Approval Anyone????

What would Jesus have been like if he seeked his approval from everywhere else besides God? He would have been a depressed mess, like most of us are. Yes, Jesus was sent to his own people and they rejected him. Yes, I’m sure it hurt, but Jesus understood who he was and he understood what his purpose was. Don’t allow people and being misunderstood deter you from your purpose and the reason that you were placed on the planet.

It is so important for you to have a strong prayer life and for you to know who you are. Jesus is the model for this. He went through this life and the emotions that we have. He understands rejection. Keep in mind that Jesus was a carpenter. He understood the process, patience, and time that it took to build something. He knew what the end result should be and what things looked like when they were properly built. He also knew what potential looked like. Imagine the things that Jesus must have heard on the job or the unpleasant people that he must have encountered. He understands what you go through from day to day, but also imagine his prayer life. Jesus was still Jesus and he was still the savior of the world even when he was a carpenter. I believe that Jesus had to be built just like the rest of us. I also believe that He had to gain experience and learn how to pray and what to pray in every situation that he encountered.

I love that at 12 years old, Jesus was about his father’s business, but I also notice that he didn’t walk in who he was placed on the earth to be until he was 30. Why are you rushing your purpose? Allow God to sculpt and prepare you before he sends you off into the field to work. You have to learn and be close to him above all things. Jesus understood what having a relationship with God was like. Despite walking in his purpose, he was never too good to step to the side and pray. Sometimes you have to leave the crowd and have a word with your father. After all, it is his mission that you are being sent on and he is both your general and drink of fresh water. You have to get the plan and replenishment that you need for the journey from father God.

Know that God is your father and that you are his child! Jesus is a son. He knew at an early age what having respect for his parents was, despite being so special. Yes, you may be gifted, but respect who your daddy is and know where your gift comes from.

Jesus had to both learn and go through some things before he walked into the fullness of his purpose. He was not ready for the cross at 12. You need to be patient with God and stop trying to rush the construction process. You are a beautiful work in progress and you need to be able to stand firm in your calling. Prayer will help with both your firmness and your people skills. Jesus was strong on that cross. He was human, but he was soooo God in those hours of agony. He was not bitter, he was not filled with hate, but instead, he was filled with love. The process hurt, but look at the result. The result is that you and I can stand firm also. We can go to God freely and Jesus provided us with the ultimate example of how.

In his life, Christ taught us sacrifice, patience, prayer, friendship, love, relationship with the father and so many other things. These things were not gained over night. Be patient with yourself and with God who loves you so much.

Philippians 1:6 (NIV) ~ Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.

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JaNina B.

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