Warm in the Sun

Thoughts Along the Way©

My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand. John 10:27-28

It was a beautiful sunny day, perfect for walking to the post office. As I stepped out the front door, I thought, “It is so nice I really don’t need my coat.” A few steps from the door; the sunshine was blocked by other buildings and the wind that had been blocked by the house now hit me. I was now thinking that maybe I needed a warmer coat and a hat and gloves. It was only two steps but they made a world of difference.

Young Christians often experience the warmth and protection of standing in the Sonshine of God’s love. What a wonderful place! Who would ever want to move from the spot? But then God calls us to follow where He is leading. Because we are feeling warm and secure, we gladly follow. Just a few steps down the path and we face the cold reality of a fallen world. It is at this point that we have a choice. We can turn from God in unbelief, we can turn back to the warmth of a baby Christian instead of growing up in Christ, or we can cling to Christ and go on as He leads. We can run to Jesus to be kept warm in His loving, caring, strong arms. Obviously, this 3^rd choice is the one that God calls us to make. It is not only for our ultimate good but for His glory.

On paper it is easy to say that it is obvious but real life is not as easy. God has given each of us a mind and expects us to use it. So when we step out in faith to follow where God leads and run into a cold wind, it is natural for us to question. Was this really where God was calling me? Where has God gone? Was He even there to start with? The question becomes a matter of trust. Can I trust God especially when I don’t understand? God’s ways are not our ways but we want them to be. We want to understand and give our approval. Fortunately God does not need or want our approval. He can see the end from the beginning and is able to make great good come from hard circumstances and even man’s evil designs. Trusting faith in Jesus finished work on the cross is not misplaced. He can and will take care of His own.

The path of least resistance is very alluring and doesn’t seem wrong at the time. (When the path is hard, rocky and cold, it is wise to make sure that you are following God. The worldly sinful path can also be hard, rocky and cold.) Stepping out in faith takes faith – something we never seem to have enough of. The problem with growing faith is that it only grows when it is needed. God gives as we follow Him.

“Cling to Jesus” is becoming a favorite thought. When the clouds of unbelief block the Sonshine of God’s love, I need to cling to Jesus. When the cold winds of circumstances make life difficult, I need to cling to Jesus. I am so very thankful that God does not expect me to do all this clinging on my own strength as I have very little. He imparts His strength, His wisdom, and His faith through the Holy Spirit. This is what I need and He is always sufficient. What ever your path is today, “Cling to Jesus,”

Prayer: Father, so often I cling to everything but Jesus. I look to circumstances, people, money, my own wisdom and desires rather than looking to You. Forgive my great lack of faith and fill me with Your faith. I want a life of ease but more than that I want a life that is pleasing to You. I choose to follow You, give me the faith to follow where You lead.