September 17, 2021
Three Things You Don’t Have to Do
Suzanne Eller
Today’s Truth
The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, for he has anointed me to bring Good News to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim that captives will be released, that the blind will see, that the oppressed will be set free, and that the time of the LORD’s favor has come. (Luke 4:18-19 NLT).
Friend to Friend
“Why can’t you get it together?”
“If you would just try harder. . . “
Have you heard these statements? Maybe you’ve even said them to yourself. The message behind them is that healing and transformation is 100% dependent on you.
Yet let’s be honest. This can feel impossible.
In Luke 4:18-20, Jesus stands in front of a crowd. They are curious about Him. They want to know who He is and why He’s there. So, Jesus answers them.
The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, for he has anointed me to bring Good News to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim that captives will be released, that the blind will see, that the oppressed will be set free. . .
The crowd is surprised by His words. They have been waiting for a Messiah for a long time, but they expected a warrior not a heart surgeon. In this personal mission statement, Jesus is setting the record straight.
The battlefield He came to conquer would be on the behalf of individuals rather than nations.
Jesus came to fight for you.
The beauty of Jesus’ mission statement is that it shifts the focus from your efforts to what He has already done for you. If you’ve been trying harder, striving more, take a deep breath.
Let’s look at 3 things you don’t have to do as Christ fights with you.
- You Don’t Have to Do This Alone
It’s not your strength or power that transforms you. Yes, you make changes. Yes, you open your broken heart to His tender touch. Yes, you allow Him to move you in uncomfortable directions to discover new paths and leave old ones behind.
But you are in a partnership. You and God – and He’s bigger.
- You Don’t Have to Earn God’s Love
Do you feel that God will love you, one day, when you have it all together? Sister, God loves you today. He loves you with your baggage and your hurting heart. When you grasp that kind of love, it cannot leave you unchanged. It leads you to return that love and to trust Jesus from your heart. You learn to listen for His voice. You sense when He is teaching you or redirecting you. You become fiercely aware of temptation—and weigh those temptations considering your love for Him in the equation.
- You Don’t Have to Run Anymore
A hurting or tired heart can send you down paths you regret. You can get off that wandering side road you took in search of something or someone who could possibly make you feel less pain. You can stop running, and rest. You can believe that the person you always knew lived inside of you will emerge with His touch.
Do you long for a mended heart?
If so, you are not alone.
Jesus’ mission statement may have stunned the crowd that day, but the truth of it continues today. It’s for you, right where you are. As you step onto the battlefield today, remember that His words are for you. Join the millions who have been the beneficiary of this beautiful mission, singing:
My chains fell off, my heart was free; I rose, went forth, and followed Thee.
Let’s Pray
Jesus, your mission statement is for me. You have good news for me. You want to open my eyes. You long to heal my broken heart. You want to set me free. I know I play a part in this, and You’ll direct me day-by-day, but thank You for what You’ve already done for me. Thank You for what I don’t have to do, as I place my hand and heart in Your care.
In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Now It’s Your Turn
In what ways does Jesus promise to help you as you heal?
Read Luke 4:18 one more time. Underline what you need from Him. Invite the Lord into the battle. Click on the comment button and let’s compare notes.
Remember, you are worth fighting for.
More from the Girlfriends
In Suzie’s book, The Mended Heart: God’s Healing for Your Broken Places, discover how and where to begin your journey to a mended heart, with His help.
Read the first chapter of The Mended Heart absolutely free.
© 2021 by Suzanne Eller. All rights reserved.
Originally published Friday, 17 September 2021.
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