There have been many times in the last several years that I’ve put God off. Not intentionally, of course (yeah, right!). I’ve labeled it “discernment” or “waiting for God to move me.” I’ve put Him off for very good reasons: “But first I need to raise my kids…”, “But first I want to see Kris accept you as Savior…”, “But first I need to finish, or do, or see (insert task here)…” The fact is, though, that I was attempting to convince myself and God that I could just stay in my little bubble of life and not rely on His timing. I was so selfish to believe that nobody needed me outside my family, and I continually used them as an excuse to stay stuck. There’s not anything wrong with putting our families first; I believe God honors our time as wives and moms. I was serving them exclusively, however, all in the name of comfort and complacency.
Recently God has been changing my heart and quietly whispering in my ear. He’s placed people around me, shown me His Word and has been bringing my husband closer to Himself. All of these things have helped me find that He’s placed within me a real passion outside of my family. Much to my surprise, I’ve found that my heart aches for young women, whether they’re labeled at-risk or affluent. I want them to know the complete and unconditional love that their heavenly Father has for them, regardless of what their earthly fathers may look like. I desperately want to instill in them a sense of self-worth and pride so that they make life choices that reflect the confidence they have in the hope that only Jesus gives.
In this story in Luke, a man comes up to Jesus while He’s walking along the road on His way to Jerusalem. I can only assume he’s heard of this guy, Jesus before, because he comes up and says (something like), “Sure, Jesus, I’ll follow you. Sounds like fun!” The first thing Jesus does is challenge him. He and the other guys he was with immediately start to back peddle. I imagine they’re thinking, “Hey, wait a minute. This isn’t what I bargained for. On second, thought I think I’ll….ah…..oh, yeah, I’ve got some family stuff first.” After hearing their excuses, Jesus ends the conversation with, “No procrastination. No backward looks. You can’t put God’s kingdom off till tomorrow. Seize the day.” (The Message)
God doesn’t want our excuses. He already knows we’re busy with life. He’s the one that gifted us with family, careers, social lives and responsibilities – all the things we, in turn, use as excuses to put off His divine purpose for our lives. It’s challenging to give up our own hopes and dreams and follow God leading us. The fact is that He has designed each of us uniquely so that we can serve Him first.
Are you listening to what God is saying to you?
What has He given you a heart for that you aren’t pursuing?
What are you using as an excuse to stay comfortable?
Let me know. I'd love to hear your story.
