Day 10 - Kay Park
Is there a specific Bible passage or verse that comes to mind in the context of “Less of Me and More of Him”?
John 21:15-17 When they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.” He said to him, “Feed my lambs.” 16 He said to him a second time, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.” He said to him, “Tend my sheep.” 17 He said to him the third time, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” Peter was grieved because he said to him the third time, “Do you love me?” and he said to him, “Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you.” Jesus said to him, “Feed my sheep.
It's been seven years since I gave my life to the Lord. Every year since committing my life to God, He has revealed so much of who He is and how unconditional His love is. Looking past, I am reminded of how good He has been to me. He has been there for me in every season of my life no matter what I did or didn't do. I can truly say that I have experienced God's grace.
Before I understood God's character, it didn't make sense that God would love me unconditionally, even in times of doubt, fear, rebellion, and falling into temptations. I found myself avoiding prayer out of guilt and/or shame. As I continued to read the Bible, I learned how merciful and loving our God is. He is the only one who will never let me down. He is the only one with the wisdom to guide me through life. He is the only one who can help me in every situation. He is the only one who is truly worthy of my love and devotion. I became overcome with gratitude and wanted to love God back. I just didn't know how.
In the Bible passage above, Jesus asks Peter three times if Peter loves Him. Every time, Peter responds that he does, to which Jesus replies to take care of His sheep. It is emphasized how important it is for Jesus to have Peter love His people. When I read this passage, I know this is what God desires from us— to have the heart of Jesus and love others.
Briefly explain which areas of your life you find most difficult to surrender to Christ.
Before coming to Christ, I suffered from anxiety, specifically health anxiety. After finding Jesus, I surrendered my worries to Him. It was a long, difficult journey, and I can safely say that I have been free from the bondage of sin by allowing the Holy Spirit to guide me every day. However, there are times when I fall into the enemy’s lies and go back to my old habits of worrying. It is an ongoing struggle and battle because of my sinful nature. But through these trials and tribulations, I can say that God has carried me through. Although at times it may feel like I am alone, I know that, because of my identity in Christ, Jesus will never let go of my hand. He is going through the storm with me and fighting the battles for me. I know He allows me to go through them because they will help me grow in my faith. I call it my growing pains. I thank God for my church community and small groups for praying for me and with me when I go through these trials.
Share the areas of your life that have shifted from self-centeredness to Christ-centeredness.
In January, I set a goal to be more intentional with my time with God through prayer. As I spent more time in prayer, I noticed my prayer life transforming. Instead of my usual prayers, asking God to do things for me, I have been asking, "What do you want from me? What can I do for You? How can I serve You?" For this particular request, God responded immediately. The Bible passage above pierced my heart every time it came up in sermons, devotionals, and Bible readings. It became clear that God wants me to love His people and His church. God wants us to become like Him, and God is selfless. Jesus said you are most fulfilled in life when you give yourself. "...but whoever loses his life for my sake and the gospel's will save it" (Mark 8:35).
What are some practical ways you can display Christ to those around you?
God desires me to be a witness who shares the story of what God has done and continues to do in my life. As a friend, it is natural to want to share things. When I read a great book, I recommend it to my friends. When I discover an amazing restaurant, I would tell my friends to check it out. When I hear of a huge sale, of course, I would tell my friends. Why, then, would I not share the good news of what God has done in my life, especially knowing that it can make an eternal difference in their lives? It can be awkward bringing up my faith to my family, friends, and coworkers who are non-believers. But over the past few years, I have prayed for those around me and have taken every opportunity to show the love of Christ by being a good listener, being a good friend, and giving up my time in any way I can. These helped me build trusting relationships which allowed me to share my struggles and victories through my testimonies. Just a week ago, I had an opportunity to talk about my faith with a coworker who grew up in church but gave it up in his teenage years. He shared that he never really understood the sermons and that the Bible was too difficult to comprehend. Excitedly, I showed him my Bible app, and he was amazed by the many different versions. We are now on our second Bible plan together and I invited another coworker to join. She overheard our conversation and wanted to be a part of it. It truly was a God-given opportunity, and I was overjoyed with how God was using me to bring people closer to Him. So, as Christ's followers, I believe God has called us to keep our eyes and ears open and to take every opportunity to share God's love. "...and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth" (Acts 1:8).