I’m sure that during your lifetime you’ve run across some people who are rebelliously living out a wild lifestyle, I know I have. In fact, at one time that wild one was me. I’m not ashamed to admit it anymore because I’ve been so washed in Jesus’ blood that I know I can lay all my shame and embarrassment aside and embrace the fullness of redemption. Honestly, I believe I treasure redemption more because I once lived so horribly. The old me is but a distant reflection in the past now, but I still clearly remember many once shame-filled moments. Every day I get a choice, do I resent my past or do I embrace my future. I choose the future. I decided long ago to simply learn from my past and point toward my future.
But I have often wondered why I was inclined to wildness.
Because you see, I am wild for God now. When I was walking in darkness, I was leaning toward wild. Now as a redeemed believer, I am still inclined to wildness…only this time it’s properly directed.
In my heart, I often wonder if many of those we view as wild are truly just misdirected in their passions that were intended to be wild for Him. Meaning, they were created to be wild, they just haven’t found the One worthy of wild passion yet.
I’m all in with God. I worship with all my heart. I pursue Him at all cost. I listen to Him for every decision. I don’t turn away from a challenge He calls me to because of fear. My fear of missing Him is greater than any earthly fear. I am desperate for Him.
You see, the line between passion for God and passion for addiction and wild living is smaller than you might think. All of those statements above could also be used for those who battle addiction or wild living, just replace God with whatever addiction a person might have.
You might be wondering why I’m even going on about this, but my hope is that in reading this and hopefully prayerfully considering it, you’ll find more grace. More grace for your own short-comings and also more grace for the fallen ones.
We were created to be passionate. God is the epitome of passion. Imagine the passion required to send Your only Son to earth to die the worst death. Imagine the unbridled passion of a Savior Who was willing to take on ALL our sins while hanging naked on the cross. Just imagine.
Passion is as passion does. Where is your passion focused?
Prayer Moment: God, I am one of the wild ones. I am consumed with my love for You. Don’t ever let that change. Never let me “grow” out of it. Never let me respond to criticisms by pulling back from You. You are it for me. You’re all I really need. May my walk through life with You be eternally blessed. I am Yours. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Whom have I in heaven but you? And there is nothing on earth that I desire besides you. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. Psalm 73:25-26
365 Days in the Presence 