Calling It Quits (1 of 3)
Do you ever think about quitting? I tell you what, I do. Some days, it seems like I’ll never get to the place God is taking me - and I begin to doubt the place even exists. Other days, I mess things up so much I’d rather walk away from everything than ask God for help. It’s these days where I walk toward a door labeled “Escape” and stop for a moment and imagine what it’d be like to escape my life, the life God has given me, in exchange for something much simpler. Here’s the first question I ask:
Would God even care if I quit?
Yes, if I (or you) walked away from life in Christ, God’s heart would break (again). You’ve been lost once before and to lose you again would be something heavy in the heart of God. To think otherwise is to believe a lie - one that says God is bothered to move me along in life and would rather be done with it.
Very truly I tell you, I am the gate for the sheep. All who have come before me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep have not listened to them. I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved. They will come in and go out, and find pasture. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.
I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. John 10:7-11
Christ went to a cross and died a terrible death in order to redeem those of us who were lost - all of us. To redeem something is not simply to acquire it but also to make its full use. This means God has plans for you. For some reason, we so easily forget just what kind of God saved us.
If there is a door or a gate saying “Escape” then Jesus is other door - one which leads us to salvation and fullness of life - something no other door will lead to. In lieu of this full life, we have an enemy who comes to steal, kill, and destroy. Sounds like he wouldn’t mind if we quit - his job would be done. Christ is not only the door to enter this life, He is also the Good Shepherd who walks with and guides us to find pasture - the place where we know His Presence and are surrounded by His Love - the Love of a Shepherd who gives His life for the sake of His sheep.
If you’re going to quit, you’re going to have to tell God why.
Lord Jesus, I pray to know you as the Good Shepherd and to never lose perspective of what kind of life you’ve saved me from and the full life you are leading me into. You’ve only begun. When the thought of quitting comes, make me look you in the eyes so I can be reminded of how much you love me. I cannot deny your love!
