Lean In

Scripture

We look away from the natural realm and we focus our attention and expectation onto Jesus who birthed faith within us and who leads us forward into faith's perfection. -Hebrews 12:2

Our faithfulness to God is always called into action when we face challenges in our lives. Discipleship is the most rewarding yet complex journey we'll take in our lives as believers. We face many circumstances, encounters, and distractions, but despite them all, we must remain faithful to our fellowship, to our trust, and to our submission to the Lord. We must lean in even more during difficult, perplexing times, and when the foundation has been shaken. Leaning in means we trust, pray, and yield even more to Him, knowing that Jesus is the author and finisher of our faith. It means we intentionally look away from the distractions and focus our attention on Christ. By doing this, we lean into His guidance, His instruction, and even His correction. Leaning in is a choice we make because He's proven His faithfulness to us. 

Leaning in looks like Joseph, who was given a promise through a dream, but endured years of slavery, yet he remained faithful. He leaned into the vision despite what he saw around him. It looks like Daniel, who refused to compromise his faith despite immense pressure to do so. He leaned into his faith through prayer and forgiveness. He trusted that God was still at work. Hannah leaned in despite the agony of bareness. She continued to pray and worship in the temple despite years of unanswered prayers. Her faithfulness produced the prophet, Samuel. Ultimately, leaning in looks like Jesus, who leaned into the Father's love and faithfulness in Gethsemane. Despite the agony, His "Nevertheless, thy will be done" demonstrated perfect trust in God. 

Beloved, we should have a 'despite' kind of faith. When situations arise in our lives, we lean in even more to our relationship with Him. This is the reason the people above were able to lean in; they established a relationship with the Lord.  Whatever you are facing this week, lean in. 

Prayer

Father, we lean into your faithfulness and love. Despite our current situations, we lean into your guidance and instruction to guide us through. We yield even more. In Jesus' name.