Walking with God (Lent) - Tuesday, February 27
"Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."
Matthew 28:19-20 (NIV)
We often talk, as Christians, about our "faith walk," the path our lives take as we navigate life attempting to live in a Godly manner and walking righteously as Jesus did. This faith walk of ours has its hills and valleys, but we strive to "walk with God," trusting in Him, following His Word, and aiming toward Heaven.
But what we sometimes forget is we aren't walking toward God and our eternal life, we are walking with God. That same Spirit, that raised Christ from the dead, lives in each and every one of us (Romans 8:11). We aren't alone in our walk through life; God walks alongside us. And when I remember this, it usually sparks one of two strong feelings.
One: I get self-reflective.
I think about times I've walked with friends and family down a street. If they begin to act inappropriately, I get embarrassed because I don't want the people around us to think I am like that, too. As a follower of Christ, do my actions always reflect the holiness and righteousness of Jesus, or am I embarrassing Him?
Two: I feel relieved.
Not because I'm a perfect follower of Christ and never need correction, but because of His promise, to be with us always, usually comes when I'm feeling overwhelmed.
When I feel like my problems are too big and the weight of the world seems to rests on my shoulders, it is on those days God reminds me He is with me. I am not big enough or strong enough to do everything needed to help the Native peoples of our nation, Lutheran Indian Ministries isn't big enough, but God is. He reminds me that this isn't our mission, it is God's mission, and we are blessed enough to get to join Him on this amazing ride.
Thank you, loving Father for walking alongside me. Help me to continually reflect your light to the world around me and to trust you have all things under control. Thank you for letting me join you in your mission. In Jesus' name, Amen.