Being All In

It is the Lord your God you must follow, and him you must revere.

Deuteronomy 13: 4

A few weeks ago I enjoyed some good old fashioned family fun with my two energetic grandsons. From building with Lincoln Logs and Duplos, to counting-sometimes to one hundred-for numerous games of Hide and Seek, and later cuddling up to read from Dr. Seuss, our precious time together just flew by.

Everyone was quite content until we switched gears to act out the “Hokey Pokey.” For some reason Grammy Zoo, (as I’m affectionately called), had the words and movements right, but my little guy kept insisting that something was wrong.

The mystery was finally solved when Mama shared that at preschool the song was sung with winter hats, mittens, coats, and boots on! From that point forward, giggles, and enthusiastic cries filled the room. Everyone was “all in!”

It got me thinking. When was the last time I was “all in?”

I then dared to ask the most important question of all.

What would it look like for me to be “all in for Jesus?”

The words pursue, serve, and surrender came to mind.

Like you, I strive to be a “faith first woman.” Each day I recommit to walk alongside Jesus, who directs my steps and helps me discover what loving kindness really looks like.

“To be all in,” I want to pursue God as much as He pursues me. I want to fully embrace his teachings, put my faith in action, and share how my personal encounters with Jesus have transformed my life.

But what keeps me from that? What keeps you from that? What do we have to cast out of our lives once and for all to be renewed in body, mind, and soul?

Paul writes to “no longer conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is-his good, pleasing, and perfect will” (Romans 12: 2).

The question becomes are you and I ready to seek God’s will and not our own?

Imagine for a minute, what it would feel like to “be all in for Jesus.”

Do you notice your shoulders relaxing already? Can you pause for a minute here to rest in his presence?

Close your eyes. Breathe. Try to stop that endless reel going around in your head.

Breathe in “the peace of God which transcends all understanding, which will guard your hearts and your minds in Jesus” (Philippians 4: 7).

Just be. Pursue the One who knows you best.

Now imagine yourself praying with open hands and an open heart. No more pretending. Only confessing. Wait. Listen. Allow Jesus to comfort you.

Accept God’s mercy, and grace. Lean into the power of God, and not your own.

As you pursue a relationship with Jesus, you realize you can talk to him about anything.

You open yourself up to hear the Holy Spirit speak guidance over your life.

“To be all in for Jesus” you envision placing your hand in his to serve others. You imagine his warm hand leading you into the future.

You remember, “You are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for you to do” (Ephesians 2: 10).

Called to “serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not people” (Ephesians 6: 7), you respond to God’s call as a daughter of the Most High King.

“It is the Lord, your God you must follow, and him you must revere. Keep his commands and obey him, serve him, and hold fast to him” (Deuteronomy 13: 4).

In reading 1 Corinthians 12: 4-6, you discover: “There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. There are different kinds of working, but in all of them and in everyone, it is the same God at work.”

You remember what Paul conveyed in his message to his believers, “that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose” (Romans 8: 28).

You have thought of ways to serve others. “The God of hope fills you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Spirit” (Romans 15: 13).

Finally,“to be all in” you and I must submit, and surrender to Jesus in all things. This total commitment demands a life of prayer, taking a stand, and making sacrifices. This is a gradual process. Letting go and surrendering to God takes spiritual maturity.

“Being all in for Jesus” means everything. Delighted in our walk with the Lord, we discover what loving kindness really looks like. Envisioning no longer shaking in our boots, but trusting him in all things, we go forth to love and serve God with all our heart, mind, and soul. Living a life of great joy and abundance we pursue, serve, and surrender to our Savior, Jesus Christ.

Until next time…

May the Spirit of God lead you, the Word of God sustain you, and the promises of God grant you the gift of everlasting peace.

Love and blessings...

I’d love to hear what “being all in” for Jesus means to you, and what Godly habits you have to share. As always it is an honor to pray for you. Send your thoughts and prayer requests to sue@faithfirstwomen.com.

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Author of Nourish Your Soul: 7 Secrets for Women Seeking Peace ​

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