Restoration Year: Training by Engaging

Prove yourselves doers of the word, and not merely hearers who delude themselves. — James 1:22 NASB

You will be tested. Like Jesus’ desert trial, the enemy comes probing at your weak spots. But this trains you. It’s how you develop a resolute heart. You make no agreements with whatever the temptation or accusation is. You repent quickly the moment you do stumble so you don’t get hammered. You pray for strength from the Spirit of God in you. You directly resist the enemy, out loud, as Jesus did in the desert. You quote Scripture against him and command him to flee.

By the time it’s over, you’ll wish a few angels would drop in and minister to you as well. I pray they do.

Life will provide a thousand sessions for raising the warrior God calls you to be. Turn your radar on during the day, and intentionally don’t take the path of least resistance. Take the road less traveled. If you hate any sort of conflict, then walk into some. When an awkward subject comes up, don’t run. Move toward it. Ask hard questions. When the phone rings and it’s someone you don’t want to talk to, pick it up. Engage. That’s the key word — engage. Choose to engage and your weary warrior wakes up.

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Where in your life do you need to engage right now? In a tough relationship? A moral issue at work? Your children? Tending to your own soul?

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Will You Come With Me?

Anyone who intends to come with me has to let me lead… Don’t run from suffering; embrace it. Follow me and I’ll show you how. — Luke 9:23 The Message

It helps to understand why Jesus keeps introducing “new frontiers” to you. Just when you think you’ve got a pretty good grasp on your inner world, Jesus shows you something else that needs healing. And have you wondered why things are always changing — why does God arrange for new frontiers to always be cropping up in your life? Because

God is growing you up.

God is growing me up changes your expectations. When you show up at the gym, you are not surprised or irritated that the trainer pushes you into a drenching sweat; it’s what you came for. Bilbo hesitates leaving the Shire; he’s not sure he wants this new frontier being offered him. I think we can all relate. And that is why Jesus asks: Will you come with Me?

God almost always has some “new frontier” for you — something He is inviting you into, new ground He wants you to take, or a new realm of understanding; maybe a move in your external world, or a shift in your internal world; might be a new “spiritual” frontier. Sometimes those new frontiers are thrust upon you; sometimes you choose them willingly. Either way, God is taking you into new frontiers because He is growing you up. Will you come with Me?

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Where has Jesus been inviting you into more? Have you asked Him? Maybe He’s already put it on your heart. What new realm would you like to grow into?

Excerpted with permission from Restoration Year by John Eldredge, copyright John Eldredge.

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Your Turn

Are your spiritual muscles tired? Are you being tested and stretched? Don’t be surprised! This is training! Will you come with Him? Come share with us on our blog. We want to hear from you! ~ Devotionals Daily