Answering the call “Follow me!” is not something one does frivolously, without a thought.
Jesus himself warns it will not be easy: “No one who puts a hand to the plough and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God.” And yet, many were inspired to follow Him.
Some, like Peter and Paul, even gave their lives to share the salvific love of Jesus with others: Peter to Jews and Paul to Gentiles. Thus, the seeds of Christianity sprouted and grew.
It always makes me laugh to read about Peter – his impulsive, rough-and-ready ways, his earthy humanity. It gives me hope that a key founder of the Church betrayed Jesus three times after vowing to give his life for Him.
Or that someone like Paul, a textbook Pharisee who was killing Christians, could be transformed into a person who through his incredibly intimate relationship with the resurrected Christ would go on to convert thousands through his tireless zeal and deep love for God.
Last Thursday the W2W ministry gathered to say goodbye to one of its sisters who will be moving away with her husband and young family.
Stephanie has always inspired with her active faith and her willingness to say yes to Jesus. Knowing what would be demanded of her this July as she leaves the shores she grew up on, she set about strengthening the already sturdy foundations of her faith.
As a result, the regular spiritual workouts she has undergone in the last six months have given her a rock-hard, yet resilient inner strength. She’s ready to take on the world!
As we commented on the difference, she had this to say, “It wasn’t easy. It may seem that way, but it wasn’t.”
Coming to terms with our issues, our failings, our weaknesses, our woundedness, all the unloved, unlovely bits of us is a task few wish to undertake. It requires great courage and effort to face the bogey men tap-dancing in our closet.
Unless we can name the unfulfilled, broken parts of our self, work on them and allow healing to take place, they will always have power over us, and hinder our ability to experience life fully.
Yep, it’s hard work. Ah, but we do have a secret weapon. That little thing called grace.
Grace is what restored Paul’s sight physically and spiritually, enabling him to become one of Christ’s most ardent supporters.
Grace is what allowed Peter to transform from a scared mouse into a fearless, intrepid disciple who founded the Church in Rome.
Grace is the FDA-approved, designer steroid.
As past hurts and wounds heal, as a chiselled and taut spirituality replaces a flabby one, we find it easier to fight the good fight, finish the race while keeping the faith.
Start training today!
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