We put God so high we forget that God can be a best friend. Chris Forte reinvigorates the idea of faith.
___
I’m using this title from Mark Nepo’s The Book of Awakening May 30th – If not now when? In this daily reader Mark Nepo writes about the young, rich merchant who approaches Jesus after his Sermon on the Mount. He admires Jesus so, is truly touched, and wants to join him. So he asks with great sincerity what he needs to do, what arrangements need to be made.
Jesus opens his arms and say, “Come with me now. Drop everything and come.”
The young merchant stumbles and cites his many “yes, but”, he can’t leave his business so suddenly. He has to leave the world. He’ll need to gather fresh clothes. How much money should he bring?
With open arms, Jesus simply says one more time,“Come with me now.”
How often do we all rehearse this moment, putting off love, truth, joy and even God, citing our many “Yes, but” to ourselves, when all we have to do – hard and simple as it is – is to drop everything and Come Now.
All the words above are from Mark Nepo. I thought this was so powerful when I read them I wanted to share. It brought me to understanding what my relationship to God and Jesus is all about. I have been that young merchant for many, many years.
Tried to do a lot of it on my own with God’s help through prayer and devotion. Lots of my prayers were answered with having success in family and business. But how successful was I following God’s plan?
What does surrender and let go mean?. I believe that is what Jesus was telling the young merchant, Let Go, Come with me Now, all will be ok.
But like that young merchant if I follow, will I lose all my material possessions? What will happen?
It’s time to find out. I have made that conscious choice to follow God all the way. Is it scary? Yes. For myself I’ve come to the conclusion that a life of love, joy, happiness, peace and abundance awaits. God is patient.
God will never give up on any of us and is always waiting on us to follow, but more importantly wants that friendship with us. We put God so high we forget that God can be a best friend. God created each one of us and knows us better than ourselves.
Why wouldn’t I take this chance once and for all to go all in. What do I have to lose? Family, friends, money. Maybe? I came into this world with nothing and I will leave with nothing except for my soul. Everything here for me is lent to me by God.
God wants a joyous life for all of us here. God gave us the gift of free will. It’s where we put that attention of the free will that helps direct our path.
Starting Dec 25, 2014 my free will was to put a contract in place with God. God please use me any way you see fit. May I use the creativity and talents that you blessed me with for the highest good. I work for you now. I surrender and let go. Please show me the way.
God said – Write a Book, write a blog for 52 weeks and create a podcast.
Still following that plan. To be continued.
Live Brave,
Chris
___
This article originally appeared on Chris Forte’s Blog
Photo credit: Getty Images
I really liked this Chris. Thank you. I want to share a song/video that came my way a couple of years ago when I was discerning a role in one of our Men’s ministry groups. Watch the video all the way to the end … there’s a great message. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GINNh15cT08&index=2&list=RDOshpSD0z1ts 15+ years ago I was where you’re at and I can’t tell you how great life has been ever since. Open your heart and mind for His direction. He will always be with you through this journey. Sometimes though, what we see as God given talents and skills may not… Read more »