One of the keys to living a vibrant full life with Jesus is that we follow His lead. He is Immanuel – God with us, and that means we choose everyday whether we go about doing our own thing, or whether we stop, wait, and listen to do things with Him, His way!
I remember a few years ago I met someone who I’d known years before. They had been experiencing some really cool things in their life when I had last seen them. However on meeting up with them again after several years, I was surprised to find that they had lost their zeal and excitement for life. I asked God why that sometimes happens with people, and why and how we sometimes stop growing. I felt the Lord answer with the words, “They stopped saying Yes to me”.
God is always going to have something for us to move forward to. With Him leading we go from “faith to faith”, ever increasing in our capacity and abilities. However that only happens if we keep saying Yes, and are both willing and obedient to follow His lead.
Being willing is the first step in following, and we keep that attitude of willingness when we understand that Jesus only wants good things for us. That He loves us far beyond what we could ever possibly fathom, and He primarily just wants us to love and trust Him.
We come to understand this when, just like any other relationship we:
1.Value time with Jesus – it’s about a relationship not a religion. We can’t know His heart and experience His love unless we spend time in His presence. Value Him!
“No longer do I call you servants, because the servant does not know what his master is doing. But I have called you friends” (John 15:15)
2.Read the Bible- it’s His words: describing His character, His plan, His directives, and how He thinks and does things.
“For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.” (Hebrews 4:12)
“All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right.” (2 Timothy 3:16)
Without valuing Him above all else, and knowing and reading His words we can too easily start to lean on our own understanding, and begin to doubt that He is enough for us. We look around and wonder if other people, pastimes and pursuits will bring more enjoyment than doing things His way, with Him. Sadly it can take some of us going “around the mountain” countless times before we realise, “Why don’t I just say Yes to Jesus, and do life His way, allowing Him to lead. He is enough; more than enough for me, and nothing else will satisfy.”
Today if you are looking for peace; for meaning and fulfilment in your life; If you want a real living vibrant relationship with Jesus, and want to keep growing, and going from faith to faith, then simply say YES!
Say Yes to Him, and then get out of the way, and get willing to do whatever He leads you to. If you do, you’ll be amazed at the joy it will bring to your life and to all those you meet along the way. Just do it and Say Yes!
“Trust in the LORD with all your heart And do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.” (Proverbs 3:5-6))
Prayer: Jesus, help me to get out of the way, and to say Yes to you. You lead, and I will follow your lead. Whatever and wherever you go, I will go. Whatever you ask, I will do. I’m with you! In Jesus Name. Amen.