As competitors, we like the drive that compels us forward, pushing through the pain of extra workouts and building our endurance as seasons stretch long or we fight against an underdog status. We thrive on it, really.
What doesn’t destroy us makes us stronger, right?
But what about our own lives? Why do we fight against our hearts, push through the pain or cover up the discomfort? In a world that values strength, what does God say?
Let Me in.
“Look! I stand at the door and knock. If you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in, and we will share a meal together as friends,” (Revelation 3:20)
His message is simple. God is our Creator. He’s wired us with passions, interests and skills and knows us like we know the contours of our well-worn baseball glove or soccer cleats. He wants us to walk with Him in a deep, entwined fellowship that’s full of honesty, openness and life change.
Yes, He knows the depths of our hearts, but He wants to bring our heart to Him. He wants to draw us into a real relationship with Him through the life, death and resurrection of His Son. And He wants to build us in the likeness of Christ.
He’s after our affection, but He won’t just come in and take it over. It’s on us to choose whether we will allow God access or not.
For our faith to grow, we must get honest with God. This means allowing Him access to those places in us we don’t like to go, where we’d rather plow through and patch up.
He’s after our affection, but He won’t just come in and take it over. It’s on us to choose whether we will allow God access or not.We can’t keep things hidden. If we’re worried whether or not we’ll make the roster or finding our fuse is a little short with a certain one of our players or teammates, we can take those thoughts and feelings to God. As we unfold our hearts, He can take what’s messy and make it clean. Allowing God to know the innerworkings of our hearts brings Him into a different light as He reveals to us different aspects of His character that pertain to the situation we’re facing.
But true and lasting healing doesn’t happen fast. It’s going to take endurance and discipline to intentionally share our hidden places with Him. As we let God in on our struggles, stumbling blocks and dreams, He helps chip away anything that isn’t resembling His Son.
“So all of us who have had that veil removed can see and reflect the glory of the Lord. And the Lord—who is the Spirit—makes us more and more like him as we are changed into his glorious image.” (2 Corinthians 3:18)
As we’re transforming into the image of Christ, God is with us every step of the way. It begins with us acknowledging that He knows our longings and fears and is the One who will lead us into a greater life than we could ever imagine.
He’s inviting us into a grand adventure with Him, but it’s up to us to decide whether we’ll go with Him while holding nothing back. It’s a scary step for sure, but the reward for vulnerability is a deeper grace and love than we know is possible.
He’s spared no expense and broke open His own heart for us:
“For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16)
God went to great lengths. The least we can do is answer the knocking on our heart and welcome Him in.
It’s for our good and His glory.
One way to open your heart and Pursue Life is with FCA’s The CORE. Get eight essentials to strengthen your faith and grow in your relationship with Christ, and then put it into action to disciple others.
Want to learn more about pursuing life and growing your relationship with God? Head to FCA in Action and read our April Pursue articles:
Anchor Article: Be Honest: Open Your Heart
*If you read this article and aren’t in relationship with Christ yet but would like to know more, we invite you to go through FCA’s The FOUR that explains how an everlasting and fulfilling life with God is possible.
About The Author:
Sarah Freymuth is the communications manager for FCA and writes content for blogs, articles, Bible reading plans and devotionals that share God's heart with coaches and athletes. She played softball for Concordia University Wisconsin, is in their Hall of Fame, and has led FCA Huddles since high school. Dark roast coffee makes her happy, as does telling stories about God and His people to the world. She'd love to speak to your Huddle or group; connect with her at sfreymuth@fca.org.
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