I was reading a devotional penned by well-known Christian minister and author, Charles Stanley. The message was on target and admonished Christians to allow Jesus to live His life in and through us. “I have been crucified with Christ, and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” Galatians 2:20.
Every point of this message resonated with me. Then I read the question the author posed. “So how do you allow Jesus to live in and through you?” As if sandpaper grated along my heart, the word allowed clawed at me. Allowed? Have I had the audacity to not allow the Creator of all mankind, the God of the universe who possesses all knowledge to do something in my life?
Tears threatened as I pondered the answer. June, a mere mortal created of flesh and blood would hinder the all wise God—that was frightening.
Have you ever stood in the way of what God wanted to do in your life? Answer the question honestly and ask for God’s forgiveness. “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.” Isaiah 55:9.
We don’t merely obey God because we’re afraid of Him but also because we love and respect Him.
Prayer: All wise God, I ask for forgiveness for the times I’ve stood in the way of You working in my life. I’m sorry. Please help me to step aside. I invite you into every aspect of my life. In Jesus name.
Wow, what a timely message! As we prepare to move to our new home, I pray Alan and I will be alert to God’s nudges. I pray we will follow His plan and not our own. 🙂
So true, Melissa. This is my frequent prayer. I need the Holy Spirit to fill me more and more.
“Have I had the audacity to not allow the Creator of all mankind, the God of the universe who possesses all knowledge to do something in my life?”
Ouch and double ouch!
My own thoughts exactly, Ava. Thank you for commenting.
Powerful message. God is a gentleman. He does not impose. We live out the results of our choices. We do best when we choose Him.
Nancy, for sure. He’s the all-wise, all-knowing God. Thanks for commenting.
Thanks for sharing this, June. I hope and pray to never stand in the way of what Kingdom work the Lord wants to use me for.
Amen. Thanks for commenting.
Today I had the opportunity to “allow” God to work in and through me, and I blew it. We decided that since I’m mostly locked down until all of this is over (I have four autoimmune diseases), my husband would need to cut my waist-length hair. It was time. The ends were feeling brittle and dry. He asked how much I wanted cut, and I said an inch or two. He found a video showing exactly how to cut long hair, and we reviewed it together. He got out the haircutting equipment, and I sat on the stool. He combed out my hair and made the first cut. I glanced down to see that he had cut off a 6″ section, misjudging the length cut. Hastily, I begged for God’s help, and immediately I failed. I burst into tears. It wasn’t until our daughter pointed out that I was making him feel bad that I realized that I had blown it. The haircut was lovely. He did a good job. It will grow. I could have affirmed him immediately, which I should have done. But the emotions of the moment blinded me to these realities, and I blew it. Thankfully, both my husband and my Savior are forgiving.
What a sweet story. You have such a tender heart. I can’t believe in how many little ways this virus has affected us. Thank you so much for sharing your story.
You ask, “Have you ever stood in the way of what God wanted to do in your life?” This is a needed but tough question to answer. I can sadly say yes. My fear and anxiety, lack of faith can hold me back from doing what God has asked me to do. Even delayed obedience is disobedience. The thing is, I hurt myself when I stand in the way of what God wants. And I greive the heart of God, too. This definitely requires repentance on my part and then a radical step forward trusting the Lord again.
Marcie, thank you for speaking from your heart. I would imagine those were hard words to write. I’m sure I’ve done the same, but our hope is God forgives and gives us second chances. He loves us all the same. Our pastor said last Sunday – there is nothing we can do to make God love us more.
What a wake up call when we understand WE are often the one standing in God’s way! I try to pray now: more Jesus, less Jessica !!
What a great observation. I too say more of Jesus, less of June.
Your post made me smile… So many times I have found myself nodding vigorously along with a blog or sermon, only to be convicted by the author’s question or conclusion. I’m glad I found your blog, June; I appreciate your tender heart for Him!
Thank you, Candace. Such encouraging words to begin my day.