Jumping and Leaping
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1 Timothy 1:12-16
12. I thank him who has given me strength for this, Christ Jesus our Lord, because he judged me faithful by appointing me to his service, 13. though I formerly blasphemed and persecuted and insulted him; but I received mercy because I had acted ignorantly in unbelief, 14. and the grace of our Lord overflowed for me with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. 15. The saying is sure and worthy of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners. And I am the foremost of sinners; 16. but I received mercy for this reason, that in me, as the foremost, Jesus Christ might display his perfect patience for an example to those who were to believe in him for eternal life.
First time my walking buddy and I have met in a while -- maybe two weeks?! Though is was swelteringly oppressive, we did make two circuits around the school. I think we had the will to do so more because we wanted to get caught up with each others’ lives, than we were concerned about our physical fitness! Verse 15 pretty much sums up how we summarized our own lives and all the recent happenings therein! “15. The saying is sure and worthy of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners. And I am the foremost of sinners;”
We didn’t beat ourselves up, we just both were/are in awe of God’s love, mercy, goodness . . . well you know I could list about 100 words and still would not be able to capture the essence of God! God is so good. We are so bad/small/sinful! But what we both agreed upon is this: In our obedience, God blesses us. When we are obedient, holding nothing back, no “but’s” or “if’s” our lives are good! How could it have taken me almost a 1/2 century to figure that out?
I’m not talking about going to church every week, and teaching Sunday school from time to time. I’m not talking about tithing or fasting or maintaining an active prayer life. Though all of those are expected and are, I believe, natural responses to God’s grace! I’m talking about stepping out, making a move, with no understanding of why or how it will all work out. I’m talking about changing your life--quitting a job that has been spiritually “toxic,” changing the course of your future. I’m referring to leaving a financially rewarding career to do something God wants you to do. I’m talking about giving up a bad habit. I’m talking about changing the way you respond to your spouse our your children when they really, really, irritate you -- no, I’m talking about not being so irritated all the time!
I know, you’re thinking RV Brown, the speaker during Youth In Mission week had undue influence on me! Well, it wasn’t “undue” but it was certainly powerful. Actually some of these revelations and realizations took place before last week -- RV just confirmed them for me! I started a new job on Monday. I wasn’t even nervous the first day. I knew God had led me to that place, to those people. They clearly are in need of my skills and abilities. And they have a great deal to offer me as well. How could one ask for any better situation? And this job is the result of obedience to a leading of the spirit. The job interview I went on is the only one where a discussion of my spiritual gifts took place!
I’m not bragging or holding myself up as an example of anything except of what God, through Jesus Christ, can do with and for us. Sinners all, he loves us still. Blasphemers, persecutors, insulters, ignorant and flawed . . . I offer myself only as testimony to God’s power and might and love.
I pray today you take one small step in obedience to God’s will for you. And that tomorrow and the next day, you find yourself jumping and leaping in anticipation of where God will lead you!
Mary
