One Step at a Time

My husband and I used to ride road bikes. On the weekends we would ride anywhere from 25-50 miles a day, then short rides after work during the week. People would always tell us that they could never do that. It just sounded too difficult. The truth is anyone can do it if they are willing to work at it. We didn't just jump on a bike one day and ride 50 miles. It started with a 10-mile ride and we gradually increased over time.

As a Christian you may hear others talk about their relationship with God and all of their amazing experiences and testimonies. If you are like I used to be, I'd measure my devotion compared to theirs and think, "what's the point!" I could never achieve what they have!" If you have insecurities and rejection issues you may even think that since you haven't been touched the way they have, the Lord must not love you as much as He loves them!

First, let's establish something... you are deeply loved, desired and necessary! There's nothing you can do to make Jesus love you more and no greater sacrifice could ever be made for a relationship with YOU! But just like you can't jump on a bike and instantly go 50 miles, your relationship with Jesus will grow over time. It takes commitment! When we trained to be able to ride 70 miles in a day for a ride across Iowa, training became priority. We knew if we didn't put in so many miles per week in preparation, we simply would not be able to achieve our goal. We gave up entertainment and socializing for what we felt was worth the sacrifice!

This devotion may sound very practical today, but the truth is, great spiritual experiences with the Lord simply stem from desire, sacrifice and commitment! You must decide today what is most important to you. Yes, it takes time each day to develop a deeply intimate relationship with Jesus! It takes study, prayer, worship and waiting in His presence. You don't have to instantly spend hours at it, but you also can't stay stagnant. Your relationship should continue to grow as your time and devotion to Him gradually increases.

Start out with baby steps, then take off running into all He has for you!!! The rewards... there's no way to explain... you just need to get into His presence and experience it for yourself. Don't wait till next week or even tomorrow. There's no more time to waste! He's been waiting and He desires all of you! Your time, devotion, love and attention! There's nothing in this life that reciprocates greater rewards than the time that's spent with Jesus!! Get started, one step at a time! He's definitely worth the sacrifice!

Isaiah 55:6 (NKJV) Seek the LORD while He may be found, Call upon Him while He is near.

2 Corinthians 6:1-2 (MSG) Companions as we are in this work with you, we beg you, please don't squander one bit of this marvelous life God has given us. God reminds us, I heard your call in the nick of time; The day you needed me, I was there to help.

James 4:8 (NKJV) Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded.