God Steps In

   God Steps In

“The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news!” As he passed alongside the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and Andrew, Simon’s brother casting a net into the sea-for they were fishermen. “Follow me,” Jesus told them," And I will make you fish for people.”

It is never easy stepping out and following Jesus. God’s plan all along was to step into human form and show us how to live and He did that through Jesus’s life. Sharing our lives in a way that makes the world not understand why we follow Jesus is the very thing we were called to do. Sharing the good news of how we have been saved and how His saving Grace is an ongoing thing is something we will have to get comfortable with. But sharing our lives gives others the opportunities to see what that really looks like. 

Vulnerable. One of the definitions I found of that word was being open and honest about your true self. The imperfections are what we want to hide away because of fear and rejection. Vulnerable was a word that was encouraged to be used with our middle schoolers that week during camp. Vulnerable even has this ring to it that makes me want to hide my face. It is the opposite of this world where we are told to cover up everything. Just look at social media and how that paints the picture of what we see daily.  Very rarely will you encounter someone being real with things for others to see. The pictures that are painted are “feel good” and “look how great my life is” but sitting with those kids this past week has been the reminder of how when we do share that opens up opportunities we would never have received had we not been vulnerable. Being open and honest about our true selves quiets the enemy and all his lies. Living true authentic lives allows others to see Jesus.

We carry the Presence of Jesus everywhere we go. Even with that Living Spirit we will have challenges and struggles living in our earthly bodies. I experienced this day four of that middle school camp. The heat intensified and the fatigue was setting in. I was following those students and had to sit down. The realization of what was occurring in my body was bringing me to a stop. So I found a shady spot and sat. The kids passed me by and I didn’t like it. I don’t like when I can’t control things. But I’ve learned that is when I need to release that control and allow others to step in. Following Jesus means that I’m never alone. And once again he showed up that day more times than I could count. And sharing how He did that in a way that others could see that in the middle of following Him.  

“Now this is what the LORD says- the one who created you, Jacob, and the one who formed you Israel. “Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name; you are mine.” Isaiah 43:1

The one thing God has continued to show me is that He is in it all. As much as I want control I am not in control. Through MS He gives me things that will always challenge me and that becomes an opportunity for me to let go. Letting go allows Him to step in. We GET to share our stories and lives together how we step into all that God is doing in and through us. That is how this world will SEE Jesus. 

Father,

We can rely on your Presence. Your Presence is everywhere! If we open our spiritual eyes to see it comes in more ways than we can count. Thank you for the ability to share our lives with one another. Thank you, Jesus, for carrying us through all of it. Help us continue to follow you wherever you lead. It is all for you Jesus!

Amen