Get up.
Someone sitting on a couch of complacency, who now grabs a remote more than the Word of God, whose heart feels let down by God – needs to hear this. It is why I am dedicating this blog post to this very person.
Get back up again.
You have not been forgotten. You’ve not been left behind. Just because you’ve pulled away, does not mean that God is pulling away from you. He’s not. He’s pulling even closer. He’s chasing you down, pursuing you, on this very blog page. He’s letting you know that he sees. He sees your tightly clenched jaw. He sees the way you’re shying away from talking to him. He sees your insides that ache. He sees your loss. Your grief. Your shame. He sees your feelings that say – I cannot continue.
He knows when you lay down or when you get up.
He’s got every single move, all your thoughts,
all your ways and all your actions in his hands.
He’s deeply familiar with you (Ps. 139:1-2).
You are not outside His vision. You have not journeyed to wild places where God doesn’t exist, lost friend. That’s impossible! It’s simply impossible to go where he isn’t. He’s everywhere.
I look behind me and you’re there,
then up ahead and you’re there, too—
your reassuring presence, coming and going. Ps. 139
It’s about here, you say: But, Kelly, it’s my shame that keeps me from him. I feel too embarrassed. I’ve gone too far away now, you say.
I say, no one is ever too far for God. We were far, but now are close. Jesus dropped from the paradise of heaven to hit the grime- and stink-laden earth. Why? He came close so we don’t have to live far forever. He took our shame and owned it, to annihilate forever shame. His body broke, so ours could be repaired, restored and renewed according to his glorious riches. He felt agony, so we could learn peace. Jesus cried out so one day we will cry no more, our every tear will be wiped away by Him.
My friend, when you’re in Him, you’re in righteousness – not temporary, but permanent; not moody, but consistent; not dependent on you, but independent of you. He is in you. Period.
Remind yourself of these 3 things:
1. It is done.
2. It is finished.
3. I am secure today and tomorrow, in this minute and the next, in this situation or the next.
When we remember Jesus won our security, we can, once again, get up in victory.
Then Jesus said to him,
“Get up! Pick up your mat and walk.” Jo. 5:8
Friend, pick yourself up and walk. You’re not as incapacitated as you’ve told yourself. You’re not as sick as you want to believe. You’re not as ruined as circumstances say. You’re not as done as the enemy says. Forget all that…
Walk, I say!
Walk, He says!
Enough is enough, because God is enough. What He gives is enough.
And, time is awastin’, days are a progressin’ yet, better said, God’s love endures forever. It is behind you, with you and moving for you. Go with it. Head to the great places He’s prepared in advance for you. Don’t miss the chance! Step in! Grab Jesus. You’ll come alive in ways you’ve never experienced on your safety mat. Get up!
And go….today is the start of your new day.
Kelly’s new book, Fear Fighting: Awakening Courage to Overcome Your Fears has been called “A must read,” “Breathtakingly honest” and a “Great Toolbox to Overcome Fear.” Read it today.
Discover how to flee from fear and fly in faith through 4 Days to Fearless Challenge.
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***Bloggers…When I wrote this, I felt sure there was someone who desperately needed this message. Perhaps it is one of your readers. I pray we reach that person so their heart can be restored in truth, love and security. May your heart feel blessed too. Much love to you all!
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Love this: “You have not journeyed to wild places where God doesn’t exist.”
Our concept of God is so small, so no wonder we think that we can commit a sin He can’t forgive or sink into a problem that He can’t solve. Thanks for putting His greatness on display with your words, Kelly!
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Kelly,
I love your heart in this post. Praying God increases the reach of this message so that many know He loves them and don’t give up because HE hasn’t given up on them!
Be Blessed & Refreshed,
~Sherry Stahl
xoxo
What a great message Kelly. I think we can all use this thought at some time!
jodie
http://www.jtouchofstyle.com
God is enough. Yes! Shouting an amen! To the rafters! I will be sharing this post for sure, today, Kelly!
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What powerful encouragement, my friend! Yes… the Prodigal (read: Extravagant) FATHER runs to us… out of protection and love, dripping in mercy and grace, and He restores and redeems and covers us with his robe and his ring! So good!
The LAZY girl in me needed to hear this! Perfect timing as always. I swim in grace, but sometimes…it turns into laziness with all the Netflix to be watched. Great read and very encouraging for those who feel they’ve lost their way and those who simply need to get off the couch and do what God said! Thanks
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This is so eye-opening and loving at the same time! I needed this reminder. It’s so easy to become comfortable and complacent and plain old lazy in our faith. But God has so much more for us!
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Kelly, what a great post! I have been convicted lately of spending too much time on the computer and not enough time in God’s Word. I am taking steps to remedy that, and what a difference it makes even in my outlook. He is so loving and forgiving and never leaves us behind. He promises to go with us each and every day, and the time spent in His word and in prayer help us to remember that.
Blessings to you!
Kelly – great post and I am confident that this message is for more than one specific person. you are such a great cheerleader and encourager. thanks for hosting and being obedient to write what God places on your heart. Keep it up! Blessings
What an encouraging and hope-filled post! I think we all have those seasons where it’s just too difficult.
I love the image of God pursuing me:)
Blessings!
I pray that it reaches that person or many many! Thanks for hosting. Have a blessed week!
I think you are so right someone needs to hear this message. I am sharing it so that together we will reach that person.
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