[Joel's Lessons] Willing to Live (Feb 13)

[Joel Warren]

I was listening to someone speak recently and they were talking about all the things that God can do and they were telling great stories about God using people that were unskilled and lacked abilities. I can’t remember all that they said and the scriptures that they pointed to, but one of the things jumped out at me. It was something along the lines of “you just have to be willing to be used by God.” There was more to it than that, but let’s keep it simple. So often we back down from things because we don’t know what to say or how to say it. Or we don’t have the skills to do some work for God. Or we’re afraid for some reason, intimidated, or reserved. Or, or, or…and countless other excuses. They seem so logical and full of common sense and reason, but in the end, they’re excuses. If we are willing, Jesus will live in us and through us. But we have to be willing and just take that step in faith.

Eph 2:19-22 Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints, and of the household of God; (20) And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone; (21) In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord: (22) In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit.

Eph 5:1-2 Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children; (2) And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling savor.

Joh 15:5 I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.

Gal 2:20 I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.

We need to surrender our lives to the Lord and allow Him to live through us. Perhaps we ask the question, “What would Jesus do?” and we try to imitate Him. We fall short and find our abilities to be inadequate. Perhaps instead we should ask, “What is Jesus doing?” Can we look in our lives and see what Jesus is doing? Do we see Him as our life, and not just a model for it? Do we allow Him to do His work in us? Are we willing to live in Christ instead of within our own framework?

Joh 14:6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

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Posted By Joel Warren to Joel's Lessons at 2/13/2011 01:00:00 PM