Are You Chasing Jesus or is He Chasing You?

This is me on a typical day…

I want to be a follower of Jesus. I want that with my whole soul, and yet time and time again I don’t. I am constantly finding myself running ahead of him instead of slowing down to his unhurried pace and seeking his direction in my life, my day, my next moment.

I literally yearn for time with him. And yet, I continually allow things to get in the way. My to do list or a text message or a Facebook notification easily takes me from my well intentioned plan to start my day with the one whom my soul craves so very deeply. Seems this has been an issue for centuries, so I know I’m not alone. I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do. Romans 7:15.

If I really want to follow Jesus, that requires that I actually stop. That I put my agenda and the distractions that so readily call my name aside and FOLLOW him. Be still. Listen to the whisper in the wind. Wait for the still small voice. And oh, yeah, obey! Do what he calls me to do. Listen to the directions and don’t get side tracked. If only it were that easy! That’s why we’re told to pray without ceasing. Because the only way we can be successful in truly following Jesus is if we actually seek him our constantly. To know him. To be quiet instead of talking nonstop to him. To really truly give him my attention and my heart. To know that He is God and He always has the best plan for my life.

This has been my struggle for years. I am truly addicted to moving fast. I’m learning to take it one day at a time and to rely on others to come alongside me as I make small changes and to hold me accountable to my commitment to take a full day off each week to focus on God and the blessings He has provided. Would you join me in staking time today to be intentionally unhurried long enough to hear what Jesus is telling you? Or just to rest in his arms for a moment?

Food for His Children families have the same struggles. Having a Field Officer to walk alongside them as they work to be better followers of Jesus is the biggest blessing. Having someone partner with them from abroad is even more powerful. Just knowing that someone is praying for you as you develop your relationship with Jesus is empowering and life giving. If you would like to learn more about being a Family Partner with one of our Food for His Children goat farmers, click here.

Learn more about being unhurried and following Jesus, check out An Unhurried Life: Following Jesus' Rhythms of Work and Rest by Alan Fadling. Or Not a Fan Updated and Expanded: Becoming a Completely Committed Follower of Jesus by Kyle Idleman.

If you wander off the road to the right or to the left, you will hear His voice behind you saying, "Here is the road. Follow it." Isaiah 30:21 GNT

Jesus, you know the way better than we do. Please lead us on your path and redirect us when we stray. May we slow down enough to follow you each and every day. In your name we pray. Amen!