The Relentless Pursuit
Ever think about the relentless pursuit of the Lord? As you look back on your life, do you see how the Lord has been there? How He has pursued your heart? What about how He specifically called you by name?
I recently had the chance to take an adventure with a couple of my teammates. We went hiking in hills of Kyrgyzstan. I have to say the beauty of His creation out there was absolutely incredible! We hiked up and down three hills that were incredibly steep. We saw the highest places and views and we went though the lowest parts of the valley to the river.
When we were going down on one the cliffs I spotted a single sheep. It was looking for a way down and looked so lost. It immediately reminded me of the Lords words in Matthew 18:12, “What do you think? If a man owns a hundred sheep, and one of them wanders away, will he not leave the ninety-nine on the hills and go to look for the one that wandered off?”
This whole World Race God has been showing me how much He has pursuing me. Seriously, to think about how much He wants me, simply me that He would give His life on the cross for me.
When I think deeper about the how the Lord pursues us it is with patients, gentleness, respect, and so much love. He only takes us to the places we are willing to go with Him. He is a gentleman and willing to wait and speak when we need it the most. He keeps coming back, not to annoy us, to show us His persistent love.
I have seen how the Lord’s intentional pursuit with my life is an exact parallel on how I am supposed to pursue the people He puts on my heart. When God looked and saw you, He wanted you so much that He was willing to do anything for you to love Him back. He really wants your heart. How am I showing that same pursuit and love to the others around me? To my family? To my friends who don’t know Jesus?
When the Lord puts people on my heart specifically I see a genuine pursuit needed. Whether that is simply through prayer if they are far way or if its creating space to love the people right around you – the pursuit of the Lord is intentional and persistent. I’m so thankful the Lord never gives up on us and that He is willing to remind me that He wants my attention.
How much more does that relate to how I pursue the dreams and desires God has put on my heart! I am refusing to choose what is easy and convenient and determined to choose what is right even if it is difficult. I am choosing to live by faith in what the Lord says and pursue the things He puts on my heart trusting Him step by step in obedience. I have a direction and I will run toward it because I have a vision from the LORD and a desire to see Him do the impossible!
What pursuits is the Lord challenging you with? As He is one that constantly pursues us, how does that change the way you pursue the passions, desires, and relationships of your life?
I have been praying big prayers lately and I have been amazed to see God answer some of them so uniquely and specifically! Whether thats people around me coming to know Jesus. People receiving emotional or physical healing from pain. The nations discovering the Truth, growing and encountering Jesus! The Lord’s intentional pursuit is from His heart and He won’t relent until He has it all.
Thank you for all your prayers and support over the course of the Race! Seriously you have allowed me to experience incredible change and growth in my life and to see more of God’s heart for the world. Know I am forever thankful for this opportunity!
