When We Truly Seek Jesus
“Look to the Lord and His strength; seek His face always.” Psalm 105:4
I used to keep Jesus at a distance. We were good on Sundays, but I didn’t want Him in my business the rest of the week. I didn’t want to be told to read my Bible, and I certainly didn’t want to be told how to act. Jesus seemed like a kill-joy more than anything. That is, until I needed Him to be my joy.
In the course of four years, I had three babies and quit my profession to stay home. My mind said this was no big deal, but the fast identity change identity left me empty and wondering who I was. Like when we lose ourselves in the competition of careers, I’d lost myself in the expectations of motherhood. I felt like a failure.
So, I figured I’d take Jesus up on His offer for help.
I started reading my Bible as much as I could. I wanted to know the One who was the ultimate power source when my strength ran dry. I listened to sermons or watched Beth Moore videos during my children’s naptimes.
Then I remembered a verse from long ago: “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law” (Galatians 5:22-23).
I realized all the qualities I wanted in my life and motherhood were results of God’s Spirit working through me, not my own efforts. Knowing and inviting His Spirit to lead me made even the roughest moments fruitful. I thought seeking Jesus would mean giving up all the fun, but instead, it meant regaining my joy.
Andrea Chatelain’s mission is to meet women in their struggles and love them forward with God’s truth. She's part of the Wholly Loved Ministries team, is a Midwest mom of three, faith and family writer, and college English instructor to immigrants and refugees. It’s her joy to lead Bible studies in her neighborhood, church, and community because she believes Jesus transforms lives when His people boldly seek Him. Her writing reflects her love for Jesus and heart for fellow believers. Connect with Andrea more online at www.afruitfulwoman.com.
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Originally published Wednesday, 03 July 2024.
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