Let me be the first to tell you that my relationship with Christ is NOT perfect. Not only is my relationship with Him not perfect, but I am also far from perfection.
That’s why I love Jesus so much. Although I am far from perfection, disobedient and unfaithful at times, he still loves me not only unconditionally but recklessly. To be quite honest, I never pictured myself having the relationship that I have with Christ today. I always thought that I would get baptized in my thirties, maybe even forties. Having a real and deep relationship with Jesus was just simply not a priority. Believe it or not, in just one night all of that changed.
Instead of getting baptized in my thirties, I gave my life to the Lord at the young age of sixteen. To this day I believe that giving my life to God was one of the best decisions of my life. I truly don’t know where I would be without God and His righteous right hand over me. He has never failed me, and I don’t believe He ever will. I can sit here all day talking about how amazing God is to my family and me because that’s how faithful He is. Although I have a relationship with Christ and I try my absolute best to walk in his way every day, being a Christian is not always easy. If I’m honest, it can be hard at times.
We live in a world that is constantly changing. Every day there is a new trend that society feels pressured to follow and as a Christian, that’s when life can get a little difficult for me. The world is pulling me on one side while, on the other side God is reminding me of His word: “Do not conform to the pattern of this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—His good, pleasing and perfect will.” (Romans 12:2). As a Christian, every day is a fight. Being a disciple of Christ means that we are called to deny ourselves, pick up our cross, and follow Jesus daily (Matthew 16:24). You may be asking yourself, “what does that mean?”. All it means is that we have to fight off the distractions of this world every day to make sure that we are always right with our heavenly Father.
The remarkable thing about Jesus is that He understands our daily battles. During Jesus’ forty-day fast in the desert, Satan himself TRIED to tempt Jesus, and with His words alone, Jesus fought back the enemy (Matthew 4:1-11). Yes, being a disciple of Christ can be hard at times, but Jesus did not abandon or leave us to figure it out for ourselves; He left us with the Holy Spirit (John 14:15-18). The Holy Spirit is not only here to help us make sound and Godly decisions, but He chooses to make our bodies His dwelling place. We are not on this walk alone, and we never will be. I serve a God that neither slumbers nor sleeps (Psalm 121:3-4).
Another characteristic that I love about God and truly cherish in my relationship with him is that although we live in an ever-changing world... He doesn’t. He simply cannot. “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever” (Hebrews 13:8). Do not ever feel ashamed or embarrassed to run to Jesus. He is here for you! You haven’t done anything to surprise him. You might have surprised yourself with your actions, but not God. Your sin doesn't startle Him.
I hope through my walk with the Lord that you are inspired to continue or even start your walk with Christ. Trust me you won’t regret it. It would be a disservice to you if I didn’t tell you that it’s a bumpy ride, but I would be an even bigger fool if I didn’t acknowledge how beautiful and rewarding it is as well. May the Lord bless you today. May He do something in your life that I simply cannot do. May you witness his glory and companionship both now and forever.
"Another characteristic that I love about God and truly cherish in my relationship with him is that although we live in an ever-changing world... He doesn’t."
That line... HIT THE CORE!