Union with Christ and his life
___
Scripture: Colossians 3:1-4
The Lament: Closer by John Mark McMillan
Take it Further: “A Mysterious Reality” by Gabrielle Redcay
It’s a mystery—how, and why, God unites Himself with us.
Perfection, wholeness, and divinity reaching down to join hands with ugliness, brokenness, and weakness. That fantastic reality should excite us. But instead, we doubt.
A holy God choosing to mingle with His rebellious Creation? And not just mingle, but marry—yoked together as one?
It all seems too good to be true, but then the doubts creep in:
- If I was a better Christ-follower, I wouldn’t feel so discouraged.
- God doesn’t care about the little details of my life or the desires of my heart.
- I need to be more mature in my faith before I truly experience God.
The distance we sense separating us from God is legitimate; it’s real and it’s raw. But it’s not true.
The enemy wants us to believe the human experience is a constant cycle of uncertainty and striving. Our Savior doesn’t disregard those thoughts and feelings; in fact, He encourages us to acknowledge our doubts and disappointments. But then He lovingly shows us how to hold them up to the light of truth.
If I was a better Christ-follower, I wouldn’t feel so discouraged.
Apart from Me, you can do nothing. Good works, Bible memorization, and worship music aren’t the keys to abundant life. I am. Surrender to Me, and I will give you strength (John 15:5).
God doesn’t care about the little details of my life or the desires of my heart.
As your Creator, I’m intimately acquainted with every hair on your head and every thought in it. I’m not trying to make your life miserable. When I lead you, it’s for your good and My glory. Tell Me about your desires and trust Me with them (Luke 12:7).
I need to be more mature in my faith before I truly experience God.
I am here. I’m closer than you think, and my arms are open wide. You have the tools to hear My voice, sense My presence, and walk in My will—today. Seek Me, and you will find Me (Acts 17:27).
We may never understand the why, but may the Who help us rest in this mysterious reality.
We’d love to hear from you. Please share with us below your thoughts and insight. We would love to see Take it Further be a place where as a community we dialog, and together we all take the conversation further.
*Note: If you wish, you can look up this and other Bible passages online at youversion.com
Copyright © 2018 Warehouse 242