As I sit here thinking about my relationship with JC, I am in awe of how our relationship has blossomed and the different twist, turns, and levels I have gone through to get to what I call a “sweet spot.” In case you are thinking this, no; I am not so comfortable remaining in this sweet spot as I am constantly praying and watching for ways to know JC deeper and more intimately. However, the relationship I have with JC feels amazing. I can’t quite put into words the joy I feel.
My prayer is that everyone can discover their own “sweet spot” within their own relationship with JC. As I look at social media, listen to conversations, and observe the world in which we live; you will find that many people believe there is a God. You will also find that there is just as many people who have not experienced God. Yawl, it’s one thing to know of Him, but it’s a different mix of treats to experience Him. Now, I haven’t always been in this “sweet spot” and the relationship I’ve had with JC didn’t come overnight.
While I wouldn’t use the word “difficult” to once describe my relationship with Christ, I can certainly say I’ve had some difficult moments with him. I think my perception of JC dictated how I interacted with Him and that caused me a lot of discomfort. It wasn’t until I let go of how I thought He was in my head and allowed Him to be who He is and submit to Him; that our relationship entered a new dimension. That is where the beauty of our relationship began and continues today.
#Thiscouldbeyou. My inability to relinquish control over to JC was the heartburn of those difficult moments. If you would have asked me during those moments if I truly submitted to JC, you couldn’t stop me from yelling yes, while JC was in the corner saying no. For some reason, that idea or picture makes me giggle. Living for JC doesn’t mean He is our genie in a bottle and trust me, as time goes on, He will let you know that your every wish isn’t His command.
The genie in the bottle concept is a deranged illusion that presents to the world a false narrative for a pass to sin. Yo, that is not what the Grace of God is about. When we become saved (i.e. according to Romans 10:9) we become new creatures; old things are passed away; …all things are become new (i.e. Corinthians 5:17). When we live for JC, He transforms us constantly and consistently to get rid of the old man. This means the Grace of God doesn’t permit us to live how we want to live and should expel any notion that God only exists for you.
While the Grace of God has freed us from sin, it also allows us to set aside the fleshy desires and live out loud according to how JC desires us to live. Look, when I understood and made the effort to walk this thing out, my spiritual life has done nothing but flourished. It doesn’t mean that I don’t face hardships, tough moments, unpredictable moments. It does mean that because I freely allow the Grace of GOD to truly reign supreme in my life, the pressures of life don’t weigh me down like they used to.
Oh, and when those pressures of life try to sneak up on me and overtake me, I kindly pass those things onto God, and he gently removes the weight of those pressures. I am confident during those moments that the Joy of the Lord is my strength. I understand that when I am tempted by sin, JC has already provided a way of escape. Grace is a gift. It can’t be earned. Through His grace, He gives us the blessing of having our sins forgiven and receive eternal life.
As God’s people, to embrace God’s way, we must live in obedience by leaving behind our sinful ways and staying on the path of God’s way of life. I know this may feel like you are giving up so much, but remember, you are receiving the full attention and guidance of the creator. I mean your life can’t get any easier than that. God in His grace is fighting for us yet while we are still learning to trust him. We have historical data, along with eyewitness accounts about the life of JC, yet we are so quick to dismiss him.
Allow God’s grace to be sufficient and trust that living the way He intended for you to live is the best advice you will ever receive. Live for Him today before it’s too late.
Ease & Stillness,
