“I think I’m going to be sick.  What was she saying? What was I supposed to say?”  All I heard was yelling, it was as if my head was submerged under water.  I could hear her speaking to me but couldn’t fathom what she was saying.

As I stood in my kitchen that day and listened to my dear friend yell at me, I wondered how we could have gotten to this place.

We had been doing life together for about 5 years, my friend and I – having babies, hanging out as families and doing ministry together.  We were the only two women in a world of men and we were allies.  But our roles had recently changed and she did not like the decisions I was making.  We were no longer allies or even friends and my heart was breaking.  Why couldn’t we just work this out?  Why did it have to be like this?  Didn’t she know me well enough that she could trust that I had her best interest at heart?

I watched as our friendship blew up in my face and could do nothing to stop it.

I met with a mentor as I wrestled through what God wanted me to do in regards to our relationship.  As we were discussing the situation my mentor made a statement I’ve never forgotten.  He said,

“What you’re seeing here, Kristi, is the purest form of legalism – she is saying “it’s my way or the highway”.  God’s answer to legalism is grace.  And I believe God has given you an extra measure of grace to reach out to her and draw her back into fellowship.  But with that grace I believe that God is calling you to take the higher road, to humble yourself and go to her and seek to restore your friendship.”  I remember thinking at the time, “This is completely opposite of what the world would tell me to do.  The world would say, ‘she did you wrong, run as far away from her as possible.  You shouldn’t allow yourself to be treated like that.’”

But I knew in my heart he was right, that God was calling me to lay down my life for her and to go to her in humility and grace.

I wish I could tell you that our relationship was restored but unfortunately it didn’t work out that way.

But what I do know is that I did what God was calling me to do even though it was completely upside down from what the world would say I should do.  And through my obedience He blessed me.

In Matthew 5, Jesus talks about what it looks like to live in His Upside Down Kingdom.  Listen to His Words,

“God blesses those who are poor and realize their need for him,
for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs.

God blesses those who are persecuted for doing right,
for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs.     (Matthew 5:3,10 NLV)

Jesus goes on to say further in the chapter, “But I say, do not resist an evil person! If someone slaps you on the right cheek, offer the other cheek also. If you are sued in court and your shirt is taken from you, give your coat, too. . . You have heard the law that says, ‘Love your neighbor’ and hate your enemy.  But I say, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you!”  (Matthew 5:39-40, 43-44 NLV)

When we follow Jesus, He calls us to a higher path – a road less followed, a road of radical obedience to His WAY.

Radical Obedience

The world will tell you that you will be walked on if you do things His way that you will be trapped and misused, if you hold to that kind of lifestyle.

But Jesus says that living in His Kingdom sets us apart and shows the world that we are different!  The truth is that when we live in His Upside Down Kingdom we experience a life of true blessing and freedom!

by Kristi Huseby
Used by Permission

https://www.brokenandredeemed-kristi.blogspot.com/

Further Reading

•  Choosing the Uncommon Life – by Max Lucado

•  Choosing Your Direction Today –  by Gail Rodgers

•  Choosing What Rules Your Heart –  by Gail Rodgers

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The post Living in God’s Upside Down Kingdom appeared first on Thoughts About God.

“Then a scribe came and said to Him, “Teacher, I will follow You wherever You go.” Matthew 8:19

As a youngster, I loved playing “follow the leader.” After the participants select a leader, the players follow the leader mimicking his actions — following him wherever he may go. By agreeing to play, players assume a certain risk, depending on the terrain of the course, which may very well include craggy hillsides, cold streams, and unstable rocks. If a player is unable to replicate the leader’s actions, then that player is excused from participating. The last surviving player still accompanying the leader becomes the leader and the game restarts.

This perilous but appealing adventure game offers many parallels to the Christian life: commitment, compliance, inconvenience, risk, and reward. In Matthew 8:18-22, Jesus confronts potential disciples with the cost of discipleship. When the scribe enthusiastically declares, “I will follow You wherever You go,” did he understand the risk and ramifications of his proclamation? Was he willing to follow Jesus unequivocally? The other disciple’s response is less definitive. He excuses himself because of an untimely family commitment.

Which disciple are you? Will you follow Him wherever He may go – without reservation? These are difficult but necessary questions for every believer. Following our leader is our non-negotiable rite of passage. Daily, we must face the call, challenge, and choice to follow Him wholeheartedly. Prayerfully, one step at a time, we walk in Jesus’ footprints, mimicking his actions. When we faithfully reflect obedience, and go where He goes, He empowers and equips us to go and take the lead so other disciples may willingly follow.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for the privilege of following You. Teach me obedience. May Your Holy Spirit teach me how to walk in Your footprints. Empower and equip me to “Go and make disciples of all nations.” Amen.

By Allan Mitchell

Used by permission
www.thelife.com/dailydevotions

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The post Wherever He May Go appeared first on Thoughts About God.