When the Holy Spirit dropped this title on me I wasn’t exactly sure which way He wanted to go with this. I actually got halfway through another piece when He intervened and took me down a completely new path. I realized that the title He gave me “What If You Can’t Go?” was just a writing prompt to get me on the path He needed me to be on. So I hope you enjoy this piece!

When I was little I was hot on my mother’s trail. I mean wherever she went I wanted to go. If that back door cracked open, I was looking to see if she was the one leaving. And if so, I was racing to put on my little shoes so I can tag along. I especially remember those times during the holiday season. She would be getting ready to leave the house and I’d be wondering why we weren’t getting ready to leave too. And when I’d ask her if I could come along she would say that I couldn’t go. My little heart would be crushed.  But what I didn’t know at the time was that she was out shopping for all the wonderful gifts that would be waiting for me under the tree when I woke up on Christmas day. So even though staying home at the time seemed unfair, or like torture…to be alone with my siblings, it actually was for the best. There was something greater in the works.

Jesus had something greater in the works too, when he told his disciples, who had been following him everywhere he went for the past three years, that He was now going somewhere that they couldn’t go…they weren’t having it. My favorite disciple, Peter, was like “Umm, Lord where are you going?” Jesus replied, “You can’t go with me now, but you will follow me later.” And Peter’s response was much like my response would’ve been to my mom, “But why can’t I come now?” Jesus knew that His time had come and just a few hours later He would be betrayed by Judas and condemned to die on the cross. However, all of these events no matter how unfair they may have seemed or the gruesome torture He would endure, it was all necessary to fulfill a purpose that was far greater than what they or anyone else could even comprehend.  Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection would garner for us the best gift or present we could ever ask for– the gift of salvation! That free gift of salvation comes with grace, eternal life, reconciliation and relationship with the Father, the Holy Spirit, peace, love, joy, spiritual blessings, and so much more! 

Remember being a kid and begging your parents to let you open just one of those beautifully wrapped gifts before Christmas day? You just couldn’t wait! Ohhhh…the temptation to lift that tape on the end of that gift to see what’s inside…Lol!  Well Fam, no need to beg the Father or wait until Christmas day for this gift.  You can open this beautifully wrapped gift right now in your heart and life today by accepting Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior with a simple prayer like this:

Father, in the name of Jesus, I receive the free gift of salvation that you’ve given me through your son, Jesus Christ. I believe that He lived and that He died on the cross to pay the price for my sins, and was raised from the dead and is now seated with you in Heaven. I repent of my sins and accept Jesus as my Lord and Savior. Jesus, I ask you to come into my heart and live your life in me and through me. From this day forward I belong to you. In your name, I pray. Amen.

That’s it! You’ve just unwrapped the most precious and perfect gift anyone could ever ask for. And my friend…it is the only gift that keeps on giving. The depths of God’s love for you and the wonderful things that He has planned for your life will continue to unfold and unveil themselves like prized bounties on a treasure hunt as you continue your pursuit of Him.

And guess what? You are not alone on this journey. You know are part of God’s family and part of the tribe. I welcome you to email me and let me know about your acceptance of this wonderful gift. I can’t wait to walk alongside you on this amazing journey.

Love you, Fam! Until next time…Smooches:)