There is another aspect of God using our motives to move us to be in line with His Will—being a child. Once we make Jesus Christ Lord, He is actually our Lord. Without that heart interaction, our meanderings can just be willful and godless. That said, God is still sovereign and in control. We aren’t as powerful as we think. Sure, He will let us go to hell if that is what we really want. Free will is an amazing gift and one that is dangerous to wield. But when we make the heart connection to Him, His Will, and His Ways, Jesus will shepherd us. The key is being a sheep of His pasture.
Being a Child
Back to being a child. A child is one who lives and moves spontaneously. A child doesn’t qualify and quantify their movements; they proceed unencumbered. And this is God’s directive of us: “Children, come.” Once we have exercised our free will and chosen to let Jesus be Lord, then He functions as our Lord. He maneuvers us into positions, getting us just where we should be. I don’t have to inspect every thought and step. I live as one who is kept, and I walk in the faith of His keeping.
Then He said, “I tell you the truth, unless you turn from your sins and become like little children, you will never get into the Kingdom of Heaven.”
Matthew 18:3 NLT
Jesus overheard them and said, “I want little children to come to Me, so never interfere with them when they want to come, for heaven’s kingdom realm is composed of beloved ones like these! Listen to this truth: No one will enter the kingdom realm of heaven unless he becomes like one of these!”
Matthew 19:14 TPT
Imagine the freedom to live as a child… To know my God is on the job and guiding me through this life. Faith that He is who He says He is – my perfect Father and the shepherd of my heart. God knows my failings and weaknesses. Don’t you think He just may have to use those same limitations to work out my salvation? If it was about our merit, we would all be sunk. Jesus isn’t looking for my perfect performance, He is looking for me to live in His perfection. He is all the shepherd I need.
my heart was filled with peace reading this….
So please Arleen, it has been an amazing revelation for me as well and created much needed peace! Love you bunches!
Oh John, I have just begun a walk in “a new life” living in amazement of not my life but his life, your last sentence is perfect !!!!!
Thank you for sharing HIS LIFE working in you!!!!! May HIS ABUNDANCE ABOUND IN ALL YOU DO
Your “New Life” is a joy to see and receive. Love you big!
Bless you John. Sometimes I wear myself out forgetting I am kept. As a child, “I don’t have to inspect every thought and step.” All I need to do is listen for the Fathers voice and He is faithful to let me know when there is danger. I need to be willing to hear and heed Him lest there be consequence of discipline. There are times when I allow the noise of life (things I choose to pay attention to) to drown Him out. I’m ever so thankful that He loves me unconditionally and will discipline me back on course.… Read more »
He is a perfect Shepherd and knows just how to use the hook and the crook, huh?! I too am so grateful I am kept! Love you Tammy.