Living Life for Christ Alone

  “It is what it is.” So often we throw up our hands as we speak that very phrase over our circumstances. It’s this attitude of giving up on doing the ordinary things extraordinarily. It’s this belief that somehow our lot in life is to not know joy or thrive in the daily problems that arise. It’s this feeling that we can never rise above the circumstances that are constantly threatening to overwhelm us.   Too often, I find myself wondering if it's true. Could it be that we really are supposed to just accept that we can’t rise above mediocrity? Could it be that it’s impossible to thrive in places that make it difficult to merely survive? Could it really be true that there is no hope to have joy –even excitement- in facing the things that challenge us? One glance at Christians around the world, a few minutes of listening to the stories of the persecuted ones who wake up wondering if they will live another day, and maybe, just maybe we will stop and realize it is possible. ...

“Then He saw them straining at rowing, for the wind was against them. Now about the fourth watch of the night He came to them, walking on the sea, and would have passed them by... They all saw Him and were troubled. But immediately He talked with them...” (Mark 7:40-50)   Child of God, do you feel as though you are straining against the winds of life to accomplish God’s will? He sees you. Perhaps you feel too engrossed in summoning all your strength to make it one step farther in the direction He has commanded. Perhaps you haven’t even thought to ask the question, “Does He see me?” The winds and waves oppose you mightily, and you strive with everything in you not to be pushed backwards. But Jesus sees you. You are deeply loved by Him.   Maybe you are asking yourself, “Where is He? Why did He not come with me?”   But the reality is, His is there. His response to this struggle is always to come close to you. But He doesn’t fight the winds and waves the way you do with all...