Becoming a believer isn't just about saying a prayer, it’s allowing Yeshua (Jesus) to come into our hearts and take the reins. Once we've allowed Him to do that, we can't go back to the comfortable lives we were living, as we gave them up after accepting Him and making the decision to follow in His ways.
It’s sad that most people don't realize that this is what is asked of us after accepting Yeshua. I can't tell you how many testimonies I've heard, my parents included, of people who accepted Yeshua but didn't completely commit to Him until later in life. All of those testimonies ended with the people saying that they regretted not giving themselves fully over to the Lord sooner. I don't want to be like those people. I want to get the full grasp of what the Lord wants from me instead of going through the motions for years prior to getting the bigger picture.
When Yeshua told His disciples to leave everything and follow Him, He wasn’t just talking to those He was walking amongst. He was also talking to us. We are called to be disciples of Yeshua and share the good news wherever we go. That may seem like an incredibly hard thing to do, but once you are fully committed and living according to His Word, you’ll never want to go back.
For years, I believed that I was saved and doing enough to get into His Kingdom by just praying and believing in Him. I've come to learn that isn't the case at all. As I grow stronger in my understanding of God’s Word, I realize that this life isn’t about us, it’s about Him and what His plans are. If we are truly believers, then we are to live a life of godliness, not self.
The other week, I wrote about the Dangers of Distraction and made it my priority to get the distractions out of my life. That was easier said than done. Though I did better during my work hours and at night made sure to spend time in His presence, it soon lagged when a migraine made its appearance.
My whole body felt like it was shut down, and it got worse the less time I spent praying and reading the Bible. I made so many excuses as to why I wasn’t spending my time right; for instance: the words in my Bible were too small, I couldn’t look at my phone too long, and listening would only hurt my head even more. I see now that I probably could've been spending my time more wisely.
I think that’s why Ephesians 4 really hit me last night. I realized that the walk I am going on is growing stronger, but I was still having one foot in and one foot out of the path God is leading me on. When this was revealed, I called out to the Lord and asked Him to help me put both feet on His path and walk with my eyes completely on Him.
There are countless lessons to be learned from Ephesians 4. Just from reading the first six verses, I was shown many areas in my life that need to be worked on. We are called to be like Yeshua and walk in His ways. Saying you believe is one thing, but obeying what the Scriptures say and truly seeking Him is entirely different.
I have really been tested this week; physically, emotionally, and mentally. I definitely have my work cut out for me, but am so thankful I have people around me to help me along the way. I know that I won’t master everything in one day, or even in my lifetime; but, I am confident that I’m going to lead a more godly life and make Him proud to call me His child. When Judgement Day comes I don’t want to hear Him say, “I never knew you. Get away from me, you who break God's laws.” (Matt 7:23) Instead, I long to hear Him say, “Well done, good and faithful servant!” (Matt 25:21)
I pray that this week your eyes will be opened to the areas in your life that are not in line with God’s Word. I know most people don’t want to see their blemishes, but I would personally rather live a life that pleases my Lord than one that pleases myself. So, open your eyes and ask God to reveal what He wants to do in your life and the things you need to do to accomplish that.