As we begin our 2021 Journey our challenges can seem to overwhelm us once again, can’t they? Can we overcome being overwhelmed? You betcha!! There is great news to share!! I think we can. In fact, I believe with all my heart that we can go from being overwhelmed to living in Joy resting in God’s faithfulness. After all Jesus brought us out of the darkness into His wonderful light that we may declare His Praises. We are chosen, loved and God’s special possession. We are His Masterpieces created anew in Christ Jesus. Doesn’t this make you feel so safe and secure in His arms of love?
God created us in love to have a relationship with Him. Everything else falls into place when we depend on Him to guide us in our journey, keeping our eyes on Him who loves us with an everlasting love. In John 20:21 Jesus tells us “Peace be with you. As the Father sent me, I am sending you”. Jesus is clear about this isn’t He? He does not say maybe I will send you or when you are ready, I will send you, or when you reach perfection, I will send you. He clearly says I am sending you!! Really, sending me with all my flaws? You cannot possibly mean me Lord. Sound familiar? Our, I AM, does exactly that.
What does this mean for each of us? He has given all of us different gifts. How do we explore what those gifts might be? Where do we look? Do we genuinely believe that He gives us everything we need to Declare the Praises of Him, lighting the world with His love? How will people be able to see Jesus in us? How will we shine His light? So many questions come to mind.
Where can we go to find these answers? As always, our Jesus has the answer. I love 2nd Timothy 3:16-17. “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training, righteousness, so that the man (or woman) of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. I just love how our God never leaves us without guidance. This scripture makes it perfectly clear.
But how can we know these things if we do not read and study Scripture? I know that when I am off track it is always because I have not been sitting with Jesus studying what He wants to tell me each day. Studying and taking to heart His word makes all the difference in my daily walk. I have so much to continue to learn. How about you? The joy that comes from my relationship with Him radiates in my life when I am in conversation with Him, learning and discovering His truths and promises. His mercies are new each morning. We can be His light in all the seasons of our lives.
He never leaves us out on the ledge without answers. Hearts are changed one heart at a time with the Gospel. In 1st Peter 3:15 Peter reminds us “To always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks us to give reason for the hope that we have. And always do this with gentleness and respect”. How can we answer if we do not study and hide God’s word in our hearts? Peter goes on to tell us “Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers a multitude of sins. Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms”.
Serving together, connecting with each other, doing life together, studying together, sharing our joys, and our struggles, will help keep us grounded as we travel on this road of life sharing the love of Jesus. We were never meant to do this alone. Jesus reminds us in Matthew 18:20 “For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them”. Jesus is for us and is equipping us. I love Helen Keller’s quote “Alone we can do so little, together we can do so much”.
As His chosen people we have everything we need to change our world with the Love and Grace of Jesus. My challenge for me this year is to keep a joy journal, concentrating on the joy and love of Jesus. I want to hide more scripture in my heart so that I will be adequately prepared with answers when I am sharing the Hope and joy of my relationship with my Savoir. The world will be better as we share the gift of Jesus’s life-changing love with others. Together we can make a difference in 2021.
Love and Blessings.
Nancy
What a great encouragement! I love that "he never leaves us on the ledge without answers." Yes, He is the Way, Truth and Life, and as we do life together, we can change the world one heart at a time. Thank you for the reminder to focus on joy.