A few weeks ago, I listened to someone share and show a Christus statue to a group of young children. It was a statue of the resurrected Savior with His arms outstretched. At that moment I was filled with thoughts that Christ's arms are extended to all. He invites all of us to come to Him, and then follow Him. "His way is the path that leads to happiness in this life and eternal life in the world to come". It doesn't matter where we are in our life, what we have done or how worthy or unworthy we might feel. And we don't have to "fix" ourselves before coming to Him either. Because if we trust Him and let Him, He will do the fixing. Those arms are always extended, extending and inviting when we are ready. Jesus Christ desires us to come to Him, but He will not force. Figuratively, He does stand at the other side of the door waiting for us to open it up and let Him in (Revelations 3:20). To let Him into our lives with all our problems, challenges, heartaches, and more.
What does that "coming to Him" look like? It'll be different for each of us, but also the same. The condition of our heart and our desire matters. He will want our time, not a lot of it but a consistent effort to hang out with Him. It might look like reaching up to Him in humility in a heart-felt, pleading prayer. But also, with prayers of gratitude, a noticing of the good things He has already done for us. It looks like reading His words in the scriptures and hearing His words from His leaders and prophets. Being intentional about and wanting to hear Him. Being intentional about opening that door every day and letting Him in. Coming to Him looks like hearkening to His word and doing those things He inspires us to do. Trusting Him by putting aside our will and getting up and following Him to do His will.
Just like the image I chose for this post; can't you just envision following Him and His footsteps? His invitation to the rich, young ruler is the same for each of us - "come, follow me" (Luke 18:22). As we lay aside some of our desires and trust the Savior and follow Him, we can each know that Jesus Christ lives; He is calling out to us, and He is offering each of us a better way to live, to have His peace, and experience true joy.
"When the Savior atoned for all mankind, He opened a way that those who follow Him can have access to His healing, strengthening, and redeeming power. These spiritual privileges are available to all who seek to hear Him and follow Him." Those are words from President Russell M. Nelson, just a few weeks ago in his message "The Power of Spiritual Momentum".
Jesus died for my sins.
Jesus suffered in Gethsemane and died on the cross for me.
Jesus Christ is my God and my Savior.
Jesus is my friend.
It is by His name I want to be known.
My joy is found in Jesus.
I know He lives!
Have a Happy Easter!
#BecauseofHim
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