"But now, LORD, you are our Father. We are the clay, and you are our potter. We are the work of your hands." Isaiah 64:8
How do you approach the presence of God? When you draw near to God as your Heavenly Father, rather than a confusing unknown or a Sunday assignment, you will find yourself fully known and embraced. You were meant for a relationship with God, a bond that is set apart and built on knowing and trusting God as your Everlasting Father.
All who believe in Jesus are called to live as
children of God. The Spirit of the Living God assures us of this calling to be God's child: "You haven't received the spirit of slaves that leads you into fear [of God's judgment] again. Instead, you have received the spirit of God's adopted children by which we call out, "Abba! Father! (Romans 8:15)" Do you cry out to God in this way? As you continue reading, ask yourself whether or not you have received the spirit of 'God's adopted children.'
I was a child once. But as the years went on, I began to emancipate myself from this label as I tried to carve out my own path. Also, I was faced with more complexities throughout my teenage years. I could no longer see the world through the eyes of a kid. To cope with these complexities, I went in all of the wrong directions: seeking the approval of other people, drug use, escapism, creative success, and so on. By the grace of God, my teenage delinquency was not the end. In Christ, God gave me a new nature; a new spirit.
In no way do I excuse my behavior or overlook my wrongdoing, but I do attribute it to being born in sin and living in a world separated from God. We have all tried to carve out our own paths and find our way in darkness. This is why we must be born again by believing in Jesus, who forgives and restores us. Jesus is the Son of God, "...the firstborn among many children (Romans 8:29)". Indeed, Jesus was and is a child of God. It is through Him that we receive the right to be called God's children. By no means am I suggesting that you should assume the literal ways of a child, for we are not God's children in a physical manner (John 1:13). Alternatively, I am calling for the spirit and meaning of childhood to be deep-rooted and abiding in your walk of faith.
Children are not just let loose into the world. They are nurtured, fed, and taught how to live. Kids often fall and hurt themselves, or their feelings get hurt. But in those tense moments, their parents help them. Just as a child needs their parents, children of God need their Heavenly Father. Even fathers or mothers need their Heavenly Father. We need God's comforting reassurance, His powerful authority, His wisdom, and the infinite love that He has for us in Christ Jesus. God is the Perfect Father; no one on earth is expected to be equal to Him.
Without looking to and depending on your Heavenly Father, you will not sustain yourself on this walk of faith. Trust me, I've tried. The lies of the enemy, the trials you face in the world, your family, yourself, and even day-to-day life will be too much to bear if you don't believe that, like the Good Father He is, God is right beside you, using your trials to bless you and mature your faith. He loves you so much that He calls you His own. He expects nothing from you but an open heart.
Believers in Christ - you are not just a group of people who know facts about God. You are God's children. You are born of God. You were made for walking in His ways and living in His love forever. Don't limit yourself to a shallow relationship with the Man Upstairs. Lean into the Lord. After all, He is your Father.
"I've written to you children because you know the Father." - 1 John 2:14
Do you know the Father? Though children, do you have a heavenly perspective? Have you grown?
--Nylse
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My book is coming - The Comfort Of Night; How Jesus Makes Dark Times All Right
That Xariah! Whew. This is heavy. I have pondering the though of changing my perspective for God's lately. Xariah just gave me the why. He is my father and I am His child. His perspective is perfect. The only view worth having. Thank you for this.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the encouragement today. Lean in!
ReplyDeleteXariah is certainly wise beyond her years and an absolutely brilliant writer! What a powerful and inspiring post. Thanks so much for sharing and linking up with me.
ReplyDeleteShelbee
www.shelbeeontheedge.com
Wow! Thank you for sharing Xariah's wisdom. Visiting today from the Purposeful Faith link up. Have a beautiful day!
ReplyDeleteAs a believing community, we desperately need to hear that our faith transcends facts. Somehow we have fallen into that fallacy. Blessings to you, Xariah, and thank you for sharing your gift here.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful! Thank you for sharing. He's a good, good, Father
ReplyDeleteGreat message. I know God will continue to use this young lady for years to come.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the encouraging words today!
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing your post with us on Embracing Home and Family link-up. I hope you join us again this Friday!
-Cherelle
Wow, wow, wow. That Xariah is wise beyond her years! Thank you for publishing her words--this gives me hope for the future!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for joining the Grace at Home party at Imparting Grace. I'm featuring you this week!