Your First Step in Radical, Immediate Obedience

However long it was, Joseph and Mary knew their primary job was being Jesus’ earthly caretakers. They were not surprised when the angel appeared to Joseph in another dream and told him to go back to Israel because “those who sought the young Child’s life are dead” (Matt. 2:20b).

Another Dream

One more time, Joseph receives a dream and is directed where to reside. “Nevertheless, being warned by God in a dream, he withdrew to the region of Galilee. And he went and lived in a city called Nazareth, that what was spoken by the prophets might be fulfilled, ‘He shall be called a Nazarene'” (Matt. 2:22b-23). 

Although Joseph was Jesus’ adopted father, it’s apparent His real daddy was directing His Son’s life from the very beginning. This baby had a destiny that would not be fulfilled until He reached the proper age.

God’s Extreme Love

God went to extreme efforts to pave the way for His Son. Of course Jesus was special. There is no denying that. However, are we not all children of God? He has the same love for each of us that He had for Jesus.

I know that because He loved us so much that if you and I believe in, cling to and rely on Him we will not perish, come to destruction or be lost but have eternal or everlasting life (see John 3:16, AMP).

Then Jesus went one step further and let us know that His desire is to give us “life, and have it in abundance [to the full, till it overflows]” (John 10:10b, AMP).

It’s further emphasized when Paul says God will “do superabundantly more than all that we dare ask or think [infinitely beyond our greatest prayers, hopes, or dreams], according to His power that is at work within u” (Eph. 3:20b, AMP).

Like A Butterfly

God came to earth so we could soar, like the butterfly. Most people who know me know I love the analogy of the butterfly. I used to crawl on the ground like caterpillars eating everything in sight. Then I went through metamorphosis and lost 260 pounds. Now I feel like I am able to soar with an entirely new perspective. I was changed, not of my own making, but by tapping into God’s strength.

I have two video courses on my website that were some of my favorites to do. One is Metamorphosis and the other is Chrysalis. Metamorphosis is all about the process it takes to begin and go through lifestyle change. The major part of that change happens in the chrysalis, the surrender stage, where everything not in tune with our destiny has to be removed. {eoa} 

Teresa Shields Parker is a wife, mother, business owner, life group leader, speaker and author of Sweet Grace: How I Lost 250 Pounds and Stopped Trying to Earn God’s Favor and Sweet Grace Study Guide: Practical Steps to Lose Weight and Overcome Sugar Addiction and Sweet Freedom. Get a free chapter of her memoir on her blog at Teresa Shields Parker.com. Connect with her there or on her Facebook page or Twitter.