By: Peter McCarthy
Hello Gen Ignite, you are loved by Jesus very much. Our focus is to live life with Jesus at the center, because when he is the center everything comes together. Today I have a word of security for you.
Our pursuit of Jesus can be straining and seemingly unfulfilling for us at times. I assure you that even when it seems unfulfilling to you, that Jesus is fulfilling great things IN you!
“I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” - Philippians 3:14
Paul talks about pressing on to win the prize, because God has called us to him, he has a reward and a plan for us. So there is an effort on our part to go towards that call, whatever it may be. Do not stop for anything else along the way.
Picture this with me,
I see a castle; it is strong with high walls and towers. You know that it is your place of security. You are a distance away from this castle and in a desert running from danger. God is calling you to this castle so that you may be secure with him. This takes vision and determination to get there. You know that the enemy is on horseback and gaining on your tail, there is a sense of urgency.
Here is what most people do… they run for a while but then they stop right where they are to build a wall around themselves. They do this to embrace themselves where they are at, to legitimize where they are and what they do, and to find security. But is that security? No! They have lost their motivation to get to the castle and settled for something less than security. This is dangerous in many ways; here are some problems with that decision. Anything short of a secure place is not security.
Problem 1: You have blinded yourself from the truth of where true safety is, you are not safe. The problem is that you have built the wall up as far as you can reach so it seems that there is no danger out there, because you cannot see beyond the wall. But there is danger, and your pursuers are not fooled, in fact they are glad that you took a break from running to the castle where the King is, and have made your security outside those walls. You are now exposed to great dangers that you now cannot see. How foolish. In your mind you won’t FACE danger because you can’t SEE danger. Don’t be deceived.
Problem 2: You have not embraced the call to go to the castle, which is the main issue. You will never know the height or depth of the security of that high castle.
My challenge to you is to face your momentary fear and keep running towards the castle, security in Jesus! Tell yourself that there is hope, keep running, keep going, he is your safety.
Take this home: Safety is found in embracing what Jesus has for you. If he has called you to go further, than go further and don’t sell yourself short. By embracing something along the way you have in fact embraced insecurity. I challenge you to lay your life on the line, to run with all of your might and reach the castle out of breath, having done all to get there. So clinch your fists, grit your teeth and set your eyes on the castle! You can get there! Today, live life with Jesus at the center, embrace and know your security in him. He loves you!
--Peter McCarthy--
