GOD’S AMAZING LOVE FOR ALL REBELS

Many of us can identify with the Apostle Peter and his impetuousness. Although he was flawed, that didn’t prevent Jesus from calling him because God knew his heart.  Peter became one of the most powerful apostles when he became converted (Luke 22:31–32). Sometimes we are quick to write off people because they are not living up to our standards of righteousness. This is judging and none of us may do so because we don’t know what is in a person’s heart, only God.  Stop focusing on the outward and see the beautiful spirit, kindness, and tears behind a harsh demeanor.  People are struggling and many have experienced brokenness and abandonment in their formative years, which is the most critical stage in a child’s development. Instead of judging, condemning and isolating, please reach out a hand and open your heart to the least of these because of the grace you have experienced. Attempt to see others through the eyes of Christ and it will draw more people to Him because of the Christlikeness they see in you.

God loves all rebels because there is greater work to be done in and through them. A rebel is like a black fish that is difficult to catch hence, it requires the angler to be skilled and experienced. Therefore, it takes a longer time for the rebel to accept Christ and become converted. When a rebel accepts Christ, they will serve the Lord faithfully and with great power and zeal. They will become a walking testimony that will stir hearts and souls while drawing them to the kingdom of God. They will truly serve God in spirit and truth and love their fellowmen because they have experienced grace and will extend grace freely. A converted rebel possesses the fruits of the Holy Spirit: love, joy, peace, long-suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, and temperance (Galatians 5: 22-23).

If you are a rebel, watch out! God is chasing you and at some point, He will catch you. When He catches you, He will chasten you and after the chastening comes the awakening, repentance, baptism, conversion, and the call to ministry and a life of service. The completely transformed rebel is open and willing to be used by the Almighty. They will love their enemies, love their neighbor as themselves, will sacrifice for others and desire to minister to the suffering of humanity. They devote their heart to trusting God and doing what is right, pleasing and bringing glory to His name. 

 Because God changed their hearts instead of doubt and fears, there will be trust and boldness. When they are led by the Holy Spirit, they are compassionate, kind, obedient, love the word of God and live with godly fear. They are sensitive to the needs of others and their heart embraces the hungry, weak, and rejected, leading them to Jesus. They are fervent in prayer and persistent in their daily walk, hence they pick up the plough and will not look back.