Kingdom ComeSample

PRAYER:

God, you are a loving father. Thank you for being patient with me as I learn to trust you.

READING:

Did you know that growth has a cost? Before we can move forward in our growth journey, it’s often necessary for us to recognize what we will lose. Believe it or not, part of the reason we don’t move forward in growth is because we are benefitting from staying where we are—enjoying comfort, security, the illusion of control, or any number of different things.

In Galatians 4:6-8, Paul tells us that building our lives around the wrong things makes us slaves. That’s strong language, but Paul’s doing something very strategic here. Paul is alluding to a part of Israel’s story shortly after they had been set free from slavery in Egypt. God raised up Moses and performed great miracles to lead them out of those chains, and the Israelites praised God for their freedom. But it wasn’t long before they began to complain about how they missed all the benefits and comforts of their lives in Egypt. They even began to talk about going back! Can you imagine being homesick for a land where you were a slave?

That might sound crazy, but, according to Paul, that desire may be more familiar to you than you think. If there’s something you need so badly that you can’t imagine your life without it, then you are a slave to that thing. You have given up your freedom. You are bound to it. It could be a possession, a relationship, a title, or a reputation.

Because we’ve been given a new identity in Jesus, those chains have been broken and there is a new path paving the way to our freedom. And though it’s a clear and seemingly simple idea, it’s not always easy in practice. It’s one thing to get you out of slavery, but it’s another to get the slavery out of you.

Our propensity is to continually return to what has seemingly provided comfort, security, and safety, yet all the while turning our backs on the journey to wholeness and freedom that God desires for us. 

But there’s some good news for you today. God is a loving father!

Imagine a father watching his young toddler take their first unsteady steps. What does he feel? How does he react? Is he impatient and frustrated that his child doesn’t go farther? Does he explode in anger when his child’s knees become unsteady and they fall to the ground? Do you think you’d see extraordinary disappointment in his eyes as you hear him shout, “Why aren’t you walking already? Look at your older brother! He can run laps around this house! Why can’t you get your act together?”

No way! Not in a million years would you expect that kind of reaction. Why not? Because a loving father celebrates the baby steps no matter how small they are. He knows those steps are the beginning of a long journey to becoming a mature adult. He’s patient with the progress and celebrates every victory, no matter how short-lived. 

In the same way, your heavenly Father longs to see you move forward in your spiritual life. He loves and celebrates your baby steps.

REFLECTION:

Here are two questions for you to reflect on today. What is it I am getting from staying where I am? And is there something I am too scared to lose? 

As you begin to answer these questions, ask God for the grace and strength you need to take a small step of trust today. Then take time to thank God for his patience and forgiveness that meet you every time you stumble back to that old life and way of thinking.