Sometimes God leads us to stay somewhere, or with someone, or in some situation, or in something, etc., when we feel desperate to get out of where we are, what we’re in, whom we’re with, etc. We want to do anything but remain. We want out – now. Because we’re afraid, uncomfortable, tempted elsewhere or to something or someone else, overwhelmed, unhappy, hurt, angry, wanting something or someone we feel is better, craving change, bored, restless, whatever. Bottom line, we want to go and get away from our current circumstances. Sometimes we desperately don’t want to stay, but –
But Jesus Christ is Lord, and we were not created to live for self to love and please self. We were created for God, to experience and enjoy forever fellowship with Him through the Lord Jesus Christ, and to live for Him to love and please Him.
I have always been restless. And I have faced seemingly relentless challenges in my life. I can’t tell you how often I have wanted to get away from wherever I am. I used to run. And run and run. Anytime I wanted to go, I went.
Now I see the truth. Jesus’ followers belong to Jesus. Jesus’ followers aren’t to follow the flesh, the world, or the devil. Jesus’ followers are to follow Jesus. When God wants us to go, we are to go. When He wants us to stay, we are to stay.
I don’t want to stay, but – . Even when our flesh doesn’t want to stay, and we are tempted to go, we should remain right where God wants us. We are commanded to love Him with all our hearts. I don’t want to stay, but – . Those who love the Lord are to obey the Lord. I don’t want to stay, but – . If God is calling you to stay somewhere, or with someone, or in some situation, etc., love the Lord. Obey the Lord. Stay. Not for your sake. Deny self. Take up your cross. Stay. For Christ’s sake.
I don’t want to stay, but – . Those of us who believe in Jesus Christ as Lord, let us remember God is with us. When He tells us to stay, and we obey, we are not there where He desires we be by ourselves. God is with us. And in Him, through Him, for Him, we will find the love, strength, grace, mercy, wisdom, power, etc. to be where He wants us to be. For Christ’s sake, when He says stay, let us stay! Amen!
“If anyone serves Me, let him follow Me; and where I am, there My servant will be also. If anyone serves Me, him My Father will honor.” John 12:26 NKJV
“Then He said to them all, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me. For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will save it.” Luke 9:23-24 NKJV