RE-CONNECTION

Have you thanked Him?

Have you praised Him?

Have you made it your priority to agree and cooperate with Him today?

Have you taken that deep breath and listened for what He has for you today?

1 Timothy 2:1 (The Message)

The first thing I want you to do is pray. Pray every way you know how, for everyone you know.

I received this little text/note yesterday from a good friend. It was on the heels of a powerful discussion with a leader of a burgeoning sober solution for women planned for a spring/summer opening in our immediate area

The “word” was:

I've gotten the encouragement from the Lord on the following point. To CONNECT with the righteousness of God is so very important!

2 Corinthians 5:21, and 1 John 1:9 are two understandings of the ways of God in regard to effectiveness in regard to walking in authority of the BELIEVER.

It was ironic/divine that this “word” came after I had met with my friend and collaborator as our conversation wove in and out of this very topic.  Feeling at times disconnected due to doubt.

Both of us are/were dealing with some moments of unbelief and unworthiness. As we were sharing we both disclosed recent “bouts with doubt” wondering if our inherent fallibilities and faults were blocking favor and hindering our efforts.

Yet after reading the passages referenced:

God caused Christ, who himself knew nothing of sin, actually to be sin for our sakes, so that in Christ we might be made good with the goodness of God.

1 Corinthians 5:21 (PH)

…if we admit our sins—make a clean breast of them—he won’t let us down; he’ll be true to himself. He’ll forgive our sins and purge us of all wrongdoing.

1 John 1:9 (MSG)

…I was realigned.

Both of those passages are wonderful reminders that we (my friend and I) or any of us need not to entertain thoughts of unbelief or doubt about GOD'S providence or desired favor for us.  Rather when unbelief and doubt start to matriculate into our minds and spirits, we must PUSH them back with these truths and actions!

Jesus has opened the conduit of favor and blessing FOR us despite those lapses and sin; that occasional unbelief; that when we are cognizant, grateful, and humbly willing to bring those rickety times or those missteps to the foot of the Cross, GOD, thanks to Christ is willing to clear them from the record and “re-establish” connection with the Father.

GOD reminds us that our “goodness” is not from us, we weren’t capable of that bar, that standard.  Our goodness is a gift granted by Christ and through Christ.  So, when we fail, and we will (Romans 3:23), we must be quick to admit it, own it, confess it, re-connect, and get back to work!!

That simple exercise is the best BOUT against DOUBT, the best battle-plan against unbelief!

Do you too have moments of doubt, unbelief, or disconnection? Be encouraged by this little word from one of my good friends.  Jesus has guaranteed your goodness.  Jesus has forged the conduit between you and the LORD. And if and when, you begin to doubt that favor, that connection, just remember… 

Now that we know what we have—JESUS, this great High Priest with ready access to God—let’s not let it slip through our fingers. We don’t have a priest who is out of touch with our reality. He’s been through weakness and testing, experienced it all—all but the sin. 

So let’s walk right up to him and get what he is so ready to give. Take the mercy, accept the help.

And believe you can/will re-connect!

I love you all…

OPPORTUNITIES for HOPE