While in a dressing room at TJ Maxx, the labels above the hooks for hanging clothes screamed, “You must post this!” These words are familiar answers we all, at one time or another, have given to God when He has revealed a specific direction for our lives. God loves us and has only good plans for our lives. In our heads we know this, but in reality our faith falters. The “what if ” questions plague our minds.
Another of the disciples said to Him, “Lord, permit me first to go and bury my father.” But Jesus said to him, “Follow Me, and allow the dead to bury their own dead.” (Matthew 8:21-22)
An acrostic for faith is this…Feeling Araid I Trust Him. God accepted no excuses from the prospective disciples. How many of them would have even been disciples if they went home and made a “pro/con” list and discussed it with their families. Jesus said, “Follow me,” and they walked away from life as they knew it into the unknown. Most assuredly they had doubts and fears, but faith won the battle and God used them mightily.
“And He summoned the crowd with His disciples, and said to them, “If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross and follow Me.” (Mark 8:34)
Sometimes we try to pacify ourselves and God with the answer “possibly” to buy some time. And perhaps we do ponder and play out in our minds what “possibly” would look like if we changed it to “definitely.” Then fear comes creeping in because our human minds try to imagine what saying “yes” to God might actually look like…how our lives would change. Yet again, we forget to factor in the most important aspect…faith in the goodness of our Heavenly Father.
Faith is saying “definitely” instead of “tomorrow” when God reveals His plan for us. Praise God He has a plan for us to carry out…a plan to do our part in carrying out the Great Commission and take as many people to Heaven with us as we can!
“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” (Matthew 28:16-20)
The time to follow Christ and do His will is “definitely” today because quite “possibly” our Savior could return “tomorrow!” Are you ready? Which hook will you hang your hat on! Prayers that you will not put off accepting, following and honoring Jesus another day. He died to save you…now is the time to die to ourselves for Him. To God Be the Glory!
For you know quite well that the day of the Lord’s return will come unexpectedly, like a thief in the night. (1 Thessalonians 5:2)