Part three of discovering how Jesus redefined our view of family.
When we started this series, the word family was connected to a traditional definition. Father, mother, and siblings come to mind. But in Mark 3, we’ve discussed that Jesus expands the role of family to represent many layers. We talked about your given family, your chosen family, and your church family.
Now, we will highlight the most important relationship you will ever have with a family member—your heavenly Father.
He desires to walk with you in fellowship because He loves you. This is what makes Christianity so unique. It’s not about your attempts to get to God. It’s about God, who literally moved heaven and earth, getting to you!
Sometimes we forget about God being our Father. There have been times that I’ve even wished that I could talk to Jesus right now.
Of course, I know I can talk to Him anytime I want. But part of me wishes I had access to a real, living Jesus in the flesh to touch and bless me. Can you imagine what that would look like?
I’d have to find Him on Instagram. Watch a few of His walking on water stories. Then I would fly to wherever He was ministering, push through the crowds, reach out to Him, and feel that love.
Unfortunately, Jesus does not walk among us. But, thankfully, we do have something just as glorious:
John 14:16 says, “And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate, who will never leave you. He is the Holy Spirit who leads into all truth. The world cannot receive him, because it isn’t looking for him and doesn’t recognize him. But you know him, because he lives with you now.”
Dear reader, the Holy Spirit lives in us. He has taken up residence in our hearts forever, sealing us with the confirming, certifying, and assuring pledge of our eternal state as God’s children.
During the horrific summer of 2020, I was a big mess. But I wasn’t alone.
My immediate family was hurting. They were scared. My mom was a shell of a person who lost the man she loved and cared for over 50 years. Faith and obedience were not a priority.
That’s when my chosen people stepped in. Countless friends pulled me out of the depths.
Then my church family arrived. My community group showed up. I received packages and letters that made me weep. Truth was spoken over me. The calls, the texts, the messages, and the notes were life-giving.
But ultimately, I turned to my Father in heaven.
I have a pitiful piece of paper that I carry around with me. It’s a list that describes the characteristics of God that I’ve memorized to help me stay grounded during the darker times. I would meditate on the fact that God is able. He goes before me. He cares for me and hears me when I call. He is the King of Kings and Lord of Lords.
And He knows my name and holds me in the palm of His hand.
When I finish reciting my list, I often sing the song Way Maker. My favorite part is the lyrics about the Holy Spirit:
“Even when I don’t see You, You’re working.
Even when I don’t feel it, You’re working.
You never stop. You never stop working. You never stop.”
And then I shout the main chorus:
“Way Maker, Miracle Worker, Promise Keeper, Light in the darkness.
My God that is Who You are.”
Over and over and over again.
Crying out to God.
Resting in God.
Loving God.
Surrendering it all.
To the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. My true family.
Author Info
Lincee Ray
Lincee Ray is an accidental blogging superstar, thanks to a little show called The Bachelor. Yes, the reality phenomenon is the opposite of quality television, but it did lead her to sweet writing gigs with Entertainment Weekly online and the Associated Press. Lincee is an active speaker, the author of two books (Why I Hate Green Beans and It’s a Love Story), the host of the pop culture podcast I Hate Green Beans, and can be found rambling on her website where she reminds women that it’s important to tell your story—even if it makes you seem a little crazy.