If, in terms of succeeding in being disciples of Jesus in the 21st Century, full provision is in place, if there are clear examples for us to follow, if New Testament Scripture is filled with encouragements, if Old Testament prophecies still speak today, if those prophecies are the Holy Spirit inspired words of God to us, if we’ve received God’s promised grace, if we understand the multiple forgivenesses of God, if we know that God is greater than our hearts, then it would seem an absolute impossibility that we could be derailed from our new life task of being witnesses. But we are derailable aren’t we? Our train of thought can muster enough steam to blot out the truths of that ridiculously long (104 words by my count) first sentence. Or is it just me?
The question on my mind right now is, if I’ve become the righteousness of God in my union with Jesus, what is the source of my derailments? Who is really driving the train of my thoughts? Who has the slithering, surreptitious, capability of derailing me? Who manages to capture my inner thoughts with such subtle efficiency that I agree with darkness and allow myself to be led astray into that howling wilderness? (if you need help with the answer, please give me a call).
In the full and glorious sunshine of God’s majestic throne room presence, I can only bow in adoration. My before and after in Jesus simmers with a radiant beauty (I’m talking inner transformation here for those readers with raised eyebrows). My soul, having been washed with the washing of the Word, now carries the aroma of Christ to a world of despair and sorrow. The Holy Spirit is the supreme engineer of my ‘train of thought’, keeping me from going off the rails if I, following His direction, pay attention to what I’m paying attention to.
Here’s my conclusion: God’s Plan ‘A’ has annihilated every legitimate blockage to my living in fruitful discipleship in the Kingdom Now. My past, my present, my family, my brokenness, my waywardness, my current circumstances, all find total restoration and healing in the Resurrected Jesus. I’m tapped in to limitless, live-in resources. My new life buzzes with Holy Spirit activity (and stagnates really fast without Him). As I shun the mutterings and seisms of darkness and their many insidious controversies, my soul agrees with holiness and purity and joyfully syncs with it again. Ahh! Back on track – and another battle won! The sun is shining! PD
