Passionate Pursuit

"That is what the Scriptures mean when they say, "No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love him." (1 Corinthians 2:9, NLT)

Gladiator. I love that movie. It is easily in my top 5 because it has so many biblical references. The honor and courage displayed in his character are phenomenal. I think it speaks to the heart of every man for bravery and every woman for the admiration of that bravery. 

But more than that, it's a great visual of how difficult leading the Christian life can be. Jesus didn't promise us that our lives would magically be easier when we picked up our crosses and followed him. At the end of this movie, I love that Maximus is walking toward his deceased family in his place of peace, his home. 

Anytime I face a difficult situation or something that seems impossible, this verse bubbles up from my heart and floats through my mind: "No eye has seen, no ear has heard and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love him." 

Watching the news the other day, CNN was covering the crisis in Iraq and questioning what President Obama was going to do about it. I deeply desire that we had a truly God fearing President who would call for a national day of prayer for any who believed so that we, as a nation, would pray for the thousands of Christians being persecuted in Iraq. 

My daughter and I had just sat down for dinner and I said, "Let's pray." She immediately put her tiny hands in mine and bowed her head against my forehead. All I got out was, "Father God, please help those people. You demonstrated over and over in the Bible these amazing stories of angels crushing cities of those who opposed you and of Jesus healing those who are persecuting your children. I will not ask where you are, for I know you are with them, but Abba, those children..." and I just broke and cried. 

My daughter put her tiny hands on either side of my face and lifted my head to look at her. She said, "Mama..." and put one of her hands on my heart. I said, "Yes, Mama's heart hurts for our friends in Iraq." I got out a map and showed her who we were praying for. We put one of each of our hands on the map, and our other hands we held together. We finished the prayer for all of the children in Iraq, Christian or not, and for the leaders of ISIS to have a powerful experience with Jesus. 

As someone who knows heartbreak well, I won't sit here and say "it's okay," - I know its hard and its one of the most difficult things you will experience right now. But I will firmly tell you - do not stop praying - God is fighting for you.  And remember, you have people all over the world just like me who are thinking of you and keeping you close in our hearts, expecting God to bless you in some way each moment. Even if that blessing is just you developing your relationship with him. 

A Certain Kind of Courage

"At once they left their nets and followed him. Going on from there, he saw two other brothers, James son of Zebedee and his brother John. They were in a boat with their father Zebedee, preparing their nets. Jesus called them, and immediately they left the boat and their father and followed him."

-Matthew 4:20-22-

What have you given up completely? Have you risked your livelihood to do something you believed to be better? Have you given up your family to follow a hope? What have you sacrificed that seemed impossible to do without?

This is probably the most amazing part about this particular passage. Jesus called these men and notice what they left immediately: their nets and boat (livelihood) and their father (family). Could you do that?

Whether that answer is "yes," "no," or "I'm not sure...," take this hope: when Jesus calls you away from something or someone that seems imposible to relinquish, it's only because he has an incredible future planned for you and you are the only one who can fulfill this particular mission.

And here's the other catch: it's not just about the down-and-out crowd either. Jesus calls anyone. You could be quite successful in life and be thankful each day for the blessings given to you. That might present an even bigger challenge for you. Take heart and remember that God gives us every single thing we need, and it was from Him in the first place that you were afforded your comfortable and successful lifestyle.

So how will you know if it's God calling you toward a particular mission? How do you know your not justifying a particular personal desire?

God's Holy Spirit is alluring and inviting. He is never pushy, condemning or spiteful. God will never use shame, embarassment, humiliation, or haunt you of past memories you'd rather forget. He will never lead or ask you to break any of his laws. If you think you're being called to a particular mission, but something doesn't sit right, check your spirit. Ask the Holy Spirit of Truth to reveal to you what is wrong. Ask to align your thoughts and mind with God's thoughts so you may begin praying within his will. Better still, ask someone you know who walks closely & intimately with Jesus to pray in intercession for you during this time. Confusion is never from God so reject it immediately in Jesus' name. If you're still having a hard time with discernment, leave it alone for a little while. Jesus will make it clear and obvious when He needs you and your particular gifts and talents somewhere. He will speak to you how you specifically hear best from him.

And remember, it takes courage to walk away from the things he's asking you to walk away from. It is perfectly okay to be nervous, anxious or scared. But also remember this: God will always lead you into a promised land, even if you have to climb a few mountains first to get there. Fulfiling God's mission is always well worth leaving that which seems impossible.

James and John must have sensed this. Notice the passage: they were preparing the nets when Jesus called them. And what was their reaction? When did they leave the preparation of what seemed important to them? Did they discuss the pros and cons first? Did they ask their father for permission? No. They left immediately.

When God calls you, meditate upon what James and John learned: Jesus will guide you, the Holy Spirit will equip you and God will pour his favor and love upon you. You can do it!

Heavenly Father, we thank you so much for your Word. We especially thank you for the Gospels so we are able to follow Jesus' example. When we are scared or nervous to drop our "nets," and immediately follow you, Jesus, remind us of this passage. Remind us also of all that you have in store for us. Give us glimpses of a greater future of which we are honored and blessed to be apart. Thank you that we can speak to you and you give us discernment. Thank you that you will always speak to us in a way that makes specific sense to each of us. Thank you that we can follow you with hope and trust. We love you so much. In Jesus' name, Amen.