Will you really…?

Peter said to Jesus: I will lay down my life for you.
Jesus said to Peter: Will you really lay down your life for me? (John 13:38)

When I say that God loves me freely and unconditionally,
Ask God and my conscience, if I love God with all my heart.

When I say that God is just to avenge for the oppressed and punish the wicked,
Ask if I repent for my sins and want to receive His forgiveness and then I can rest in His peace.

When I say that I trust God,
Ask if I still have fear in certain areas.

When I say that I love God,
Ask if I cannot love someone or forgive him/her/myself.

When I say that I am obeying God,
Ask if I choose only what I prefer to do.

When I say that I want to serve God,
Ask if I am faithful in small things God has entrusted to me.

When I think that I know God’s mind,
Ask if I have a bias or pride in my heart.

When I quickly teach people what to do,
Ask if I pray for them in love before I speak.

When I worry about being influenced by the world without discernment,
Ask if I am determined to put on God’s armor to fight against lies.

When I want to go to fight with God in the spiritual battle,
Ask if I have repented for my hidden sins and follow God’s commands humbly.

Is Jesus saying to you like to Peter: “You are not ready as you think you are.”

Ask and let God’s word prepare you in His way and His timing, rather than your way and the schedule you see fit, because Jesus is gracious and willing to tell you the truth if you ask and listen to Him.  Jesus’ truth is meant to give you hope, not frustration. Therefore, never lose hope because God of hope promises you: Ask and you will receive the Holy Spirit God sends to dwell in you to empower you, so that you will grow to be like Jesus Christ in His way and in His time.