As summer is singing its final song, the crisp beauty of autumn has begun to grace our days. Bright red and yellow popping out on the treetops, have joined hand-in-hand with the rhythmical dance of acorns falling to the ground. The gentle rain that comes with the season adds to the loveliness, soothing our souls.
As I sat on my front porch several mornings ago thanking the Lord for what I was seeing and for all He has given me, a startling question raced across my mind. If I asked you, would you be willing to leave it all behind? All that you own, all that you call yours, would you, in less than a moment’s notice, stand up and walk away if I told you to do just that?
Recognizing it was the Lord, my first response wanted to be an adamant, Yes! Of course I will. Whatever You tell me. I will do it. But just then, the scene of Peter’s declaration that he would never deny Jesus began to play out in front of me, making me pause. I especially didn’t want to face the possibility that in the end, I too, would not come close to keeping my noble intention.
Thinking on this, I began to wonder. What else would I have a hard time of letting go? Is it that clever movie or tv show I enjoy watching but would quickly turn off if Jesus walked into the room? Is it that enticing conversation that I can hardly wait to jump into with my two bits of witty wisdom? Would I find it difficult to leave behind the comfortable companionship of hurtful memories that color the outlook of my everyday?
Suddenly, I found myself standing beside Peter that cold dark night. For in all these seemingly minor ways, I too, am denying the Lord.
I am denying Jesus ~
- when I allow into my life those “small” things that deep down I know aren’t good.
- when I join in conversations that aren’t uplifting.
- when I truly haven’t forgiven someone for the pain of the past.
Deuteronomy 30:19-20 tells us we have a choice:
“I call heaven and earth as witnesses today against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing; therefore choose life, that both you and your descendants may live; that you may love the Lord your God, that you may obey His voice, and that you may cling to Him, for He is your life and the length of your days; and that you may dwell in the land which the Lord swore to your fathers, to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, to give them.” (nkjv)
This, above all else, is truly what I want. Please Lord, have mercy on me, on all of us. May we choose life.
Lord, please make me true and in all things, please cause me to choose You. As David prayed, help me too, to know truth in the inward part of my heart. And to know wisdom deep within. (Psalm 51) Please don’t let the glitz and glamor of this world blindside me.
Please cause me to choose life. Thank You, Lord. In Jesus name. Amen.
Kimberly
Related Post: Why Denying Christ Happens More in Your Life than You Think
