So today was the day. I am officially in my 30’s. It’s interesting that several people I have talked to have confided in me that their 30th was hard for them - for various reasons. Many people thought they should’ve been more “ahead in life,” while others thought the best of life had already passed them by. For me, though, I have looked to my 30’s in anticipation of what is to come - well, what I hope to come. Thirty, for me, seems to be the right time for moving forward, making bigger and (hopefully) better decisions that lead to a more fruitful life, and a more meaningful walk with Jesus.
Jesus began His public ministry at 30, and I’ve often wondered what went through His mind, as a man, when He stepped out in obedience to The Father. His time had come and He was fully prepared for what lay ahead of Him. His mission was clear and the stage was set, there would be no breaks, no slowing down, and definitely no turning back. It’s difficult for me to comprehend such love, obedience and faith. I know for certain that I am called to the ministry, but how could I ever even approach the level of love Jesus had for people, or the obedience He had toward His Father, or the faithfulness to the ministry that the Father had set before Him? Is it possible for anyone to have that kind of walk as a human being? I believe it is. Maybe not to have a perfect walk, but to walk the kind of walk Jesus did.
I know… Jesus is God and we like to point out that He had a supernatural advantage in life; that is completely true, but realize this: so do we. We have the same Spirit, as Christians, that Jesus did. The same Spirit that raised Him to life, lives inside us (Romans 8:11)! That is an amazing thought and a profound truth that we need to understand and employ in our lives. Since we have the Holy Spirit in us, we have the power to accomplish things for God that are beyond our natural abilities. Knowing that has given me great hope and motivation for the next decade (God willing) of my life. I feel the passion that has been dormant below the surface for a little while, coming up and just beginning to take over my thoughts, prayers, and life again. It is an exciting time.
Maybe you are feeling like a lump lately or just not as zealous as you once were for Jesus. Or maybe you are just in a rut in your life, where it seems like things are going against you. Can I just say something important to you? Our whole lives are designed for and dedicated to accomplishing the purposes of His kingdom. That’s good stuff! He has gifted us and set us up in life for His glory. That means that if your life stinks right now, stick it out…and if your life is peachy right now, live it out, because all of the circumstances of our lives are to the building up of who we are, so that we can be used to build up the body of Christ. Walk by the Spirit, whether in a good situation or bad, and He will cause you to grow. Stay connected to Jesus; He is the One who can bring fruit from your season of drought or flood. Take heart and stand ready for the rest of your life - I will do the same.
JC
Leave a Reply