“Clearly- anytime a person quits a job to pursue what they feel like/ know is The Lord’s calling on their life, they are running from x, y, z problem(s).” This is the mindset of society and many who have yet to be introduced and fulfilled fully by the kingdom. (Yes, this is a generalization on my behalf.)
I do not expect many of you to understand, as 18 months prior I would not have understood either.
I grew up in a home where I went to church religiously on Sundays. I had bibles with my name etched in fancy silver/ gold lettering. (I am currently carrying one on the race). I was dressed in pretty pressed dresses. I sang along with the hymnal/ bulletin. I went to children’s church and youth. I sat attentively and behaved from our 4th pew from the back of the church. I prayed the prayer to have a relationship with Jesus in my adolescence. I was sprinkled with water as a baby and baptized in middle school. I read bible stories. I knelt beside my bed nightly and prayed for forgiveness and protection.
I was a Christian, right? I prayed the prayer, went to church on Sundays, read my bible, and prayed for forgiveness and protection.
What I thought made me a Christian 18+ months ago looks very different to me now.
A little perspective: Owning golf clubs does not make me a golfer, and owning a car does not make me a mechanic.
Praying the prayer, going to church, and going through the motions did not make me a Christian, as I was not actively living it. It took being stripped of all I’ve ever known to awake my soul to the beauty and goodness of being a daughter to the one and only living God. I AM ROYALTY!
How do I know I am living it? I am actively pursuing my relationship with Jesus. I wake up to the beauty of his creation each day and am blessed to relish in conversations, people of the world, new experiences, etc. all while living out my faith and sharing his light and love around the world. When I am overcome by the spirit, my palms radiate a heat I’d never experienced prior to training camp. The Lord speaks to me through words, scripture, and an occasional vision. I have had words spoken to me on every continent and every country. The words are sometimes given to me personally and often spoken over me by squad mates, contacts, or others we meet along the way.
Are you actively living out your faith OR are you going through the motions? Are you REALLY pursuing Him?
This article may help you answer the questions above: http://www.relevantmagazine.com/god/deeper-walk/features/24240-what-does-it-mean-to-really-follow-jesus
My past does not define me, and it is not something I am carrying or running from. My past has given me hope for my identity is found in Him and not in my previous 29 years of selfishness. The old has gone and the new has come.
Start a Fire by Unspoken
My prayer is that The Lord rocks your world as you open yourself up to new gifts, experiences, journeys and allow Him to have complete control. Wake up and take up your cross. Let him use you in his predestined plan for your life. His goodness is far greater than the things of this world. His love is deep and wide! Rest in Him!
Wake Up lyrics by All Sons and Daughters
We have seen the pain
that shaped our hearts
And in our shame
We’re still breathing, ’cause
We have seen the hope
of your healing
Rising from our souls
is the feeling
We are drawing close
Your light is shining through
Your light is shining through
Wake up, wake up, wake up
wake up all you sleepers
Stand up, stand up
Stand up all you dreamers
Hands up, hands up
Hands up all believers
Take up your cross, carry it on
all that you reveal
with light in us
will come to life
and start breathing, ’cause
here we stand our hearts are yours, Lord
not our will but yours be done, Lord
