The other morning my husband, who is an artist, was showing me the Instagram page of a fellow artist that he follows. This particular individual has 30K followers, and although the art itself is stellar, I believe there is another reason why the number of followers is literally in the thousands.
People want to follow those who have beaten the odds! When someone has survived a desperate situation, sharing what it took to get through those periods in their life, becomes an inspiration for many. I know that most of us would agree that encouragement is what everyone needs, but encouragement is best when it is backed by a supernatural strength that has eternal resiliency.
When I considered what this individual had come though I do see a life that is fruitful, and yet I don’t perceive that this person is a believer. I do believe that their resolve, their determination, and their focus has become a testimony to what a person can do when they trust in their own abilities. It is a very human trait for others to find their inspiration in this way of thinking. What I didn’t hear was any testimony that brought God into the situation.
Many people these days are drawn to drama and trauma. Do you recall years ago when reality television first came on the scene and we saw how people were captivated by lifestyles that were so extreme? Even those who were actually turned off by the outlandish behavior couldn’t get enough. But, what about those of us who are living the blessed life?
It has often been suggested that those that seem to have it all are just lucky, but believers understand that it has nothing to do with luck, and everything to do with Jesus. Forgive me for sharing this thought again, but I want to always be clear on the fact that it is not about me. My blessings are not dependent upon education, wealth, talent, or any other advantages that I may be born into, for I know that my favor is from my heavenly Father and because of His Son.
I think the point of this post is one of encouragement for those of us who know we are blessed, know it is because of Jesus, and know that no matter how many are against us, we know that the King is for us! Our instinct will always be to follow the One who called us out by name.
John 1:29 CSB The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Here is the Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world!
John 1:37-39 CSB The two disciples heard him say this and followed Jesus. When Jesus turned and noticed them following Him, He asked them, “What are you looking for?” They said to Him, “Rabbi, where are you staying?” “Come and you’ll see,” He replied. So they went and saw where He was staying, and they stayed with Him that day.
John 21:21-22 CSB When Peter saw him, he said to Jesus, “Lord what about him?” “If I want him to remain until I come,” Jesus answered, “what is it to you? As for you, follow me.”