The Journey with Jesus

Posted on December 11, 2015 by America's Keswick in Freedom Fighters

Some years ago I started a journey, this journey was not going to an earthly geological place but instead to a place of peace and joy within. The reason this journey began was to improve all the relationships in my life, which were of true value to me. Most of these were family but it did included close friends and co-workers as well. See because of a self-centered attitude, and not understanding how to deal with my emotions and feelings, I not only self-destructed but ruin most relationships I ever had. This journey helped me fix that attitude and face these feelings and emotion by creating a new relationship with Jesus, which help me see many things. One of these things was that I’m not alone in how I felt, people everywhere struggle as I did.

In 1 Peter 5:8-9 not only is this confirmed, but why this is as well and guidance on resisting such things. A change took place, when this relationship began my new identity which helped me to not allow the feelings and emotion to control my actions, which is also revealed in God’s Word in 1 Peter 1:13-16. In this relationship I’m speaking of with Jesus and through the Word of God, prayer, fellowship with the church, and worship, I see that I’m loved and I matter.

Now I was very blessed and always knew my family loved me, but life threw many obstacles that provoked a feeling in me with a sense of need to prove myself all the time. On my own I couldn’t measure up to my own standard. This new found relationship not only let me see I’m not alone in this mindset but also strengthen me to do better, like myself, love others, find peace, guide me and carry me through this life. When I no-longer had a desire to exist or be a part of this life Jesus restored me. I have now come to grow in understanding that when Jesus said in John 10:10 “I came that they may have life, and have it more abundantly.” He meant many things through this one little part of this verse.

As I read His word I began to notice statements like this are backed up throughout the Bible by many authors found in God’s Word which also helped with my belief. Hebrews 12:1-2 refers to some of the people of faith in the Bible that are not perfect, like me, but are able to live a life pleasing and acceptable to God, which gave them peace and joy, which I desired and you probably do to. When I began to notice so many people sharing this wonderful experience from an understanding and along with reading how others just ignored instructions and lived like I was living told me I might want to try this.

After all like I said everything I tried failed and left me empty, broke, and with no strength to go on. Now, He is my strength, protection, my rock, and provider, who gives me not just life but life more abundantly. He will do this for you also, if you let Him.

Written by Brian Ferguson, Colony of Mercy Graduate and Full-time staff member at America’s Keswick

The Daily Bible Reading: Josh. 1-3, Luke 14:24-35

Think About This: The more you pray, the more you are stating your desire to live your life by God’s standards. ~Jim George

This Week’s Verse to Memorize: The fear of man brings a snare, But whoever trusts in the Lord shall be safe. ~Proverbs 29:25