Get Out of the Gate!

Man, I got hit between the eyes while at church a few weeks ago. No, not literally hit, but the message I heard spoke to my heart and blew me away! Maybe some of you can relate to my situation. Here goes…

The message was taken from 2 Kings 7. Four men with leprosy were sitting at the city gates. They had a crucial decision to make, to stay and starve because the people of the city had no food or take a risk, venture out of the city gates, possibly facing execution by the surrounding army or finding food and life. Big risk…big reward.

Do you remember what they chose? They ventured out of the city gates and when they came to the edge of the enemies camp, no one was there! The Lord had caused the army to flee. The men were able to go into the abandoned tents and eat and drink. Their risk paid off.

So, I began to ponder the areas of my life that keep me sitting in the gates hindering me from choosing life. One area became clear to me. I have a certain dream in my heart that I want see accomplished and because that isn’t happening, I get discontent and frustrated. I stop focusing on what God has for me today. Eventually my joy slips away and I focus on what’s not happening rather than on the amazing blessings in my life.The vision, the dream became an idol instead of Jesus being the One firmly planted on the throne of my heart.

I knew I had to lay down my own dream, get out of the gate and choose the dream that God has for my life. Since that day, I’ve chosen to embrace what God has for me each day, and I have a new well-spring of joy. It’s amazing how a life-time of struggle can be changed in a moment by His Word.
​
So, I want to encourage you to discover what keeps you from stepping out into life and embracing each day… and remember, “This is the day the Lord has made. Rejoice and be glad in it!”