Are You Where You Want to Be?

Have you ever been to the beach? I’m hoping you have, and not just because you’ll better understand what I’m getting ready to share with you. The beach is a place where I feel surrounded by the presence of God, His majesty, power, and unchanging love. It’s where I remember He is not tame; He is unchanging, but the ways He works and reveals Himself to us are endless and wonderful.

So why am I writing this just five days before Christmas?

Because I’ve recently been reminded of how easy it is to allow ourselves to hold onto the things of this world. The things we’re “supposed” to care about, accomplish, and have. You know what I’m talking about. You put your things on your beach chair and go down to the water. A short time later, you look up and realize your chair is way down the beach. Did the chair move?

Of course not! It’s you who moved without ever knowing it was happening. That’s when the struggle to get back to where you’re “supposed” to be begins.

There is a hidden current in the water and it carries everyone in the direction it’s going. (This is where we pause to remember Jesus is the Living Water.)

The same thing happens in life. We cling to relationships and accomplishments and comforts.

But…

What if the water is where we’re supposed to be?

What if we’re not supposed to be tied to a chair on the beach?

The chair is safe, but safe is not where Jesus-followers are called to be. We’re called to be in Him and to stay with Him…not looking back to where we started but pressing on to where He is taking us.

To where He’s calling us to go.

To who He created us to be.

To what He planned for us to do.

Jesus said we must remain in Him because apart from Him we can do nothing (John 15:5). 

Paul admonished us to walk by the Spirit (Galatians 5:25).

So, this Christmas,

I’m praying for the ability to not look back or cling to what holds me back from remaining IN Christ.

I’m praying all those I love will be right there with me. That’s another thing about being IN Christ that’s like being in the ocean, there’s plenty of room for everyone!

May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all. 2 Corinthians 13:14 (NLT)

May Christ be the center of your celebration…Merry Christmas!