Stand Up!

Stand Up!

Yesterday we were babysitting our grandson when he crawled across the floor, grabbed a hold of my pant leg and pulled himself up and stood. I was thrilled, not only that he stood, but because he chose to come to his grandpa, instead of grandma (she was so jealous! I loved it!).

He was apparently quite proud of himself, because he got a big grin on his face and yelled, “Eh!” This apparently means “Look what I did!” Well, actually, he says, “Eh!” for almost anything. Whatever he means by it, we just love hearing his voice.

As happy as we were to see our grandson reach this milestone, the joy we felt pales in comparison to how God feels when one of His lost children takes their stand for Him. The Bible says, “there is more joy in heaven over one lost sinner who repents and returns to God than over ninety-nine others who are righteous and haven’t strayed away!” (Luke 15:7 NLT).

Like the prodigal’s father, your Heavenly Father is watching for you, ready to run to you with His arms open wide, to welcome you home. “He will take delight in you with gladness. With his love, he will calm all your fears. He will rejoice over you with joyful songs.” (Zephaniah 3:17).

No matter how far you’ve fallen, it’s not too deep for God to reach. Today, look up to the Father from the depths of your sin and despair. Humble yourself before Him, grab hold of His outstretched hand, “and he will lift you up in honor” and help you stand. (James 4:10).

Haven’t you crawled around in the dust of your past mistakes for long enough? Like our grandson, choose to take a stand! Just as He did to Joshua long ago God is calling you to “Stand up!” (Joshua 7:10). Don’t just sit there! Stand up! Stand up for Jesus today!