Susana
RAW RESET
A few years ago I was a part of a Christian youth panel for my church where a series of questions were asked regarding our faith. For some reason I was stumped on what seemed to be one of the most simplest of questions asked: “Why did you chose to believe in Jesus and follow Christianity amongst all other religions that are out there?” I was so inspired by one of the panelists responses to this question, “To put it simply, because Jesus is alive! 🤷🏽♀️.” Those three words hit so deep. “Jesus is alive!” I thought, Wow! That’s it! That’s the one! Jesus died for our sins but resurrected on the third day and since then has been sitting at the right hand of the Father consistently pleading on our behalf. Why does it matter that Jesus is Alive? Because Jesus rose again we have access to God through Him. That’s what allows us to have an active relationship with Him. Because He lived on this earth as part human and part God, He’s not this far fetched God that is too holy for us to even get close to. Having a relationship with Jesus is no different than any other relationship in our lives. In fact, having an intentional and healthy relationship with Jesus is what sets the tone for every other relationship that we have. His Spirit walks with us daily. He is so much involved in our daily lives and not just our spiritual journey but everything that we do, think and even desire.
There’s this ongoing debate about religion vs relationship and while the two may differ in their definition, one essentially makes way for the other.
Relationship: a connection between people.
Religion: the belief in and worship of a superhuman power especially a personal God.
My relationship with Jesus is my religion. My belief and worship of Him allows me to have a connection (relationship) with Him and my connection with Him makes my belief in Him even stronger. I’ve spent my early life being falsely taught that I have to act, think and be a certain way in order for God to love or approve of me. But truth is that nothing can separate me or you from the love of God. Not your sin, not your shame, not your past not even all of those lies the enemy consistently tries to feed you. It’s not the amount of work we put in that determines how much of Jesus we see in our lives but rather how much we allow Him to work in us. If that’s all it takes, why does it seem so unattainable most times? Let me just throw this out there— firstly, God would never instruct us to do anything we are not capable of doing. Because of Christ we are capable! However because we live in a fallen world the weeds will always try to grow around the flowers. Meaning that, we inhabit a disjointed world where there are forces fighting to keep us from truly knowing God for ourselves. We are the flowers and those forces are the weeds. Who God says you are is already planted on the inside of you, you just have to water the right seed. Are you watering the seed God planted in you or the seed the enemy tries to plant in and around you? God has equipped us with everything we need already to run the race. When we accept Jesus into our lives, we receive the Holy Spirit of God— our helper. More specifically how I like to put it, the Holy Spirit is the POWER to do the will of God. God’s will for our lives is that we not just believe in Him but that we know Him. It’s that we live out the fullness of who He has created us to be. It’s that we put Him first and acknowledge Him in all that we do. Having God’s Spirit within us is what allows us to accomplish all of these things. This is what brings us peace, joy and true freedom.
I always knew that God was good and I believed He could make miracles happen but I've always doubted that He wanted to do anything for me or through me. I thought God was this celestial being reserved for Pastors or people who looked and acted so holy it’s as if they would be snatched up by an angel at any given moment. But news flash: JESUS IS FOR EVERYBODY! And guess what? We ALL fall short of God’s glory. The key is to not allow your shortcomings to pull you further from experiencing God. Let those moments be reminders of how bad you need Him in your life. Jesus offers us a divine exchange; our shame and sin for His love and grace.
For the Scripture says, “Whoever believes on Him will not be put to shame.” For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek, for the same Lord over all is rich to all who call upon Him. For “whoever calls on the name of the LORD shall be saved.”
Romans 10:11-13
I want to challenge all who read this to a raw reset; a fresh start leaving all the gimmicks, misconceptions and factions aside. Be done pretending to have peace and search for the real thing. Fam, It’s time for you to be victorious! Oouu how I desperately desire for you to taste of God’s goodness. My words to you aren’t something that I read and forced myself to believe. This is my truth because I’ve lived it. It’s been a journey of always feeling like I’d never be good enough. I’ve carried so much baggage over the years. I’ve had a rough start to my life being a teen mom but Jesus has redeemed me and given my life so much meaning. Today Jesus says “Come to Me, all who are weary and heavily burdened [by religious rituals that provide no peace], and I will give you rest [refreshing your souls with salvation]. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me [following Me as My disciple], for I am gentle and humble in heart, and YOU WILL FIND REST (renewal, blessed quiet) FOR YOUR SOULS. For My yoke is easy [to bear] and My burden is light.” (Matthew 11:28-30). It’s never too late! You’re never in too deep! I pray that today is the day you give your heart to Jesus and never look back.
Repeat this prayer aloud:
“God I ask for forgiveness of my sins and I repent for not putting you first. I acknowledge that I am not too good or too cool to need you in every area of my life. I believe that you died for me so that I could live a meaningful life where I have an intentional relationship with you. Give me your Holy Spirit and help me to choose you daily. I surrender my heart to you and ask you to have your way in me. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.”
Aaahhhhh!!!! That’s it! The heavens are rejoicing because your soul has a place to rest with Jesus now and forevermore! What’s next you ask? I encourage you to buy a Holy Bible, preferably a study one or you can download the Bible app on your phone for free. Then, I highly suggest you connect with a Bible believing church. Here are some churches you can check out:
Faith Fellowship Ministries @ffmichapel
Upper Room International Church @urfic
Campus Rush (based in Canada) @campusrushglobal
And as always my IG handle is @richsoulsuez if you want to talk Jesus, your spiritual journey, prayer or anything in between. I’d love to hear your story! It excites me to see how God is moving in the lives of other people even when they feel the furthest away from Him.
One last thing, I’d love for you to check out this song. It’s timely. 🤍 “Real Thing” by Maverick City Music (ft Dante Brown)