Jealous much?

I am a “why” person, always have been. I guess that’s why I am stubborn when it comes to following God’s will. It’s not enough for me to know where he wants me to be or what he wants me to do, but sometimes in order for me to really get moving I think I need to know why. (That is when I am actually open to hearing God’s will and hear His plan in the first place). So I am compelled to question myself the same way. I asked myself tonight why am I writing this blog?

There are many answers to that question. The selfish ones are easy. It helps me. Writing helps me organize my thoughts. In chaotic and uncertain times it helps me to organize my thoughts and feelings to get to the root of my question or idea. It can be therapeutic. Plus, since I started it has just become a nice hobby. I also heard that some people actually make a little money with their blogs. (Yes, I already gave up that fantasy).

The other set of answers may interest you though. The reasons that I organize my thoughts so that others can actually read and understand them. Simply put: I want you to be jealous. Of what?? Of the wonderful freedom I have found in having a close relationship with Jesus Christ. My outlook on life is quite different now. I have very little stress and no reason to worry about anything. (That is no logical reason- being human I do still worry unreasonably in times of my own weakness). Knowing Jesus has opened my eyes to knowing the most powerful Father anyone could know.

There is such amazing confidence that comes with knowing that the almighty Father always has my best interest in mind. He will always be there to lead me on the path towards his great plan. Whatever that plan may be, I can have confidence in knowing that it will play out to be greater then anything I could plan for myself. (“You will show me the path of life.” Psalm 16:11).

He loves me, the imperfect human that I am, so much that “he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16). There is such immense strength that comes with knowing that no matter where I go or what I do I have Jesus to lead the way. Even through difficult times it is in God’s will that I will come through it with Him, because he has something great planned for me.

Even as the continual work in progress that I am, God loves me even when I fail him. Being a Christian in NOT about being perfect, it’s about the gift of forgiveness. That through being humble and admitting my sins to God with a repentant heart I can be renewed again to try harder next time.

So yes, I hope you read this blog and get jealous, but not just to be jealous. I want that jealousy to stir in you a seeking heart. To desire to know more and want the same strength and confidence in love that I have found with Jesus. Just as Paul openly admitted in his letters to the Romans, “I make much of my ministry in the hope that I may somehow arouse my own people to envy and save some of them.” (Romans 11:13)

Paul could not get through to the Jews, so his ministry moved onto the Gentiles. This became a possible win-win situation for Paul. He brought God’s word to a new group of people, and hoped that by uplifting them, his own people would become envious and desire the same for themselves. So I pray that I through sharing my own joys and blessings, it would stir a seeking heart in you; that you may find the same peace in Jesus.