God makes sure that every person has the chance to know who He is. He wants no one to perish to a place apart from Him. His heart’s desire is for every person to come to the saving grace that Jesus offers every person so He can love you forever.
“For the grace of God has been revealed, bringing salvation to all people.” (Titus 2:11)
Every believer is instructed to turn from godless living and sinful pleasures. You are called to live in this evil world with wisdom, righteousness, and devotion to God. All the while looking forward with hope to the day where God’s glory in Christ is revealed. Every believer is free from every kind of sin. Jesus cleanses you from all your sins that enslave you due to your birth into this sinful world. Jesus adopts you into God’s family and identifies you as His very own. Jesus is totally committed to helping you do good things for His Kingdom; see Titus 2:12-14.
This is the greatest news that you can hear, yet your heart and mind will fight to believe and receive it, thus, you respond uninterested. A person who isn’t interested is one who carries around a broom. Whenever his conscience is convicted by the Holy Spirit, he trusts his own thinking and sweeps the truth (truth that is meant to change you) right under the rug. It’s easier to ignore and move on in your own strength and ways.
An uninterested person struggles with an impure heart. He chooses to not believe. One’s mind is corrupted (with sin and their flesh) and he lives in disobedience to God. One can claim to know God but still deny Him by the way he lives. Generally, this person is one who loves God while loving the world at the same time. This person is one who God cannot use for eternal work; see Titus 1:15-16. He denies the power of Christ in his life.
For one that is interested, the most wonderful relationship ensues. The most intimate and endearing fellowship between God the Father and His prodigal son (or daughter) is restored and united. The Lord, forevermore, will hold your hand and lead you home.
Jesus takes the broom and replaces it with His hand.
Your relationship with Jesus Christ takes you to the ocean. While scary to walk into breaking waves. It might feel a bit cold, unsure perhaps. That’s ok, for He has you. You will get used to your new setting and Jesus will become your happy place. He takes you deeper and deeper as you learn to trust Him more than yourself.
This maturing process of abiding (or swimming) with Jesus may cause you to lose interest, or hope at times. While He never lets go of you, keep your focus on Him, especially when swimming becomes hard and tedious, or boring. There is a battle between your carnal life and your spiritual life and God needs you to stay in the water with Him. Your eternal life is at stake!
There may be times when Jesus asks you step up on floating raft or dock. While you may enjoy a respite, get ready for Jesus is going to shove you off. He will jump in with you, so don’t worry. He must teach you to trust Him alone. He will let you get tired, go under at times, and watch you struggle. He will never let you drown while He allows the enemy to attack you.
Why is God so mean, you may ask? Because you need to learn to hold onto Jesus and trust Him! When you realize like Peter did in John 6:68 that Jesus is all you need, you respond in obedience to your Lord and Savior. Read John 6:60-71 and read how many disciples who walked and talked with Jesus in person, deserted Him. If they can, so can you.
So, what trying time are you facing? You are in a ho-hum marriage, your job is boring, you are short on funds, you are facing an illness, etc. The list goes on. You can’t seem to kick that bad habit. Anger keeps getting the best of you. Your tired of never catching a break and jealousy in others dictates your actions. You have to be in control. Do you hate where God has you right now? What is it that is keeping you from walking fully surrendered?
I have great news! Jesus knows and He cares. Go to Him and surrender yourself to His Lordship. Ask Him to help you with the obedience part of your faith journey. Ask Him to change your heart so it beats for Him only. He has authority over you, along with 8 billion other people, and the earth that we call home for now. He is returning my friend. Are you ready? He is either coming for you personally or you get to be a part of His coming back to take His Church up to Him, known as the rapture. Either way, will Jesus find you interested in Him?
Carol J German 