that’s how much you mean to me
We had a conversation with our 15 year old son yesterday… talking about various things that our culture or society tolerate or even encourage as good – and how regardless of our “personal” view, whether we like the ideas or not…
When we chose to follow Jesus,
we chose that His Word would have the ultimate authority on our lives.
It really comes down to – and this may seem simple… but, isn’t it? –
Do I trust My God enough to follow Him even when I might not think that this way is the best way?
Do I trust my God enough to follow Him- even when it is completely out of my comfort zone?
Do I trust my God enough to follow Him – when everything around me seems to point elsewhere?
Do I trust my God enough to follow Him onto the battlefield – even when it looks like the odds are against me?
Do I trust my God enough to follow Him when I’m called to forgive – even when it still hurts inside?
Because that is the lifestyle I choose when I choose to allow what God says to be the ultimate authority in my life. It is very clear in Scripture that our world won’t understand… and that we, as believers, will be persecuted for our faith… so why are we surprised when it happens?
But – sometimes… I don’t know – I feel in over my head.
Ever feel in over your head?
Remind yourself of this ultimate truth I stumbled onto today:
“Don’t be afraid,
I’ve redeemed you.
I’ve called your name.
You’re mine.
When you’re in over your head,
I’ll be there with you.“
Sometimes I feel like I’m walking on the ocean waves and suddenly the splashes hitting my face remind me that… well, in this world, people don’t walk on water… and suddenly I feel like I’m drowning.
Do you feel like you are drowning?
“When you’re in rough waters,
you will not go down.“
Are you caught between a rock and a hard place?
“When you’re between a rock and a hard place,
it won’t be a dead end—
Because I am God,
your personal God,
The Holy of Israel,
your Savior.“
Hide under The Rock who loves you so…
“I paid a huge price for you…
That’s how much you mean to me!
That’s how much I love you!
I’d sell off the whole world to get you back,
trade the creation just for you.”
Cling to His ultimate truth!
“But now, God’s Message,
the God who made you in the first place,
Jacob, the One who got you started, Israel:
“Don’t be afraid,
I’ve redeemed you.
I’ve called your name.
You’re mine.
When you’re in over your head,
I’ll be there with you.
When you’re in rough waters,
you will not go down.
When you’re between a rock and a hard place,
it won’t be a dead end—
Because I am God,
your personal God,
The Holy of Israel,
your Savior.
I paid a huge price for you:
all of Egypt, with rich Cush and Seba thrown in!
That’s how much you mean to me!
That’s how much I love you!
I’d sell off the whole world to get you back,
trade the creation just for you.”
Isaiah 43:1-4 MSG
