I continue to be amazed at where God leads me when I am open to being led. This morning I continue my study of the word “sow”. Up until now, I have been reading and studying to understand the sowing of seeds and my role in that action. This morning I am reading and learning of the sow or pig. I will say that originally I was taken aback at what I was reading as there where I was getting the directions for my reading and study was no different than any other day.
“22What the true proverb says has happened to them: ‘The dog returns to its own vomit, and the sow, after washing herself, returns to wallow in the mire.’” — 2 Peter 2:22 (ESV)
I was reminded in this passage that I have turned to Christ and away from that which is not Christ. I have accepted the salvation Christ has given freely. I have moved into the relationship with Him and I am so much better off for it. But, it is hard. It is unfamiliar. It is not always comfortable. This relationship takes work and that is something that makes things challenging.
Anything good is worth working for. This relationship with Christ is good, really it is GREAT, and therefor I have to be willing to work for it. Things are going to be challenging. I am going to find myself tired of putting forth the effort. I am going to grow weary. Yet, I have to press on. I have to stay forward with my eyes fixed on Christ to make it to the end, heaven. I have to stay focused on Him.
“28And Peter answered him, ‘Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.’ 29He said, ‘Come.’ So Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water and came to Jesus. 30But when he saw the wind, he was afraid, and beginning to sink he cried out, ‘Lord, save me.’ 31Jesus immediately reached out his hand and took hold of him, saying to him, ‘O you of little faith, why did you doubt?’” — Matthew 14:28-31 (ESV)
Peter knows a little about this whole keeping your eyes on Christ as I see above. As long as Peter was focused on Jesus, he was safe from harm. But he was afraid and began to doubt and lost his focus to which he began to slip. Jesus never left him and reached out to again comfort and protect him.
Jesus never left Peter and He will never leave me. Even when I may lose my focus on Him, He will always be there for me. I have to remember that things will be hard and that I will have to put in the work to achieve that which is great. I have to trust Christ to get me to and though all. I know that He will, I just have to demonstrate that trust each and every day. I have to avoid turning back to that which is comfortable and familiar. I have to embrace Christ and the work He has for me, knowing that He will always be there as the familiar Father and comfort me and guide me and protect me in all.
What is it that is keeping you from a fulfilling relationship with Christ? Are you finding yourself turning back to the familiar? What if you understood it to be hard and unfamiliar and uncomfortable and chose to press on with Christ, knowing that He is there and full of love, comfort, guidance, and protection?
Trevor's Thoughts 