To have a relationship with Jesus? I cannot explain the peace and power that will flow through you. But I can paint you a picture.
This morning, I received some flowers from my Secret Sister. Let me just say that it happens to be 28 degrees here with some sleet. Hello Spring. Those poor flowers were struggling. Every single one was holding on for dear life. As they drooped I wondered if there was even a reason to fight for them. They were done for. Maybe I’ll just keep the vase and toss the flowers…
When God looks at us what do you think He sees? I’ll be the first to say that I was a droopy flower. This girl was not a very loving and joyous person. When the wind blew, I went with it. When the temperature dropped, I shook. When I was picked, I turned brown. Does our God look at that and say, whelp, open the trash can – there’s no hope for them, let’s save our energy? NO. In fact, He was so adamant about our potential that He sent His only Son to die for us. Before we were even born!!! This is important to note as we continue with my flower story…
So I cut the stems off and placed them in water. Sprinkled the packet of flower food in and went on my way. Fast forward just an hour and those troopers are standing straighter and shining brighter. They’re completely different flowers! Ones that went from making me want to cry to me doing a victory dance in my kitchen.
When we choose to follow God, when we jump in our flower vase, there are certain steps that we have to follow, otherwise we will continue to droop. Woah, woah, woah. I just said that following God wasn’t enough…that doesn’t sound right. Stick with me. When we say we are a Christian, what does that mean? Does that mean I’m instantly brighter and more beautiful? Nope.
When we decide to run into our Father’s arms, we have to do it with Jesus holding one hand.
Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” – John 14:6 ESV
That’s why those flowers were still dying even though they were in the vase. They didn’t have water! Or food! Some of you may be starting to get it. Jesus is like our food and water that will lead us to our Great Father. But don’t forget one super important detail. I had to cut the ends of each stem. You say, “Erika, I don’t know what you’re into but I’m not cutting a finger off for Jesus.” Y’all stop being so dramatic. I’m just asking you to cut off the dead in your life…………..oh, is that worse?
We have to cut out that sin. As my pastor said today…we have to sacrifice our temporary happiness for our eternal holiness. We can’t receive the power Jesus has for us if we don’t cut off the dead first. Those flowers could of been in two pounds of miracle grow and still wouldn’t have recovered if the dead ends were still on. We can stand in church every Sunday for years and never once experience the presence of God that is moving on everyone around us.
But when it all comes together? When we come into communion (relationship) with our Savior through our own sacrifice? Oh goodness! The same power that resurrected Jesus will live in you! Those flowers became one with the food and water and they were revived! R-E-V-I-V-E-D.
For if we have become one with Him [permanently united] in the likeness of His death, we will also certainly be [one with Him and share fully] in the likeness of His resurrection. – Romans 6:5 AMP
Even so, consider yourself to be dead to sin [and your relationship to it broken], but alive to God [in unbroken fellowship with Him] in Christ Jesus. – Romans 6:11 AMP
And remember, God had hope for every single one of us droopy flowers. No trash can resting place. Jesus was sacrificed so that you could ALWAYS have another chance at life. But we have to make sure we partake before it’s too late. There are people in this world who desperately need you to fulfill your purpose so they can experience the vase life, too.
Do you need some revival? Let’s get some Jesus.
With resurrection power,
From her fortress ❤
From Her Fortress 