Missing God’s Perspective

There is nothing so unique about this testimony, but I believed that God wanted me to share it and helped me write it. I believe it is relatable. 

Pastor Denny, a few weeks ago, said that sometimes people just don't take the opportunity to be baptized. And it struck me that I did in fact want to move forward with baptism and testimony out of obedience and a grateful heart.

Interestingly enough, as part of a church membership about 18 years ago, my family was baptized. I was a believer in my mind, but my heart was really hung up on my limitations. Even as I walked into the water, I did not believe that I was good enough.

I shared that experience with my children a few days ago.  My son, Anderson, 8, is sharp and interrupted to tell me that I had missed God's perspective. And I had! That self centered focus of measuring up, or not, is a very heavy burden.  And my sin was separating me from God. The ironic thing about not feeling good enough is that it comes pretty quickly after feeling like we are doing pretty awesome..... sort of swimming along with our good person types of deeds. You know, paving the way to Jesus with our clean living.....until we aren't. That was me....... it is a lot of people. Some even believe that this is Christianity. Not so. This missed perspective was tearing me apart and my heart was aching.
   
About 5 years later, I shared this aching with my friend, a retired nurse and devoted pastors wife, Leona Long.
She knew what my heart needed to hear. Lovingly, she handed me her well worn bible.  We had a laugh, as I carefully  manuvered around all the notes she had tucked in that bible. Leona's sight was poor, so she routed me to a verse that I would read, and Jesus would speak to my soul. I can still feel that deep, deep soul sigh, the pause, and the "Oh." From that point, I slowly began to understand that it was about Him, not me.

For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one may boast. - Ephesians 2:8-9 (YLT)

That one goes on to say that anything good that we do, he prepared for us to do in advance.

So there....we can focus on his goodness and be thankful that as believers we get to be part of some good work.

If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved. - Romans 10:9-10

As I contrast my church membership baptism and the one I just celebrated, two things have not changed.
I am still not good enough, but God has not changed, and I am covered in the righteousness of Jesus Christ.
I am so relieved to focus on his goodness and his love for us.

I know that 18 years ago I was missing God's perspective. But this is what my heart hears now, and I hope yours does too.

He says.......

You are worth it!

I know you. I created you.

There is a place for you at my table.

I planned to die for your sin from the beginning so that we could be together, not just after your body dies, but now. I bridged the gap that sin would cause.

I defeated your death by my resurrection. 

Humble yourself before me.

He says,
I AM.

Believe me. Believe in your heart, and speak as a witness to my goodness and my love.

One last thing, I am always interested in someones name, its meaning, and how the meaning of their name might play out in their life.

My name, Jeanette, means God is Gracious and I know this to be true.