Finding True Life
Surrendering Our Way for God’s Way
There’s a phrase that gets tossed around a lot in our culture: “Follow your heart.” It sounds good, doesn’t it? I picture setting off on a grand adventure with a Hans Zimmer soundtrack playing in the background.
But what if your heart doesn’t actually know the way? What if following your heart leaves you stranded? But what if I told you there’s a better way that leads to genuine fulfillment, not just fleeting satisfaction?
In John 14:6, Jesus declares, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me."
At first glance, this might seem exclusive—even a bit restrictive. But trust me, this isn't about exclusion; it's about invitation. It's an invitation to a life of freedom, purpose, and abundance!
But what if your heart doesn’t actually know the way? What if following your heart leaves you stranded? But what if I told you there’s a better way that leads to genuine fulfillment, not just fleeting satisfaction?
In John 14:6, Jesus declares, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me."
At first glance, this might seem exclusive—even a bit restrictive. But trust me, this isn't about exclusion; it's about invitation. It's an invitation to a life of freedom, purpose, and abundance!
Jesus, the Way
If Jesus is the way, that means my way isn’t.
How often do we try to forge our own path, only to end up lost, frustrated, or unfulfilled? Acknowledging Jesus as the way means we don’t have to have it all figured out.
If you really think about it, there’s incredible relief in knowing that Jesus, the One who sees the beginning and the end, has already paved the path for me.
If Jesus is the way, that means my way isn’t.
How often do we try to forge our own path, only to end up lost, frustrated, or unfulfilled? Acknowledging Jesus as the way means we don’t have to have it all figured out.
If you really think about it, there’s incredible relief in knowing that Jesus, the One who sees the beginning and the end, has already paved the path for me.
Jesus, the Truth
If Jesus is the truth, that means my feelings don’t define reality.
In today’s culture of “your truth” vs. “my truth,” Jesus offers absolute truth.
This isn’t to say that your feelings aren’t real—because they are—but they shouldn’t be driving your life. Think of it like this: a child might throw a tantrum for candy before dinner, but a wise parent knows what's best.
If Jesus is the truth, that means my feelings don’t define reality.
In today’s culture of “your truth” vs. “my truth,” Jesus offers absolute truth.
This isn’t to say that your feelings aren’t real—because they are—but they shouldn’t be driving your life. Think of it like this: a child might throw a tantrum for candy before dinner, but a wise parent knows what's best.
Jesus, the Life
If Jesus is the life, that means chasing what feels good in the moment will always leave me empty.
Jesus didn't come just to give inspiring motivational speeches or self-help advice. He came to be your very source of life.
John 10:10 paints a vivid picture: "I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full." This isn't about merely surviving; it's about thriving.
Do you want to live with true and satisfying purpose? Life in Christ is about experiencing God’s purpose, richness, and wholeness today!
If Jesus is the life, that means chasing what feels good in the moment will always leave me empty.
Jesus didn't come just to give inspiring motivational speeches or self-help advice. He came to be your very source of life.
John 10:10 paints a vivid picture: "I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full." This isn't about merely surviving; it's about thriving.
Do you want to live with true and satisfying purpose? Life in Christ is about experiencing God’s purpose, richness, and wholeness today!
The Challenge
"No one comes to the Father except through me." This is a bold statement! It was bold when Jesus said it, and it still is today. But it’s also a gift! Instead of leaving us to figure out our own way to God, Jesus makes it clear: There is one way, and He is it!
When my daughter was four years old, she attempted to cut her own hair. In her mind, this was a brilliant idea! But in her limited understanding, she made a huge mess for herself.
We tend to do the same thing when we try to create our own version of “the good life.” We hack away at the things we don’t like or don’t want instead of trusting our Heavenly Father to guide us into His true life!
"No one comes to the Father except through me." This is a bold statement! It was bold when Jesus said it, and it still is today. But it’s also a gift! Instead of leaving us to figure out our own way to God, Jesus makes it clear: There is one way, and He is it!
When my daughter was four years old, she attempted to cut her own hair. In her mind, this was a brilliant idea! But in her limited understanding, she made a huge mess for herself.
We tend to do the same thing when we try to create our own version of “the good life.” We hack away at the things we don’t like or don’t want instead of trusting our Heavenly Father to guide us into His true life!
Living It Out: 5 Practical Steps
1. Anchor in the Word: Psalm 119:105 - "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path."
2. Prioritize Prayer: Luke 5:16 - "But Jesus often withdrew to the wilderness for prayer."
3. Learn to Discern: 1 Corinthians 10:23a - "I have the right to do anything,” you say—"but not everything is beneficial."
4. Stay in Community: Proverbs 27:17 - "As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another."
5. Daily Surrender: Matthew 16:24 - "Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me."
So put the scissors down! Your Heavenly Father has a better plan!
1. Anchor in the Word: Psalm 119:105 - "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path."
When you don’t know what to do, Scripture should be your starting point. If you’re lost, confused, or unsure, it's your reliable guide.
2. Prioritize Prayer: Luke 5:16 - "But Jesus often withdrew to the wilderness for prayer."
Even in the midst of His ministry, Jesus prioritized prayer. If He needed time with the Father, how much more do you?
3. Learn to Discern: 1 Corinthians 10:23a - "I have the right to do anything,” you say—"but not everything is beneficial."
Not every desire is bad, but not everything is beneficial. If you struggle with discernment, start with this question: "Is this leading me closer to Jesus or further away?"
4. Stay in Community: Proverbs 27:17 - "As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another."
You need people who will encourage you, challenge you, and point you back to Christ, not just to what feels good.
5. Daily Surrender: Matthew 16:24 - "Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me."
Surrender isn't a one-time thing; it's a daily commitment to lay down your own agenda and choose Jesus over your whims.
So put the scissors down! Your Heavenly Father has a better plan!
True Life in Christ Alone
This isn’t just for those already following Jesus. If you’ve never surrendered your life to Him but feel Him tugging at your heart, know this:
Jesus is asking you to unite your life with His because He is the only path to God. If you’re ready to take that step, here’s a simple prayer:
This isn’t just for those already following Jesus. If you’ve never surrendered your life to Him but feel Him tugging at your heart, know this:
•You don’t have to be perfect.
•You don’t have to have it all figured out.
•You simply need to surrender.
Jesus is asking you to unite your life with His because He is the only path to God. If you’re ready to take that step, here’s a simple prayer:
"Lord, I need you. I turn from my own way and surrender to you. Help me to follow you as the way, trust you as the truth, and live fully in you as the life. I am yours, and you are my Savior. Amen."
Put Down the Scissors
In a world filled with chaos and confusion, there is peace in knowing I don’t have to navigate life alone. There is joy in surrendering my limited perspective for God’s eternal plan. And there is true life—abundant life—when I choose to follow Jesus as the way, the truth, and the life.
Put down those scissors, those tools you use to try to sculpt life into your own version of good. So, trust the One who knows the beginning from the end and who holds your future securely.
In a world filled with chaos and confusion, there is peace in knowing I don’t have to navigate life alone. There is joy in surrendering my limited perspective for God’s eternal plan. And there is true life—abundant life—when I choose to follow Jesus as the way, the truth, and the life.
Put down those scissors, those tools you use to try to sculpt life into your own version of good. So, trust the One who knows the beginning from the end and who holds your future securely.
Posted in Christian Living
Posted in #SozoLife, surrender, The Way, The Truth, The Life, salvation, Abundant Life
Posted in #SozoLife, surrender, The Way, The Truth, The Life, salvation, Abundant Life
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