Jesus says, “Follow me.”
yet I can be quick to come up with a reason not too. What if.. this… or that…. is not taken care of. John 1:43, Luke 9:57-62
And can easily justify my reasoning for not being obedient. Luke 10:29
“Christ’s call to simplicity and sacrifice was an act of mercy, of liberation. His admonition to the rich, young ruler to sell everything and come follow him wasn’t a punishment, but an invitation into a deeper reality, a chance to be free and experience the profundity of life. ” Jeff Goins, Real Discipleship Costs Luke 18:18-29
Wow does that ring very true to me and why does it suprise me? He is the faithful one.
His word is absolute truth.
Too much of my life has been spent not listening to the Lord calling to me. Walking in disobedience half the time not even knowing it.
I heard His voice and He said, “Follow me.” the first time I really heard it, I questioned after……. Are you sure Lord? me.. You love me? You made me? Really?maybe I didnt hear it right? I’ ll wait till I hear you say exactly what? where? when? and how?, then I will ‘figure it out. The enemy loves to destroy our relationship with the Lord. It all started in Genesis 3:1-24 “Did God really say…. ???” Said the serpant.
REALLY…! The Lord replies, “Follow me” this is the only way to live. Imagine you were stuck in a fire and a firefighter breaks through the flames, He knows the way out, Wouldn’t you jump into their arms? Would you try to find your own way out? probably at first until you realized that the flames surround you and there is no other way.
The Lord has victory over the grave, He lives and is saying “Follow me” I know the way out. Jesus knows the way. He is the way……….. you still have to go through the burning building to get out.
I am reading a book called The Cost of Discipleship by Dietrich Bonhoeffer, in the book it says…Believing is obedience and obedience is believing.”
“In my walk, I find the Lord constantly saying to me: “Am I worth it… still?”
Every time he asks this question, something that I think I need or is “just part of who I am” gets stripped away. I’ve experienced great joy because of Christ in my life, but I’ve also seen persecution and pain. I’ve had to face lies and accusation. I’ve had to endure many a hardship. And every step of the way, he asks me like he did the Twelve in John 6, “Are you with me, even now?” It’s merciful that he still asks and never demands. What beauty. ” Jeff Goins, Real Discipleship Costs
So here I am, in the middle of Cambodia, just came into town to use the computer and share with you a little bit of what the Lord is up to in my heart. He called me, He calls all people, I guess its a choice whether or not you will follow, but when you know His love, how can you resist? God has won me over with His love and I am forever thankful. In my life in the here and now I have seen my self be more and more obedient to the Lord because He is showing and teaching me to have faith and trust Him with everything. He is answering prayer after prayer, more details in part 2. My heart is not my own heart anymore and my understanding I am not able to lean on anymore. He has swept me away by His love. Giving me glimpses of His heart and pieces of His thoughts.
Thank you for your prayers and encouragement!!
Stories from the field………..
The story of our translator Kalyan and the Vanny who runs the orphanage. by Renee
