Approaching God Just As You Are

Last weekend we made plans to go over to a friends house for the Superbowl game. Colby and I were discussing what to bring and we decided on 7-layer dip, because who doesn’t love eating dip at a football game, right?

We had a busy morning and afternoon and we found ourselves with little time to prepare, especially since we didn’t have the ingredients we needed. Colby suggested we stop by the grocery store on the way to our friends house and make the dip at their home. Honestly, I vetoed his idea right away. To show up with all the ingredients and make the dish there? I didn’t like that idea. As we were talking, Colby prompted me by asking, “So you feel like the only way you can go to their house is to have the dip all put together before you arrive?”

I knew the point he was trying to make and immediately his question prompted me to reflect on how often we as God’s children are this exact same way. How often are we afraid to approach him because we feel like we can’t until we are all put together? Can you relate?

Have you ever thought you can’t have a relationship with God due to your past mistakes or current chaos? Have you ever doubted approaching the Father’s house because you feel like you can’t enter his courts or gates unless you are fully put together? Do you feel like to have a seat at his table you can’t come as you are, in your brokenness and weariness?

Father God isn’t waiting for your life to be perfect before you enter into a relationship with him. In fact, any broken pieces of your life or heart won’t be mended together without his help. God prefers you approach him and enter his courts as one big mess, then try to wait until it looks like you have it all together.

This holds true not just for entering a relationship with him, but for entering a church home too. I wonder how many more people would be willing to attend a church if they knew they would be accepted just as they are — in the middle of their messy divorce, financial debt, mental breakdown, alcohol addiction, to name just a few.

Don’t wait until all your burdens are gone, until your shame flees or until all the layers of your life are put together. God wants you approaching him just as you are. When you do, he will embrace you and refresh your life, and for the first time you will finally feel accepted and loved when you realize he just wants a relationship with you.

“And all who come to me, I will embrace and will never turn them away.” John 6:37

“The Spirit and the Bride say, ‘Come.'” Revelation 22:17

“Are you weary, carrying a heavy burden? Then come to me. I will refresh your life, for I am your oasis.” Matthew 11:28

PS. If you are going through infertility, please head over to join a faith-based support group I founded, Moms in the Making!

PPS. Have you picked up a copy of my book? Buy In Due Time, a 60-day devotional for hope + encouragement in the waiting.

PPPS. I created a group on facebook as an extension of my book + blog to discuss anything + everything. Women only! Come join us!

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