Tuesday, July 3, 2012

What Are You Waiting For?

To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” -- John 8:31-32

What would you do if you knew you were totally accepted, perfectly loved, and supported beyond measure? What would you accomplish if the fear that holds you back suddenly failed to exist?

The truth sets us free from doubts, fear, selfishness, insecurity and the judgments of others. When we begin to realize that God chose us, that He loves us, and that we are perfectly made by Him, then we start to understand the possibilities. That is freedom.

Stop and think for a moment about all those things you have never tried because you were afraid you would fail. Consider all those times you’ve felt a tug toward something more and you held back because you didn’t believe in your own abilities.

Or maybe you’re someone who listens to the court of popular opinion. You seek everyone’s opinion about any idea or activity -- everyone, that is, except God. Your excuse is that you don’t know what God wants. The truth is that you’re so busy asking others and talking about it, that you really haven’t had time to sit down and hear what He has to say.

We’re good at excuses. We’ve got one for everything we don’t want to do. And we’ve got one for every time we hear God calling us to something more, something better, something scary and new. Because we don’t want to step out in faith and believe His promises over our own lives.

We forget that He chose us. That He loves us unconditionally. That He loves us where we are now and for what we can become. We forget that sometimes. We want to wait until we’re good enough, smart enough, talented enough. But we’re already enough for God. And He’s more than enough for us.

The truth will set us free. His truth spoken over our lives. He beckons you forward. Grab hold of His hand. What could you do with Jesus by your side? What could you accomplish if you trusted the One who fed thousands with five loaves of bread and two fish?

Don’t be afraid anymore. Take a step forward in faith and grab hold of His hand. He won’t let go and you won’t fail. You belong to Him and He loves you unconditionally.