That’s how all of us are called… just as we are. And no one is excluded, regardless of how despicable our sins. The bottom line really is that Jesus came for you, for me, for all of us. All He asked is that our faith be placed in Him to cleanse us, save us, and be with us. We have to believe that He was, He did all that He said, He was and is all that He said, He died for us and our sins to reconcile us with the Father God, and that He rose again and sits on the right hand of the Father. Is that really impossible? If so, why? Is your human understanding getting in the way?
Take a look for just a moment at faith… what is it exactly? Webster:
“…belief and trust in and loyalty to God; firm belief in something for
which there is no proof; complete trust; something that is believed
especially with strong conviction;”
And that only scratches the surface of what it means to walk in faith. Scripture says:
“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of
things not seen. For by it the elders obtained a good testimony…”
This verse is found in Hebrews 11:1. This begins the faith path, in my estimation. However, it is verse 6 that puts a period.
“But without faith it is impossible to please Him (God), for he who
comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder
of those who diligently seek Him.” (v. 6)
Then again… why would one call upon God if they don’t believe and yet we have account after account of people who do precisely this, especially in trying and dangerous situations. I heard it said that there is a hole in all of us that can only be filled by the Lord. Faith really is as natural to us as breathing in and out… the point always is – what is our faith based in.
I started this discussion that we all are called, it is always our decision as to whether we will answer the call. For those who do, yes – it is ‘just as you are’ but don’t expect the Lord to leave you in that condition. He died so that we might have life in this world, and life abundantly (John 10:10). But don’t read ‘abundantly’ as material wealth, though that can be part.
What the Lord is interested in is our souls and what we do about them. How do we live our lives? How do we interact with others? What is our character? Again, these only scratch the surface. What the Lord is interested in is that we grow in understanding about the eternal issues. We all are here for a reason, we all have a call on our lives, we all matter, we all make a difference. Read 1 Corinthians 12 – this is direction for us all. We are part of an army that is seeking to save the lost, to help them become disciples of the Lord, and to impact their world.
Can you begin to grasp and appreciate that while you begin ‘just as you are’ you are a work in progress and will continue to grow and apply your learning in your life, in your world. All of this is no little thing… we have been made more than conquerors (Romans 8:31-39) and absolutely nothing can separate us from the Lord and His love for us. Ever.
