When did it become safe to follow Christ? When did the element of adventure not be one of the most exciting parts of following Jesus. Jesus said to Peter, "follow me and I will make you". He wants to be the maker. He wants to lead us in paths that are of His choosing. Let's see now who has the greatest imagination, me or God. Who knows the plan and program of world evangelization best, me or God. Who best knows how to equip and provide resource for me, and the questions go on and on. The problem. It requires me being the follower and Him being the leader. It requires me turning loose and making decisions that at the time may be down right frightening.
I want to follow Jesus. I want to have my life make a difference. I want for my legacy to be: Here lies Steve, he followed Christ in the grand adventure and he made a difference.
If I was called home today who would miss me? Well Ruth and the kids, my family and friends would miss me. Maybe a few others that I have built relationships with. Would my neighbors miss me? Would my community say, what will we do without Steve? Would my coworkers say who will carry on God's grand work?
When Uzziah died Isaiah said who will take his place? Who is going to stand for the things He stood for. Granted God had everything under control and told Isaiah so, but that man had made such an impact that God's prophet went to the temple to tell God. Hey God now what are we going to do without Uzziah.
If you want to be missed, you have to be willing to take a risk. If you want to follow God you are going some places that look pretty dangerous. If you want to make an impact on your sphere of influence you have to be willing to listen, hear the voice of God and go where you may have never been before.
Sounds like an adventure to me, let's go. I am willing to become dangerous, how about you.
3 comments:
Glad you made it back from DC safe. Looks like you missed Fay. Fay is now in Roanoke visiting us.
"I'll go where you want me to go"...used to be a comforting song when I use to sing it at Southeastern. However, going where He wants us to go, either physical, spiritual, or otherwise demands all of me, and it is frightening to respond to the call to go places that may threaten my comfort zone.
But, when I think that the Creator of the universe knows me and wants to use little me, I am humbled, honored, and a little more willing to risk.
Pastor, thanks for those encouraging and challenging words. We have to be reminded regularly to live dangerously for God. Awesome!!!
Funny how "live dangerously" sounds like a happy, fun little adventure to some people or just a cutesy slogan. I am challenged to live dangerously in a way that involves risk and facing fears...even the fear of looking foolish. Thanks for the message Sunday.
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