Day 18 - Why Me?
You may have noticed there is a common thread between the chapters in this devotional. It's a thread woven throughout the fabric of our walk with Jesus, and if we allow it to, it will transform our hearts into His likeness. What is it? Surrender. Every part of us, for every part of Him, nothing held back. He is worthy of finding a heart within us that fully desires to be like His. It's with this mindset that we dive deeper together into the question "Why Me?".
I had a dream a few years back that has forever marked my heart, causing me to live with His desires on the forefront of my mind. I dreamed I was on a stage overlooking a field of thousands of people, alongside other preachers speaking at an outdoor crusade. As thousands gathered in front of us, I noticed one man walking
away, leaving the event. I felt compelled to run off of the stage to follow him. He was frustrated, angry, fed up with life. He was not very open to the Gospel, but nonetheless, my team member and I stood there with him, trying our best to meet his spiritual need, while the event continued on behind us. After talking with him for some time, we gave him all we had in our pockets to help meet his immediate needs. After all our efforts, he didn't change his attitude or accept Christ. When I woke up, I knew that I had been shown what it looks like to go after "the one" (Luke 15:1-7). When the others on the stage disregarded or didn't notice this man leaving, we had been compelled to chase down this one angry, hardened individual. I felt sick inside to think that the "numbers of impact" have become the goal for many, but one heart is worthy of our pursuit, even when it doesn't benefit us in our ministry or popularity, even when it doesn't produce the fruit we would hope for.
Why me? Because I have determined that He is worthy of someone on the earth who holds a predetermined and unwavering “yes” on their lips to the Creator. Regardless of what the outcome may be, my availability and obedience are all I have to give.
"For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God." - Colossians 3:3.
If we allow this scripture to impact us in its fullness, we can recognize that our question has dissolved into obsolescence. "Me" is no longer. "Me" is dead. He is the only one left alive in us. The King Himself has made His dwelling on the inside, and He intends to use us as earthen vessels (2 Cor. 4:7) as He desires. If our lives do not reflect this, then we must ask ourselves: Is the old me truly dead? Is He my Lord, or do I only desire for Him to be my Savior? There is a vast difference.
Challenge: The reality is that even in this exact moment, the world is dying, and you possess life in all its fullness - Jesus Christ. What will you do with such a Great Commission from your Lord today? Don’t hesitate to chase down “the one”.