Imagine having the physical JESUS right in front of you.

Imagine HIS presence, HIS wisdom, HIS power, HIS love. 

HIS disciples and many others had that experience and they still fell short.

Peter denied HIM, Judas betrayed HIM, and the people had HIM crucified.

I think how could they do that?

Knowing HIM, experiencing HIM, do they not see who HE is? 

Then I realize I do the same thing daily.

I deny HIS sovereignty by forgetting who HE is.

Relying on my own understanding rather than HIS.

I betray HIS grace by allowing the desires of this world and my flesh to overcome what I know is right.

Just like the religious leaders, the rulers and people of that time I have misrepresented, felt threatened and misunderstood JESUS.

I thank HIM every day that HE came to selflessly give HIS life on that cross.

Not for the sins or mistakes HE made but for mine. 

He knew while hanging on the cross how many times and ways I would fall short of HIS glory and fail.

I may not have gotten to experience the physical JESUS in this life but I still feel HIS presence.

That makes me no different than those who walked and talked face to face with CHRIST. 

HE knows none of us will ever be perfect and doesn’t expect us to be.

But isn’t that a hard pill to swallow as a follower?

I gave my life over to JESUS, to walk through the narrow gate.

Why do I lose count of the ways I get off course each and every day?

It’s like no matter how much I want to; I can’t walk the walk. 

Then HE reminded me: Humble yourself.

When the disciples were called by JESUS, they didn’t fully get it.

Some had pasts to overcome, anger issues, selfishness, lack of faith and prideful egos. 

But, they were ready to give their own lives for HIM.

They were all in for JESUS, even in their own mess-ups. 

The disciples’ unflattering traits show GOD does bring dark to light.

There is nothing HE can’t use for HIS good.

That includes you and me.

As believers, all you and I have to do is keep humbling ourselves to JESUS and let HIM work. 

Keep knocking.

We do not have to be perfect, only willing.

Intentionally do better.

Our hearts are known to HIM.

Without discouragement, maintain persistent efforts even in failure.

Every day comes new wisdom and growth.  

For that, I thank JESUS.