Day 23 - Week 4 Day 2 Welcome Back

Today's Reading (Bible in 1 Year)

Genesis 33–34
Psalm 21
Isaiah 20–21:10
Matthew 15:21 – end of chapter 15

Jacob returns to Canaan but does not know what to expect. He has no idea what the response will be because, as you will remember, he took both Esau's birthright and his blessing from their father Isaac and then went off to Laban's home to escape Esau. Remember, though, it was God who sent Jacob back to Canaan.

We read in the story that even though Jacob was prepared for Esau to be angry, his return was instead met with Esau running to him, embracing him, kissing him, and weeping together. I'm sure it was a huge weight off Jacob’s shoulders. He was welcomed back.

I have been a Jesus follower since I was 11. That was when I sat alone in my bunk at camp and experienced Jesus. It was as real as if Jesus sat down beside me and said, “Steve, you need to decide. Are you going to follow Me, or are you going to go alone?” I said, “I’m going to follow You.” This was as real a decision as can be, and I’ve remembered it ever since.

In my own strength, I tried to live the lifestyle that would be expected of a Jesus follower. I went to church every week, I tried to share Jesus with people, and I tried to please my parents. Basically, I tried to be a good kid.

Unfortunately, behind that godly exterior, I was a rebel at heart. My god was fast cars, sports, and fun with friends. I would go to church on Sunday morning, but I’d be really tired after racing my car on the streets on Saturday night. Throughout my life, there were times when I was close to God, but I’d get close, then flounder and get out of step with Him. Overall, though, my heart was craving to be close to Jesus. My compass pointed toward Jesus, but the shifting of life often took me off course.

A year ago, my life took a turn back toward Jesus. It only took me 53 years. I spent a month in prayer and fasting with the church we attend. During that month, I focused on reading Scripture, praying, and even fasting for several days toward the end of the month. During that time, there was no “light from the sky” and no “angels singing,” but there was a change. At the end of that month, I was at church for a final prayer rally, and we were asked to publicly give a testimony of anything we had seen God do in our lives during the month. In tears, I took the microphone and stated that Jesus became real to me, once again, during that month.

I was welcomed back!

So what changed? Real time in God’s Word, real time in prayer, and opening my eyes to where Jesus has called me. Basically, I returned to my calling at 11, and God ran to meet me just as Esau ran to meet Jacob.

I’m sharing this because there is one calling that is most important: to respond to the Holy Spirit with a “yes.” “Jesus, I want to follow You.”  It's really pretty simple.  The result will be life change!

Jesus offers life to you freely, and it is a gift.  All you need to do is accept the gift. There is a cost, though. The cost comes in the form of life change. You have a new trajectory in life, and not everyone will like that trajectory. In some countries, it’s a death sentence. We’re fortunate in North America that death is seldom the cost, but you can lose friends and lose interest in some things that have been important to you. Just know that your life will be fulfilled, and you will have an opportunity to share what you have found with others. The bonus in the end is that you will also have eternal life—a life beyond what you would have dreamed.

If you have decided to respond with a “Yes” to Jesus today, please let me know. Please contact me by email so I can offer some advice and direct you to people near you who can help you as you start your new walk. My email address is Steve.d.pauls@gmail.com .