Drawing Closer to Christ

I recently remembered a time towards the end of last year, when my daughter and I were leaving the hospital after visiting my mom. As we were walking out, there was a woman sitting on the bench. When we walked by she said, “Excuse me. Can I ask you a question?” We said, “Yes.” She said, “Why is it that those addicted to crack (she didn’t put it quite so nicely) are the only ones who want to help you?” She continued on by expressing that the “good people” never want to help you but the crack addicts will invite you into their world and help you anyway they can, even offering you more crack.

Seeing and hearing her frustration that night, I thought of how often her statement may have been true, even in my own life. I wondered how many opportunities I may have passed up to do good and help someone in need.

One of my favorite stories in the Bible, is the story of Jesus and the woman at the well, found in John chapter 4. Jesus was willing to go against the societal norms and speak to someone He should not have spoken to. By doing so, He changed her life. Although Jesus already knew her story, He was still willing to listen to the woman. I love the example that Jesus set for us.

It is quite easy to come up with conclusions about a person, but until we hear someone’s story, we don’t know the truth of their journey. Taking time to listen to someone, is not always encouraged nowadays, especially if the person doesn’t meet our standard of normal. But operating in the Spirit of Love, and challenging the “norm,” will open the door for meaningful conversations; conversations that can bring about positive changes that make a difference in the lives of people.

May we be a beacon of hope to those in need; freely giving all that God has called us to give.

John 8:36, “So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.”

When we receive Jesus Christ into our hearts and lives, we are set free from the grip of sin. We receive salvation and eternal life. The Holy Spirit even comes to live within us. However, when reading this verse, I am also reminded of the obedience that is necessary to walk in this freedom on a daily basis.

Obedience is not always going to be easy, it can be a challenge, especially when God requires us to change something we do not want to change. That could be a job, certain relationships, wrong mindsets, or bad habits. The reality is, that certain sins can be appealing to us, so we want to hold on to them. We may even make excuses for them. But God wants to set us free. He knows that once we are free, it draws us closer to Him. And who doesn’t want to draw closer to Jesus Christ?

Something I have noticed in my own walk with the Lord, is that when I obey Him, and do that simple thing or not so simple thing, He has been telling me to do, things change for the better.

I love Ephesians 3:20 that says, “Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think.”

With God’s power working in us, we are set free to experience even more than we can ask or think. Some versions say, ask or imagine. God’s freedom is greater than anything we can ask for, think or imagine. But remember, this freedom comes only when we are willing to trust and obey Him.

Heavenly Father,

We are thankful for the freedom you give us. We want to trust and obey as you lead us through this life so that we can walk in the freedom you have promised. Help us not to be in bondage to certain sins or ignore the things you bring to our attention that need to be changed. Thank you for being a loving and compassionate God, who is patient and understands our struggles, but also wants to heal our hearts and set us free.

In the name of Jesus. Amen.

Proverbs 2:1-5 AMP

1 My son, if you will receive my words
And treasure my commandments within you,

2 So that your ear is attentive to [skillful and godly] wisdom, And apply your heart to understanding [seeking it conscientiously and striving for it eagerly];

3 Yes, if you cry out for insight,
And lift up your voice for understanding;

4 If you seek skillful and godly wisdom as you would silver and search for her as you would hidden treasures;

5 Then you will understand the [reverent] fear of the Lord [that is, worshiping Him and regarding Him as truly awesome]
And discover the knowledge of God.

Theses verses encourage us to pursue godly wisdom and understanding. Through godly wisdom and understanding we can see people and situations from God’s perspective. We can also make decisions that are in line with God’s will. Godly wisdom and understanding will help us to stay secure in God’s truth and love. So don’t hesitate to cry out to the Lord for insight, no matter what you are facing.

May our hearts be filled with joy as we show reverence to Him and continue to grow in the knowledge of how awesome He truly is.