This is the 2nd of 8 blog posts on transforming the small business leader.
Frustrated and yet excited, a business owner reflected his strong desire for healthy change. He had had enough!
He and his wife, in the midst of… leading their small business, raising their 5 kids, being committed to a life-long fulfilling marriage had become tired of hearing God’s promises on Sunday and not experiencing those same promises on Monday.
In his book “Renovation Of The Heart”, Dallas Willard, makes this statement…
“I believe one reason why so many people do fail in fact to immerse themselves in the words of the New Testament and neglect or even avoid them, is that the life they see there is so unlike what they know from their own experience. This is true even though they may be quite faithful to their church in ways prescribed and really do have Jesus Christ as their only hope. Therefore, the clear new Testament presentation of the life we are unmistakably offered in Christ only discourages them or makes them hopeless.”
I agree. Do you? Are you feeling discouraged, frustrated or even hopeless? Do you feel disconnected from the life Jesus says is possible from the one you are actually living?
What’s your response as you read these verses…is it one of gratitude or maybe, if not audibly, an internal… “that would be nice”?
“Don’t be afraid, for I am with you.
Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you.
I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.”
Isaiah 41:10 NLT
Do you believe it?
“But now, O Jacob, listen to the Lord who created you.
O Israel, the one who formed you says,
“Do not be afraid, for I have ransomed you.
I have called you by name; you are mine.
When you go through deep waters,
I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty,
you will not drown. When you walk through the fire of oppression,
you will not be burned up;
the flames will not consume you.”
Isaiah 43:1-2 NLT
Do you believe it?
“This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”
Joshua 1:9 NLT
Do you believe it?
”Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.”
Matthew 11:28-30 NLT
Do you believe it?
God can do anything, you know—far more than you could ever imagine or guess or request in your wildest dreams! He does it not by pushing us around but by working within us, His Spirit deeply and gently within us.
Ephesians 3:19-20 MSG
Do you believe it?
And because of His glory and excellence, He has given us great and precious promises. These are the promises that enable you to share His divine nature and escape the world’s corruption caused by human desires.
2 Peter 1:4 NLT
Do you believe it?
Years ago I had to face the same question – “Do I believe it”? Do I believe what Jesus says is available for me as His follower? Every day? Understanding that there is so much more growth needed in me, saying a clear “Yes” to this question has profoundly shaped my life.
The Word is filled with life…promises of life now and in the future. I am convinced that those whose lives are well lived in Christ are a result of deciding to trust Him and His word.
Have you said “yes” to this question, “Do you believe it”?
A Deliberate Application:
- Reflect on the above verses.
- If you were watching yourself reflect on these verses what would you “hear”? Would you “hear” language of deeply felt gratitude or language of “that would be nice” or “if only that could be true”?
- Are you willing to “own” the gap between your experience and the promises of the One who made you? Reflect on last week’s blog – “Own it!”.
- What are you sensing God ask of you?
- Who will you share this with?
