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TRUST JESUS TODAY

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Previous Challenge Entry (Level 3 - Advanced)
Topic: DEVOTED (02/04/21)
I opened the door, my gaze immediately drawn to his mischievous, sparkling green eyes. I felt a wide grin spread across my face as I let out a little squeal and threw my arms around his neck, his long muscular limbs wrapping around me like a warm, cozy blanket.

“You got off work early,” I exclaimed. Though it had only been a few hours since we’d last seen each other, the separation always felt like someone had ripped out a vital organ. We’d only been dating a few months, but just like Olivia, I was already hopelessly devoted to this man. We spent every free moment together watching movies, working out at the gym, or hanging out with friends. While It hadn’t been love at first sight—a story for another time—within months I began to experience the first real, deep, and completely devoted relationship of my young adult life—a few years later I became his bride.

I have often heard Christians referred to as the Bride of Christ. “Let us rejoice and be glad and give him the glory! For the wedding of the Lamb has come, and his bride has made herself ready.” (Revelation 19:7 NIV) When I ponder this verse, or the Parable of the Ten Bridesmaids with the five foolish virgins who were unprepared and didn’t bring enough oil for their lamps, I have to ask myself, have I made myself ready? Am I prepared?

As I sit in my recliner, staring out the window and thinking about what it means to be devoted, I am forced to accept what I’ve known for months but have been unwilling to acknowledge—I’ve lost my devotion. It hits me now, almost like a physical blow. I’ve been in a rut, some might call it a COVID funk. Months of isolation, virtual church services, and a lack of face-to-face interpersonal relationships have caused my passion for just about everything to dwindle. Yet I am most devastated by what it has done to my relationship with Jesus. What happened to my fervor?

After years of rebellion, like the prodigal son, I finally found—crawled—my way back to God. I’d been pulled back to church by the gnawing emptiness and my overwhelming guilt and shame. In the beginning I’d been uncomfortable and embarrassed, ambling into the back row minutes before each church service started and scrambling out on the last note of the closing song. I eventually started attending a Wednesday night Bible Study and one night, when I was finally ready to surrender all my baggage over to Jesus, I asked Him to sit on the throne of my life.

I felt a fullness I hadn’t felt in years. I was on fire. Burning. Craving everything God and pursuing Him with the devotion of any new impassioned believer. I couldn’t read enough scripture or spend enough time talking to others about Him. He became as essential to my survival as breathing. I served on worship teams, eventually led Bible Studies, attended small groups, volunteered for outreach events. I was completely sold out for the One who’d set me free.

What happened?

The truth is, I lost my fervor way before COVID—but how like me to blame my failures on something everyone else could understand...and possibly relate to.

Sometimes I wonder if this is how all relationships turn out. After almost thirty years of marriage, my face no longer lights up when I see my husband, I rarely fly into arms from the excitement of just being in his presence. We have become comfortable … even complacent at times … and yet, we are more devoted today than ever before.

Sadly, I have also become comfortable and complacent in my relationship with Jesus. My light still flickers, but it doesn’t burn as brightly as before. Lost opportunities pass me by, my excuses as plentiful as pebbles in a stream. I begin each day praying, planning, vowing to do better, and each night I cry out for forgiveness for falling short of who God has called me to be.

“Oh Lord, give me your strength to go into the world, your eyes to see, and your love for others. Help me to be your devoted servant. In Jesus Name, Amen.”
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This article has been read 615 times
Member Comments
Member
Date
Dolores Stohler 
02/11/21
I believe we all go through times when our faith is sterile. When my children were small, I neglected spending time with God. Then, after the sudden death of my 1st husband, I rededicated myself to Christ and found a job where I was serving others. Forgetting myself and my own problems, I found true joy in working for God. Too many pastors these days tell us to love ourselves as we are; Jesus said we're to love others.
Stephen Kimball
02/12/21
I appreciate the honesty. I am sure a much more common feeling than people are willing to admit. But thank God, His devotion is unending, even when our devotion wanes.
Shann Hall-LochmannVanBennekom 
02/20/21
What a great message. You do a great job of painting a picture for the reader. Congratulations on ranking 1st in your level and 19th overall. The highest rankings can be found on the message boards.
Cheryl Martin
05/20/21
Your article is so true of many of us. We get to the point that we take things for granted and just trudge along. Our relationship with God and others then suffers.

I was blessed to hear your story and honesty. People need to know that we will falter, but the Comforter is there to push and nudge us back.

Thank you.