Stepping Out
Studying God's Word is exciting! Hearing Jesus whisper truths to you, that may convict, but are assuredly spoken in love, contains a depth of intimacy, warmth and compassion like nothing else. I'm so thankful I am in weekly Bible study, other women's groups, and here with you on Boojoyful, where I can enter your presence and say, "Listen to what Jesus put before me!!!! You've got to hear this!"
That's the way I feel about an entry title "Profound Trust" in John Eldredge's book, Restoration Year.
When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly. 1 Peter 2:23
"The reason you fear to step out is because you know that it might not go well (is that an understatement?) You have a history of wounds screaming at you to play it safe. You feel so deeply that if it doesn't go well, if you're not received well, others' reactions become the verdict on your life, on your heart. You fear that your deepest doubts will be confirmed. Again. That you will hear the message of your wounds, the piercing negative answers to your questions. That is why you can only risk stepping out when you are resting in the love of God. When you believe his verdict on your life-that you are chosen and dearly loved. Then you are free to offer.
People did not respond very well to Jesus' love, to his stepping out in faith and playing the role that was his alone to play. And that would be a ridiculous understatement. The very people Jesus died for hurled insults at him, mocked him, spat at him, then crucified him. Jesus had to trust his Father profoundly, with his very being. Peter uses him as our example, saying, "He entrusted himself " to God.
Jesus lived a life of love and he invites you to do the same. Regardless of the response.
O Jesus- show me where I am self-protecting. Show me where I need to step out in courage, regardless of how it goes."
The Song
You’ve Already Won
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sM0ovt_nbd4
