Holding on Tight
For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 8: 38-39)
Jesus holds His investments forever.
Peter pledged his commitment to Jesus, but when confronted and overcome by fear, he denies Him. He did it again. He did it for the third time.
Early on in his relationship with Jesus, Thomas was committed and brave. He offered up his life to follow Jesus. But his trust and willingness to die for Jesus faded after the resurrection. He no longer believed His words and demanded proof of His wounds.
Paul imprisoned followers of Jesus. He punished them. He tortured them. He killed them. But Jesus knew his heart. He knew that Paul’s passion and influence could be channeled to share the Word to new believers.
Jesus is committed when we ignore Him. Jesus is committed when we doubt Him. Jesus is committed when we turn against Him.
Jesus can see past outward appearance to what’s in our hearts. Other people saw fishermen, but He saw sons and daughters who would inherit a kingdom. Other people see our mistakes, but He sees our potential.
He knows that the best investments should be held forever. Jesus is investing in you and in me. When we disappoint Him, He holds on tighter.
What is amazing is that our only job is to remain in Him. He knows we are good investments, simply because He chose us.
When you have good relational investments, hang in there. And when you have good financial investments, pursue them. When your index funds go lower, buy more and hold on tight. When good relationships hit rocky seasons, invest more time into the people you love, and hold them tight also.
Jesus gives us the grace to help see us through the low seasons in our lives. He teaches us that the best investments should be held forever, and He holds us even more closely when we suffer.
Lord Jesus, help me to know when I have something permanent and to hold tight when times get hard. Give me Your perspective, Your patience, and Your wisdom to know when to hold on tight and when to let go in all areas of my life.
