(Original Post 3/22/2016 – Updated 3/30/2021)

I love a good movie, don’t you?  I love getting lost in a great story with rich, well-developed characters that takes me to another place and time (unless it’s about time travel, in which case be prepared for questions!)

I enjoy historical fiction, sci-fi, fantasy, and most movies of the Hallmark variety, but ask my family what five little words will get my vote every time, and with the required eye-rolling, they will tell you I’m a sucker for movies that are…..“based on a true story!”  I love compelling human dramas where real people have overcome giant obstacles and fought their way to a resounding victory (think “Blind Side” and “McFarland”…) I love seeing odds being overcome and I also really love those sappy, happy endings…..

I’ve spent much of this evening reading through the gospels, remembering what is recorded about this last week of the life of Jesus.  I’ve read it all before, and each time I’m drawn more deeply into this story – this real life drama that changed the course of history into eternity.  Each time I read through these passages, something new inevitably catches my attention and tonight it was found in the 12th chapter of John.  Some people who had come to Jerusalem for the Passover Feast wanted to meet Jesus, and they asked Philip to make the introduction.  Pretty ordinary stuff so far….

But the way Jesus speaks with them is anything but ordinary. He begins talking about his death, comparing his life to a kernel of wheat that falls to the ground and becomes seed that produces many other seeds and how his Father will honor those who serve and follow him….and then the words in verses 27-28 that made me feel just how human Jesus really was:

“Now my heart is troubled, and what shall I say?  Father, save me from this hour?  No, it was for this very reason I came to this hour.  Father, glorify your name!”

Just take that statement in for a moment…..do you hear it?  

Do you feel it?  

What I see in Jesus – in that moment – is that there was part of him that was NOT  looking forward to the next few days. His heart was troubled….and rightly so!

But I’m so glad he said these words, that he was transparent enough to share his humanity because I really need to know he understands what it is to face dread, anxiety, fear and so many other human emotions that threaten to swamp me at times.  And not only face them….but push through them to show me the way….

This is why I love him so.

This.  Right here….

Jesus didn’t float through life on angel wings with a fixed halo just biding his time until he could resurrect and leave this place.  He came, and he stayed because he was compelled by love, then he laid it all down in the greatest sacrificial act of all time….and changed the world forever.

Jesus prays such tender, intimate and desperate prayers during these last few days.  It wasn’t easy!  But he was led by love….love for God, and such love for us.

The word that keeps coming back to me on Day 36 is “compelled.”

Jesus was compelled by love to save us, and I am compelled by love to follow him.   <3

Faith Over Fear,

Shellie ♥

Oh How I Love You

Jesus Culture feat. Martin Smith

Father in heaven
You know my longing
You hear my every
Thought and prayer

I bring you
My heart
And all my affection
I long to love You

To love You with all that I have
To give to You all that I am

Oh how I love You
Bow down before You now
God I adore You
Worship before You, lay my life down

You are my Refuge
The one that I run to
I find my strength in You alone

I know you are with me
Here in this moment
Teach me to love You

To love You with all that I have
To give to You all that I am

Oh how I love You
Bow down before You now
God I adore You
Worship before You, lay my life down

I live my life for one thing
Poured out as an offering
An offering of worship
To lay my life down
I live my life for one thing
Poured out as an offering
An offering of worship
I give to you now.

Oh how I love You
Bow down before You now
God I adore You
Worship before You, lay my life down
Oh How I love You
God I adore You, God I adore, God I adore