Women. None of us are perfect. Not me. Nor you. We try though, don’t we?

“This righteousness is given through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference between Jew and Gentile, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,”
‭‭Romans‬ ‭3‬:‭22‬-‭23‬ ‭NIV‬‬

We try desperately to rule and reign over our own lives, and in the process we end up in failed attempts to control all the situations, people, and pitfalls to gain a perfect outcome. We worry over all the things that could happen to our kids, grands, husband, siblings, and besties. To us it looks like being our own perception of the best wife, best mom or co-worker, and friend. We feel justified in whatever it takes to care for our people.

But from heaven’s perspective, I am often caught in the act of asking God to scoot over and make room for me so I can help Him figure out what needs to happen next in my life, and for my people. I’ve been found guilty of telling God in detail what He needs to do for him or how He needs to protect her.

We don’t even realize it, but we are trying to be our own god ruling our own little dominion on earth. It is exhausting, ladies, and fruitless. Because every little thing that happens outside our ability to control our little corner of the world ignites fear, worry, and doubt about the goodness of God.

““Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”
‭‭Matthew‬ ‭11‬:‭28‬ ‭NIV‬‬

“Doesn’t He see how hard I’m working down here?” Have you ever uttered these woeful words?

If we don’t look up and whisper for Jesus, we will become more and more controlling, fearful, and suspicious. If we don’t accept our imperfections and surrender to our need for a Savior, we naturally grasp tighter, try harder, and dig our heels of stubborn pride in deeper until we collapse under the weight of anxiety we were never meant to carry.

How do I know?

I’ve lived this way. It’s part of my story. My understanding of Christianity was skewed and broken. My view of the church was cultural rather than scriptural. I thought if my reward was in heaven then, just like my 403(b), I needed to keep working hard and save for later. I believed, with all my being, it was up to me to be the best wife, mom, co-worker, PTA volunteer, team mom, and Bible study table leader.

“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.”
‭‭John‬ ‭10‬:‭10‬ ‭NIV‬‬

And I cracked under the pressure I placed and carried upon my small shoulders. At the end of my failure, I screamed at God, “If you came to give us abundant life, Jesus, why don’t I have it?”

I broke in a river of tears as my knees caved and hit rock bottom. As I sat emotionally spent, the realization of what I had just done filled me with shame. Who was I to blame God? Who was I to point a finger at heaven and scream?

I expected consequences. I knew instantly that I was wrong and I wanted to hide. But to where or to whom would I go? My offense was against the King. I needed to take responsibility for my rebellion. My treasonous accusations couldn’t be hidden. I needed to look up and apologize. I wanted reconciliation.

As I lifted my chin heavenward, rather than angry eyes of contempt, I saw the eyes of a compassionate Maker. A hand extended toward me, and not with clenched fist, instead I saw wiggly fingers inviting me up. His voice was gentle, even playful, as He asked, “Are you now ready to follow Me?”

“and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus. God presented Christ as a sacrifice of atonement, through the shedding of his blood—to be received by faith. He did this to demonstrate his righteousness, because in his forbearance he had left the sins committed beforehand unpunished—”
‭‭Romans‬ ‭3‬:‭24‬-‭25‬ ‭NIV‬‬

If you want to know where the abundant life is, look up. Freedom is found in the arms of Jesus. He will take the burden too big for you. He’s a gentleman like you’ve never known. Love unconditional is found in His eyes. His sacrifice for your freedom, His grace and mercy are all marked in His hands, brow and side.

You can’t live the fulfilled, loved, and abundant life of joy by yourself. You may not believe this yet, and you don’t have to take my word for it. But because He’s gifted me this way I will try to help you find what you so desperately need.

You need a King. You need a Shepherd. You need a Priest. You need a Counselor. You need a Bridegroom who will never leave. A Father who will adopt you and guarantee your inheritance.

“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.”
‭‭Philippians‬ ‭4‬:‭4‬-‭5‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Look up. Jesus has been waiting all along. Look up. He’s extending His hand and inviting you into His dance. He will lead and you will follow. Never have you lived such abundant joy as when you dance freely with the One who made you and calls you by name. You are His and He is yours.

Rejoice! I say it again rejoice! The Lord is near… Look up! Take His hand and follow. The only perfection required is His. And He already said, “It is finished.” Jesus is the only way to living a joyfully abundant life.

Eyes on Jesus and Shine,

Lisa

#livelovebrightly #eyesonjesusandshine #joyful #abundantlife #writeyourstory #lookup