Treasure

1/31/2020

Romans 1:1 "Separated unto the gospel."

When we become believers, there is a separation that takes place between the self and the world. We are no longer to look to our own strength, but to the strength we can only get from God. We care not for things of this world or our own desires, but only the will of our Heavenly Father. We proclaim the saving power of the Gospel with our every breath to all, for it becomes our sole purpose. Redemption becomes our only Reality.

Sigh, I fear I have frequently failed Jesus in this way. I have too often kept the Gospel hidden, like a treasure map that is too dangerous to be shared with others. The world was no place for me to disclose such a truth without disdain; I did not feel safe. Oh, ye of little faith. I did not trust God enough to use me because it would have been too difficult. What if those I love rejected or mocked me? What if I came off like a zealot? Didn’t I have to tread lightly with the Gospel, as to not be associated with preconceived notions of Christians that are often featured in the media as judgmental or worse? No, that would not be a proper witness for my God. I decided I would show my faith through love alone. That, I’m afraid, is not enough, for I must share with others the source of that love and the truth therein. I must trust God in all and with all.

Chambers says, “Paul is unconscious of himself, he is recklessly abandoned, separated by God for one purpose – to proclaim the Gospel of God.”

My daily prayer is to grow in boldness and for God to use me. I will never know the full consequence of my fear and timidity about sharing the Good News, and that is something which I have asked God’s forgiveness. I do know, now, that the desire of my heart is to be recklessly abandoned to one purpose; sharing the amazing love and saving grace of Jesus. I long to share the Gospel, a map to The Treasure beyond compare.

As always, I am a work in progress.

I Am Not Ashamed - The Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AStr4gfQGTM