“Whoever pursues righteousness and love finds life, prosperity and honor” Proverbs 21:21
Have you ever found yourself in a place where you couldn’t believe you were there? That happened to me when I first began serving in church ministry. It was April 2017 and I had just been baptized and became a member at Lincoln. I was offered the Summer Intern role for media after being on the worship team for a short few weeks. Throughout the summer, I had the opportunity to be in various situations that allowed me to interact with kids, youth, and adults. One incredible experience that changed the whole trajectory of my life was going on one of the youth summer trips. Somebody who knew me, trusted me and wanted to invite me in as a leader for the week. I had no idea what I was getting myself into and understood that I was nowhere near ready for this opportunity. However, I went in with an open heart and ready to see what God had in store for me throughout this week. None of this would have been possible if it weren’t for this person who advocated for me to be on this trip that I otherwise had no reason being on.
As I think about this, I realize the same is true in relationship with God. Our own righteousness is incapable of earning our right standing back with God Almighty. We have no reason on our own to be in that position. However, we have an Advocate who invites us into a life that can completely change the trajectory in which we live and allows His righteousness to make a way. The reality is we certainly don’t deserve the support that we receive from God, yet He chooses to be our Advocate through Jesus Christ. It’s our faith that enables us to be in right standing with God, nothing of our own accord.
Take a moment to reflect today on this idea: God, I can’t believe I am able to be in right standing with You. Not because of anything I am capable of but because of Your righteousness and Jesus Christ being an Advocate for those who believe. We don’t deserve, yet You so graciously give. May we never take You for granted, and in all aspects of our lives, be amazed by who You are.
