Jesus, the reason for this season
The wait is almost over… for Christmas, that is. But I hope that you never stop waiting on the Lord! 😉
A great thing to do while you are waiting is to remove obstacles. For example, when waiting for my wife to come home, I clear the pile of shoes that is usually by our front door and unlock the door, making her entry easier.
Similarly, while waiting on the Lord we can prepare the way for His coming.
The obstacles we face are called ‘sins’. Yikes! 😬 We don’t really like that word, do we?
friend There is no shame in struggling with sin because all sin and fall short (Romans 3:23). However, the danger lies in thinking, “we all do it, so it’s ok” or “I’m only human”. No shame doesn’t mean no harm: sin is still an obstacle that needs to be removed.
John the Baptist was a professional “obstacle remover”; his only job was to teach people to wait on the Lord and get rid of their sins.
“I will send my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way”— “a voice of one calling in the wilderness, ‘Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for Him.’ ” And so John the Baptist appeared in the wilderness, preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins.” – Mark 1:2-4
The key here is repentance and forgiveness. Repentance is our part, forgiveness is Jesus’ part:
“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” – 1 John 1:9
Repentance starts with asking God to reveal hidden sins and ends with confessing them. Confession and repentance hasten the coming of the Lord (2 Peter 3:11-14).
friend, let me pray for you:
“Heavenly Father, would You reveal to friend any obstacles in their life and give friend the courage to confess them? Thank You for Your forgiveness that flows freely and Your grace that abounds when we sin. Amen.”
