View from a branch
Luke 19:10- For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost.
I’ve always thought of the above verse as a salvation passage only. Zacchaeus (a tax collector) up in his tree, looking for Jesus and being seen by Jesus and told “come down, I’m coming to your house today”. How cool is that?
Today however this scripture has a different meaning for me. It’s a great reminder that Jesus is always here to catch me if (and when) I fall. He knows where I am and how far out on a limb I have climbed. He not only sees me but he also sees my struggles. Nothing is unnoticed by him.
I have no need to fear because he’s here to visit with me and comfort me. He invites me to climb down from my tree and fall into his loving arms trusting in his care.
My job is to trust, obey and follow. He didn’t just seek me and forget me, he’s here to reassure me, lead me and love me. I can stretch my neck and work to see the next steps of life, the path before me, but without his help, the crowds can ruin my view and I’m just stuck shaking on my branch in fear.
I will always be part of the family of God, once saved I cannot be lost, it’s not salvation I’m talking about. Its daily living and growing in a relationship with him after salvation.
The world we live in can make me feel lost and fear of the unknown can control me if I let it. I bet you know what I’m talking about too. The world tells us our jobs define us, our titles are who we are, our path should look a certain way, attained a certain way. I spent most of my life living that way too, right up to the point of Christ calling me out to “come and follow him” totally! Talk about scary...
God chose to call me out of my comfort zone into a new different path, a different limb. A limb he prepared me for, that I couldn’t see before. A limb where trust, faith and following daily is my planner. I lean not on my own knowledge and background, but only on him and his word. The world security is what I was used too. Now I’m learning Jesus and his path is my security not only for eternity, but for right now, every day. I can live the kingdom life now.
A new way of life living by faith presents many different struggles. Patience to see what door he opens next and walk through it. This takes practice and repeat practice for me. The need to control everything has been my nature. My future is dependent on me asking for discernment to know what his will is and walking in his way. Being able to let go of preconceived notions isn’t easy. This is where fear and doubt can enter in if allowed.
So I chose to let the Holy Spirit lead me and remind me he’s near, right here waiting on me to call out to him. Son of God what must I do? What’s my next move? What is the plan for today? Yes my direction, assurance and peace all can be found in the scriptures, even in verses I thought had only one meaning that I’ve read many times before. We truly can live one day at a time and be happy and satisfied. I’m not saying we don’t plan, yes we do. But asking for direction first and following through is my message. The key is building a strong relationship, a personal relationship with our God.
Each of us have a different calling on our lives. He can use you where you are or maybe he’s calling you somewhere foreign to you? Only you and God can determine that.
My new path may seem foreign to me most days, but I can truly say “I’ve never been happier”. On days I’m not clear what to do? This simple summary helps me. “Love God, do good”.
If you have fears, struggles or not sure what to do next... I encourage you to pull out your bible and read, meditate and listen. He will open your eyes to more than you could have imagined. Pray with your whole heart and dream big. We serve a big mighty, loving God who wants to be your guide. Let him take you down from your tree of fear and walk safely hand in hand with him thorough the hours, minutes and seconds of every day.
You will be amazed at how wonderful life can be.
Blessings on the view from a branch.
Brenda
