What does Jesus say about you?

“If I had only...”

“Why didn’t I…”

“I should have done…”

How many times have we said these to ourselves?

I have been thinking about this a lot lately. Especially with our current sermon series, "Bear Fruit." Taking a deeper look at (1) what comes first in my life, (2) where I spend my time, talents, and money, (3) what environments I am a part of, (4) who I am around, and (5) what I do to grow has been very revealing. Not surprisingly, there are areas I want to change.

And that’s the hard part because I’m comfortable,

            Or afraid,

            Or don’t know where to start,

            Or don’t believe I matter,

            Or feel trapped.

My reasons, my excuses, are endless. And it doesn’t matter how elaborate or creative our excuses are – because the results are always the same:

Nothing happens!

Nothing changes!

I was once told that the definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over, again and again, and expecting a different result! Somehow, I think we are all a little insane!

Now here’s the thing – God did not create me or you or anyone else to sit and do nothing! We were not created to stay the same! According to the scriptures, we were created in God’s image to rule over and care for creation – to take it somewhere – to move it forward – to make a difference – to grow – to create – to do something! To bear fruit!

I've come to realize that our movement or lack thereof isn't a matter of comfort, or fear, or confusion, or any of the other excuses we use. It's a matter of identity – of what we believe about ourselves. You see, if I believe I am worthless, then what’s the point?

If I believe I don’t matter, then why show up?

If I believe I’m not good enough, why even try?

If I feel trapped, why escape?

So, where does your identity come from? 

Where do you get your beliefs about yourself?

There is a story in the scriptures that highlights this well:

Immediately, Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead of him to the other side while dismissing the crowd. After he had dismissed them, he went up on a mountainside by himself to pray. Later that night, he was there alone, and the boat was already a considerable distance from land, buffeted by the waves because the wind was against it. 

Shortly before dawn, Jesus went out to them, walking on the lake. When the disciples saw him walking on the lake, they were terrified. "It's a ghost," they said and cried out in fear. 

But Jesus immediately said to them: “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.” 

“Lord, if it’s you,” Peter replied, “tell me to come to you on the water.” 

“Come,” he said. 

Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on water, and came toward Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, "Lord, save me!"

Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. “You of little faith,” he said, “why did you doubt?”

There is so much in this passage. It would take volumes to unpack! That said, here is what I want you to notice:

1.     Jesus believed in Peter! He told Peter to come! Jesus would not have told Peter to step out unless He knew Peter could do it, regardless of the odds! The truth is, God believes in you and knows you are capable of way more than you realize!

2.     Peter trusted Jesus and got out of the boat! However, believing in the one who believes in you is just the beginning!

3.     Peter’s faith in Jesus never wavered! We know this because the moment he began to sink he cried out to Jesus to save him!

4.     Peter doubted himself! He got so caught up in the drama happening around him – that he began to doubt he could do it – even though Jesus had told him he could!

How many times has this been us? How often has God called us to something we didn’t believe we were capable of?

Here’s the big idea: If we are going to change, if we are going to bear fruit, we need to believe in Jesus, the one who believes in us, AND we need to believe what Jesus says about us, regardless of our circumstances! In other words, our identity needs to come from Jesus, and we need to own it!

The question is, what does Jesus say about you?!

Here is just a teaser: God's image-bearer, forgiven, masterpiece, loved, gifted, important…

My challenge to you this week, read the scriptures and explore what Jesus says about you! As you do, allow God's Spirit to speak to you and let God fuel and guide you as you go and bear fruit! It won't be easy. Change never is, especially when God is growing and pruning us. However, at the end of the day, we will reap a harvest like no other!

Grace and Peace,

Pastor Justin