle with as I tend to thoroughly enjoy pleasing people and really abhor upsetting people. Jesus, while on this earth, lived a countercultural life. His responses and actions were way different than the norm. In that, however, He showed great character. For instance, I think it would be futile to claim the Name of Jesus and be lazy at your job or rude at a restaurant. These people who were laboring for the Lord and rebuilding the wall were facing a dangerous situation, and they had well-meaning people telling them to skidaddle. It would’ve been very easy to skidaddle, and in my flesh, I can’t say I wouldn’t have. I love safety, and I love comfort. I love logic and having a cushion in which to fall. But as Christians, we’re often called outside of our comfort zone. (Please note I’m saying all of this fully being aware that I fail more than I don’t at standing firm and trusting God through difficult times.) To fleshly eyes, this situation looked terrible, dangerous, and like no good would come of it. But God had other plans. I’m so grateful for the Noahs, the Nehemiahs, and those who chose/choose to walk closely with God when it didn’t fit our fleshly molds. I’m certain they had their faults, but where would we be if they hadn’t been obedient despite ridicule and danger? Sometimes walking closely with God isn’t a smooth ride. Sometimes there are potholes, flat tires, road blocks, dangerous crossings, and more. But there is great beauty in walking through those hardships with a Savior Who truly wants the best for you, and He knows every detail of every chapter of your life. Lord, help me to remember the humility You showed, and the discomforts You experienced for my sake. Help me remember the rejection and ridicule You’ve received from Your very creation. And help me to remember that despite it all, You chose to die, so that I might live. Thank You for Your love and care. Forgive me when I choose the comfortable route instead of what You called me to. I pray I’ll stand firm in Your will for my life.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
Author
Saved by God's amazing grace and living this divinely put together puzzle of a beautiful life He so graciously blessed. Archives
March 2020
Categories
|