A few months ago during Lent I blogged about wanting to approach lent as a time to gain and glean rather than give up. I asked several questions: How many truths, values, and insights can I take to heart? What can I apply to my life so that it will be different? What can I gain so that I know God better and can serve him more?
I have spent three plus months thinking a lot about this. Lately I have been really challenged by the concept of taking God at his word and really believing what he says. At my home group we talked a couple weeks ago about what is looks like to be a Christian. Someone said, “We are called to be different.” I still am not sure what that means, but if I take God at his word, really take him at his word and live by that, will it change things? Will my life be different? Will my life reflect God in new ways? God gives us many promises, but sometimes I doubt them. Is that because I don’t take him at his word?
I want to learn what it means to take God at his word, to live by his promises, and to have my identity in Christ. I am currently in the midst of job changes, relationship changes, shifts in priorities, schedule changes, and am wrestling with some health issues. What better time to cling to God in a new way and seek to learn to live in a manner of taking him at his word. My first goal is to remain in him, like this scripture from John states. If I take him at his word then my actions should lead to fruit, showing my relationship with him, and bringing him glory. I can’t think of better outcomes! Are you willing to take God at his word? What do you think this phrase really means?
John 15:7-8 “If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you. This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.”
