Jesus, All That Is

But everything exposed by the light becomes visible—and everything that is illuminated becomes a light. This is why it is said: Wake up, sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.  Ephesians 5:13-14 NIV

Maybe you remember the moment when everything changed? It is impossible to put into words what happens to the human heart bursting to life for the first time meeting Jesus, when all of a sudden, the voice of God sounded like singing. All anxiety was overtaken by grace, and fear was overrun by faith. 

Purpose replaced aimlessness, and pride was no match for surrender. You were a nomad given a home. You were a peasant made royal. You were once in darkness, prone to wander in the shadows, but now you are light. You have been crowned with a new name: “child of light.” 

Mark 9:24 NIV Immediately the boy’s father exclaimed, I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!

It’s also possible that you are lost today? struggling to find some way through the darkness? Don’t try to carry this life alone. You were never meant to. Come trade your ashes for beauty, your mourning for dancing, and your sorrow for joy. This whisper of the Heavenly Father never stops. He is here. 

There is a very beautiful and challenging story found in Mark 9 starting with verse 14. It’s about a man who is trying to get his son some much needed help. Help that could only come from Jesus. You should read it. 

And, then you will probably have loads of questions after reading a story like that. Good. So do I. Ask Holy Spirit to read it with you,  meditating on this story, there are the some things that left me compelled and encouraged. 

Put yourself in the shoes of this father. His son is in really, really bad shape. This man has got to be gripped with all sorts of fears and questions and possibly some anger or doubt; all the kinds of things that life has a way of throwing at us. 

But, instead of running away from God with all those things, he ran straight towards Him. He threw it all at the feet of Jesus. Even his honest faith. “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief” (Mark 9:24).

Jesus doesn’t turn him away. Not only did Jesus heal the boy, but He also helped the man surrender. 

Because in the Kingdom of God, surrender to Jesus Christ always leads to freedom.  

Are there hurts, fears, or doubts in your life that cause you to run away from Jesus instead of toward Him? Don’t be afraid. He won’t turn you away. He’s bigger than that. The King is on your side. Surrender it all. Find your freedom. 

I will leave you with this passage from Philippians 4: 6-8….

6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 

7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

8 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.

We pray this over your life- your present and your future. May you never let your fear or anxiety rob you from the fullness of God’s heart. May you never shrink the world God has given us down to only the things you understand. And, may the scope of His majesty and love grow fuller in you with every sunrise. He is all that is all that was and all that will be.