Come as You Are

“Come as you are.”

As I sat in Open Door last night, watching a video of the evolution of LifeChurch.tv, I was stuck by a “what if.”  Pastor Craig was recalling when he and Amy originally decided to plant the church.  God had been whispering an idea of a church into their heart for a while; a church that welcomed all people to come, just as they are.  But they were hesitant.  Planting a church is risky.  They were scared of the unknown.  They were comfortable in the life they were living.  But God kept whispering.  Then one day, they heard a song, “Come as You Are,” first at church, and then later, after asking God for confirmation that this is what He had for their life.  And they knew this was God’s plan.

I couldn’t help but think, “what if?”  What if Pastor Craig and Amy had chosen to ignore God’s call on their life?  What if they had let the fear and uncertainty hold them back from stepping out in faith?  What if they had decided to continue living their comfortable life?

Looking at all that LifeChurch.tv has become, the hundreds of people who surrender their lives to Christ each weekend, the thousands of people that hear God’s truth each week through our campuses and network churches, the millions of people who have access to the Bible on their smart phones, I shudder at the opportunity that would have been missed had Pastor Craig and Amy chose their way instead of God’s.

But they didn’t.  They obeyed.  It wasn’t easy.  It required sacrifice and risk.  But I guarantee they would say it was all worth it.  Because when we walk in obedience, we get the opportunity to play a part in God’s glorious plan.  When we choose to follow God, rather than our fleshly desires, we open ourselves up to the blessing and honor that only comes to those who are walking with God.

What is God prompting you to do in your life that you are shunning because you are scared, or comfortable where you are?  What opportunity are you missing?  What blessings are awaiting you if you choose to walk in obedience?

Heavenly Father, I am so humbled by your faithfulness to those who follow you.  You don’t promise us that life will be easy if we follow you, but you do promise us fulfillment and security.  Lord, I pray that each of us will set aside out fleshly fears and desires, and step out in faith, knowing that if You are calling us to something, You will see us through it.  You are so good, so faithful, so steady.  I love you Lord.