Maneuvers - No. 103
Sojourner of
Hope
Friend, what’s your favorite adventure movie? We (Jennifer and Justin) love stories of people beating incredible odds, people who overcome huge obstacles on their quest to attain some noble goal.
What is it about those kinds of movies or books that stir our hearts?
Could it be because that’s exactly what God designed us for, too?
The truth is, we were created for adventure. And most especially the kind that forces us to look inward and face some of the hardest battles we can imagine.
Is it possible that this innate hunger for adventure is what prompted each of Jesus’ disciples to leave everything behind and follow him?
Peter and John threw aside their fishing nets. Matthew abandoned his tax collector’s booth. Andrew and Peter said goodbye to their beloved rabbi, John the Baptist. Nathanael walked away from his comfortable spot under the fig tree.
Why? Because Jesus said, “Follow me.”
As beautiful as this life can be, friend, we weren’t made to stay here forever. Instead, we’re simply travelers, following Jesus through each day and impacting others with his love until we reach our heavenly destination.
Can you feel it right now? His invitation to follow? To go deeper and deeper? To leave behind whatever holds you back? To be, with him, a sojourner of hope?
Then today, join us as we quiet our hearts and listen …
01.
The Message
“My child, I want you to hear me, for I speak to you in whispers and moments. I speak to you in sunlight and cloudy days. I speak to you in books and sporting games. I speak to you when you are looking for me and when you are not. I have much to teach you, much to show you. I love it when you follow me and trust me to go first. I love it when you study my movements, are curious, and long to get closer to me. I love it when you stay with my pace—when you can feel the imprint of my steps right ahead of yours as you want to walk in them, your Dad's feet shaping your direction.
“What equipment do you need to follow me, you wonder? What are the preparations necessary to be a traveler of the heart—a sojourner of hope and life that fills you, satiating your deep hunger for refreshment and peace?
“Lean in—let me tell you: do you hear me say it?
“I didn't say anything, did I?
“You need nothing but me, child. The journey you have before you, the adventure that awaits you, requires nothing but a mind hungry to receive wisdom and a heart open to receive love. All goodness is available to you—but to have the ability to experience it, look into my eyes: See me looking into yours.
“I love you. You need nothing but my love to accomplish the journey ahead. And it is a brilliant one, child. I promise that you will want to set out on it now—to the deeper place where trusting me even more than you ever have is required.
“Don't hold back. Take that step only where I step, but trust that I am moving for justice and my kingdom's sake. Observe your kingdom now—the place where you live and work. Reflect on the people in your life and the community around you. Be unafraid and filled with faith that believes anything can happen because you want your kingdom to be your Father's kingdom. Watch and act. Stand up now. Be resolute in your love, remembering that I am all you need.”
02.
Listen
In this week’s message, Holy Spirit invites us to step with him, move with him—for justice and his kingdom’s sake. When you hear those words, what comes to your mind and heart? How do you want to respond to the Lord? Let’s take a few minutes to write out a prayer to God.
03.
Think
“But there’s far more to life for us. We’re citizens of high heaven! We’re waiting the arrival of the Savior, the Master, Jesus Christ, who will transform our earthy bodies into glorious bodies like his own. He’ll make us beautiful and whole with the same powerful skill by which he is putting everything as it should be, under and around him” (Philippians 3:20-21, MSG).
1. Where do you crave more adventure with God? Where is he calling you to trust him more?
2. Holy Spirit said, “Reflect on the people in your life and the community around you.” As you do this, where do you feel called to serve and love and give?
04.
Trust
Let’s re-read a portion of this week’s message:
“What equipment do you need to follow me, you wonder? What are the preparations necessary to be a traveler of the heart—a sojourner of hope and life that fills you, satiating your deep hunger for refreshment and peace?”
What does it mean to be a sojourner in this world?
The dictionary describes the word “sojourn” as: a temporary stay, to stay as a temporary resident.
Abraham was a sojourner (see Genesis 23:4, ESV). Traveling from place to place, he followed God’s lead and held onto the promise that he would one day inherit the land of Canaan and that his descendents would be as numerous as the stars in the sky.
And did you know the Bible calls us sojourners, too? Peter wrote:
“Beloved, I urge you as sojourners and exiles to abstain from the passions of the flesh, which wage war against your soul” (1 Peter 2:11, ESV).
Let’s close our eyes right now and imagine our life on this earth as a journey. Breathe in deeply, and imagine your travel companion by your side—Jesus himself. Now breathe out slowly and imagine the equipment he’s given you for the journey—his Word, truth, love, and his Spirit’s peace and wisdom.
Breathe in and out one more time as you picture the obstacles in front of you. What do they look like? What makes them difficult for you? What pains and suffering do you see around you? How do you feel called to make a difference?
With another deep breath, picture your end goal. Jesus in his full glory. Heaven. Uninterrupted closeness with your Creator. Unlimited peace and joy.
Now think back to the obstacles you imagined before. How does picturing the end goal of your journey change the way you view life’s obstacles? How does it give you new strength to push forward, to soften your heart and listen?
Let’s pray.
05.
Pray
Father, you see me as I am. No pretenses. No pretending. It’s just you and me. (Take a deep breath now.)
I open my heart to you. All my longings and desires. All my fears and struggles. You see everything. (Another deep breath.)
I want to hear your voice every day. In everything I do. In everything I see and hear. Speak to me. I’m listening to you. (And another deep breath.)
You’ve given me everything I need for this journey ahead, no matter how hard it is. You are all I need. And you’ve given me full access to you. I open my heart to you. Show me how to lean on you when things get hard or confusing.
I love you, Lord. I love you, I love you, I love you. And yes, I will follow you.
In Jesus’ name, amen.
Waving the banner with you,
