Mark 10:27-31 And Jesus looking upon them saith, With men it is impossible, but not with God: for with God all things are possible. Then Peter began to say unto him, Lo, we have left all, and have followed thee. And Jesus answered and said, Verily I say unto you, There is no man that hath left house, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my sake, and the gospel’s, But he shall receive an hundredfold now in this time, houses, and brethren, and sisters, and mothers, and children, and lands, with persecutions; and in the world to come eternal life. But many that are first shall be last; and the last first.
Often times in our lives we hold on to people — even those who are harming us — because we’ve been conditioned to think having something is better than having nothing. How many of us are holding on to toxic relationships, friendships that are draining us and are often one-sided; family members who don’t love or support us? If you were brought up “old schooled” as I was, you were taught that no matter what was going on, to keep your mouth shut; that what goes on in a house stays in the house and that family is all you have. You remember that three monkey figurine you saw in most households in the ’70’s, they were sitting Indian style — with their hands covering their mouths, ears and eyes — speak no evil, hear no evil, see no evil.
Family? What makes a family? Here’s how Christ answered that question in Matthew 12. While speaking with the Pharisees , the disciples interrupted Jesus telling him that his mother and brothers were waiting outside to speak with Him. Jesus questioned the disciples and asked them who is His mother and who are his brothers? Jesus then pointed to His disciples and said, “Here are my mother and my brothers. For whosoever shall do the will of my Father which is in heaven, the same is my brother, and sister, and mother.” Unity of purpose.
Fear. Fear is the opposite of love. Out of fear of being alone, many of us hold onto people and things that are hurting us. Some of us compromise Truth in our desire to not be alone. However, God said He would never leave us or forsake us and that He knows what we have need of before we even ask. God’s Word contains many promises for the Believer. We say we believe the Word of God, but do we trust His Word? Perfect love casteth out fear!
We’ll never know all that God has waiting ahead for us if we’re constantly focused on those things that are behind us. Sometimes, the things of our past were good things and good people — all experiences aren’t unpleasant ones, but they can hinder just the same. So whatever those things are, the Apostle Paul exhorts us to forget those things and press! Three short words of advice to those who think we can make progress by walking forward and looking backwards: Luke 17:32, one of the shortest verses in the Bible.
This life is full of beautiful moments waiting to happen — allow God to add them to your life path. And always remember, in EVERYTHING give thanks for it is the will of God for your life!
I share this powerful story of love with you today: The Gift of Charles
http://www.cnn.com/interactive/2012/05/us/gift.of.charles/?hpt=hp_c1
OWOW! OvercomersWithOurWord 