THE EXPULSIVE POWER OF A GREATER AFFECTION

When I was four years old and Christmas came around, I had my little heart set on Polly Pockets. They were what I went to sleep at night thinking about and praying to receive during the holidays. I was full of excitement when I received different sets from people in my family. 

A few years down the road, I was turning 9 and dreamed of an American Girl Doll that looked like me, a tiny bunk bed for her to “sleep” in, and fashionable clothes to adorn it. My dream came true and I couldn’t believe it. I immediately forgot about those tiny Polly Pockets that once filled my heart’s desires.

Many years passed, and I bore my own tiny baby. A perfect, plump, dimple-cheeked boy who was so beautiful. I couldn’t (and sometimes still can’t) stop looking at him, thanking God for the gift of a boy full of LIFE and JOY and EMOTIONS and everything about him is real. He is truly made in the wonderful image of God. I learn so much about God’s heart through parenting my son, and through his tender spirit and love for God, his family, and the people around him. What a gift. I have absolutely left the doll behind. The Polly Pockets and American Girl Doll once held my complete affection, until something of much greater value was placed into my hands. 

Once there were things we all enjoyed (maybe even loved), until Jesus breathed LIFE into our lungs and now have something truly worthy of our affection. A relationship with Him is far greater than anything we can give to follow Him.

A hymn that has become an anthem in my life says it well:

“I have decided to follow Jesus;

No turning back, no turning back.

Though none go with me, I still will follow,

No turning back, no turning back.

My cross I'll carry till I see Jesus;
No turning back, No turning back.

The world behind me, the cross before me;

No turning back, no turning back.”

Jesus is the the most worthy, loving, and loyal Father, Friend, and Lord. He is worth your time, money, resources, and anything you could leave behind to follow Him.

-Kait Richey

Practical Application: Ask Jesus to show you what you value most in your life, and if it is anything more than Him, offer it back to Jesus and repent. Idols are not just golden statues, but anything that takes the place of affection in your life that rightfully belongs to the Lord Jesus!

GOD DOESN'T CALL THE QUALIFIED, HE QUALIFIES THE CALLED.

Imagine what the first disciples of Jesus felt when the Messiah came. He was everything they had hoped for and so much more. He had the words of life, and He was wise in ways that challenged the Pharisees. Jesus commanded thunderstorms to stop and healed people from sicknesses, diseases, and handicaps in an instant. He gave hope to a hopeless people who were occupied by the powerful Roman Empire, but He also extended salvation to all outside of His chosen ones. He surprised everyone and was the most wonderful expression of God in the flesh. Then He was arrested and executed a thief’s punishment of crucifixion on a cross.

His disciples witnessed the death of the One who brought them hope and healing, so they fled; fearing for their own lives. Then Jesus was resurrected from the dead, and He appeared to them several times. He commissioned them saying: 

“All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” -Matthew 28:18-20

Just a few weeks later, the promise of the Holy Spirit was fulfilled, and those SCARED disciples were EMPOWERED by God to do the work He commissioned them to do! 

“After they prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly…With great power, the apostles continued to testify to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. And God’s grace was powerfully at work in them all.” - Acts 4:31,33

When Jesus gave what we know as The Great Commission, He didn’t say that we should GO only if we meet certain requirements or are born with specific talents, but He commands all to GO while promising to GIVE us exactly what we need to do the work He sets before us. This distinguishes Jesus from all other gods. He can use anyone despite their shortcomings; rather, His power is made perfect in our weaknesses (2 Corinthians 12:9). Be encouraged, friends! Your life has purpose in His Kingdom, and it’s not about what you can give but what Jesus already gave!

Before I entered college, I had the idea that to be used by God, I had to be like other people I had seen God use in great ways. I compared myself to others around me thinking they simply had gifts I didn’t have and truly believed I would never be able to be used by God, because I didn’t have much to offer. Beginning to grow in relationship with Jesus, He showed me that it wasn’t about me at all. As I focused on Him first and stayed faithful to Him alone, He equipped me with gifts and strengths over time and has used me to serve the people around me! Be assured that YOU are called, and He will qualify YOU for whatever he sets before you!

Practical Challenge: Each day this week, when you get up in the morning, ask Jesus what He wants to do in you and through you that day. Perhaps he will show you a scripture or challenge you to lay down an attitude that has become second nature to you. Or maybe He will bring someone to your mind to reach out to and pray for or serve in some way. 

Our God is alive! He speaks! He has a will and wants it to be known.

Blessings Friends,

-Kait Richey