Making Choices that Inspire Inner Beauty and Outward Faith
If you’re like me, you’ve probably discovered something. Sometimes new beginnings are fun and sometimes they’re scary. What makes the difference?
Take the first day of a new year in a school where you know most of the students. It’s fun to be with your friends again. But what if you’re starting at a school where you don’t know anyone? Are you wondering whether even one person will talk with you?
But think about this — the beauty of knowing someone who promises he will be with you always. Day or night, 24/7, no matter what is happening. That’s the Jesus I know, because I’ve asked him to be the most important person in my life.
When Jesus died on the cross, he gave his life for me — for you — so that we can ask forgiveness and receive it. When we ask him to be our Savior and the Lord of our life, he answers, “Yes, yes, yes! That’s why I died for you.”
Jesus also gives us the privilege of learning to know him better. That doesn’t mean he always gives me what I want. Or that what I want always comes the moment I ask for it. It means that if I allow him to help me, he’s there for me — always listening — always watching over me. The beauty of believing in a faithful Jesus means that every day I have the privilege of getting to know him better.
Because that means so much to me, I use a Bible reading program with suggested chapters for each day. I also keep a journal to record the questions I have and the thoughts I receive in answer to my questions. Before I start reading, I pray, “Lord, what do you want me to know about . . . ?” and finish the sentence. Then I watch to see what verse or verses seem to jump off the page or seem lit by a holy spotlight.
As I write down those words, I call it finding the promise. Next, I lay hold of the promise I’ve received. I tell the Lord, “Thank you! That’s for me! It fits what I’m asking you about.” Then I pray the promise, repeating the words I’ve read, because I believe it’s what the Lord is saying to me.
In the hours or days that follow, I often return to that promise, repeating it as the Lord’s guidance, comfort, and help for me. I stand or kneel on that promise.
In John 8:47, we read that the person who belongs to God hears what God says. That’s the Beauty of Believing — to hear what he wants to say to us. It’s allowing him to help us in every part of our lives.
Now think again about starting a new school where you don’t know anyone. Think about what it would mean to have Jesus walk with you into every situation. Maybe you’ll be the one who talks to someone and makes a great new friend!
— Lois Walfrid Johnson