How do we miss the importance of putting Jesus first? We often do. Giving Jesus the first seat in our lives is important. Making Him a priority and pushing past the unknowns will set us up for success. Walking in Christ for His purpose will lead to a fulfilling life.
Making Room For Jesus – Placing Him In First Seat
It is amazing to think about something as materialistic as a seat and how it can represent us as individuals. Often we can sit at the head of the table, first-class on an airplane or any of the many seats in a courtroom.
Just by knowing where you sit, we know you are of prominence, well provided for, ready to take the stand or to be judged.
A seat can also determine our spiritual growth.
Growing up in a family with musical talents; my mother was a singer, and my father was a guitarist and drummer. The music was very special. When I was in 4th grade, I had the greatest opportunity of my elementary school life. Beginning band signs up.
The buzz of excitement in the air was strong as the sign-up sheets circulated. Many kids, including myself, couldn’t wait to get home for parent signatures. I held my piece of paper so tightly that day.
You see, growing up in the military and living on base didn’t allow for many extracurricular activities. Not because we didn’t want to, believe me, we would have all been participating if we could. On-base school, at the time I attended in the ’80s, offered limited program activities.
We did have an on-base family community center. Where I spent my weekends. I learned to roller skate and found it was my jam.
Now you can understand the frenzy of emotion surrounding these sign-ups. I joined the beginning band that year and played until the 8th grade. Stopping as I entered my freshman year. My family moved on to another state and my dad took on his next military assignment.
My career in the band. Taught me a valuable lesson.
During my time in the band, I learned many things.
The most meaningful lesson for me regarded the very chair I sat on. I learned that your seat determined your value and influence within your section. Your seat determined your distinction in the band. Being “first chair” made you the leader and deemed you a competent player.
In elementary and middle school, to be the first chair meant you had to challenge the player next to you to move up to the next. Scheduling a time to meet, usually during lunch, to play a piece of music. The conductor would then determine who was the better player musically to sit in the higher chair.
The challenge I faced…
I loved playing the saxophone. So much so, I would teach the younger kids in my neighborhood. I believed I was good.
But…
I never wanted to reach the first chair. As much as I wanted to be noticed as extraordinary. I was much too scared to challenge the person who sat next to me. Complex thoughts ran through my mind. The first being, what if I failed?
What if I woke up to a bad day and couldn’t play as well? Were there more responsibilities that came with being promoted? Yes, these were my thoughts in 4th grade, and all while I played in the band.
I sat 3 seats from the last because I refused to move. I allowed my thoughts to control and leverage my ability to play. My thoughts declared I was a terrible player. When my heart knew I wasn’t.
Our lives are like sections of a band.
I can see our lives being played out like sections of a band. We can see God’s calling in our lives.
But…
We allow our thoughts to captivate our minds. This first seat is God’s plan for your life. All those people who sit before you are the stepping stone we must take. The enemy is whispering lies. Satan finds us alone, vulnerable, and questioning God’s will. He secures a spot in our thoughts. He speaks to us faintly, repeatedly. We don’t even realize it is happening.
And we don’t move. When we sit and pray to Jesus, we ask, “Help us see the plan you have in our life.” Yet, we remain blind. We sit in the shadows of lies, asking for help, but refusing to move out of fear.
The Bible speaks about this enemy. “Be careful, or your hearts will be weighed down with carousing, drunkenness, and the anxieties of life, and that day will close on you suddenly like a trap.” – Luke 21 – 24 – 36
I have had Satan speak so faintly; I thought his words were my very own thoughts.
Mondays are exciting as I get to plan out my week. I pray each morning God shows me opportunities to spread His word. Tuesday hits and then Wednesday. I hear; “I don’t feel like writing today.” “Writing is much too difficult.” “I have other things that need to happen today.”
Sneaky Satan – Strikes!
I love to write. In fact, so much so. If I get just 15 minutes to do it, I sit and write. I realized these thoughts were not mine. They felt like mine. How was it that I knew I was on the right path, but yet didn’t want to take those steps to obtain my goal? One word – Satan!
I stepped up and said, – No more. This week, I took back control. You can too, and I will tell you how.
Making Room For Jesus
The enemy’s plan is to keep us from succeeding in God’s plan.
In the book of John, the religious leaders, sons of Abraham, refused to listen and understand Jesus. They argued they were children of God, but denied Jesus. Jesus said:
“You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out your father’s desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies.” – John 8:44
These people were listening to misguided information. And really, it all makes sense. Satan can take our thoughts captive and use people to obstruct His work.
Now take note, the native tongue of Satan, our enemy, is lies. He is the greatest deceiver. Ephesians 6:12 states: “For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.”
Take back your thoughts.
Greetings from the enemy will always proceed, but Godly insight will extract his feed.
Don’t allow the enemy to misguide you and keep you from God’s will for your life. It is time to make room for Jesus.
It is true; Satan lives and thrives in this world. We must stop allowing this world to disciple us. It is time to leverage your life for the calling God has placed on your heart.
Whatever sin, thought, or lie that is keeping you from moving, it is time to declare — it has no power or authority over your life. Speak it out loud!
“In the name of Jesus, this _________ has no power over me!”
Declare it in His name. OHHHHH, boy, does Satan hate the name ABOVE all names. Jesus’ name implies humility, a virtue Satan does not possess. He flees at the very name of our sweet Jesus.
Then Pray To The Name Above All Names.
After declaring the stronghold that is keeping you from God’s will, it is time to ask God to help you make room for Him. Speak to Him, asking Him to show you the will and plan for your life. Ask Him to spark a passion in your heart, to learn and grow more spiritually.
“But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” – Matthew 6:33
Watch as He shows up in your life. Look back at all the various places you have seen in His handy work. Praise Him! Even in the midst of a storm, look for the breadcrumbs of His hand at work. Praise Him!
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him and he will make straight your paths.” – Proverbs 3:5-6
Seek community.
Part of making room for Jesus is finding a community that loves and serves him. Some may say: “I don’t need a church, I can watch on tv.” This is true, but Jesus made us for relationships.
It is in those relationships we can find support, comfort, and a warrior type of faith. These are the people with who you will do life with. These are people you will confide in. The people stand with you, fighting in prayer when a battle is occurring. These people love Jesus and love you.
The church will always be a place of refuge, a judgment-free zone, and where all people are loved and accepted. Need help getting connected? You can find a local church near you by using this handy tool.
Weapons to use against the enemy.
These are the weapons we can be used against Satan’s attacks.
- The Word of God – The Bible
- Prayer – Speaking to God
- People of God – Support from believers
Strongholds are no longer to hold you captive in the name of Jesus. My sweet sisters in Christ. Declare His promises in your heart.
Just like a football player dressed in full gear, not scared to run through the defensive line to get the ball, we are covered and protected by God. Go after that long shot and start advancing toward God’s first chair. One step at a time. Making room for Jesus. By HIS grace, we are saved!
Move freely, knowing your calling is for God’s glory.
Read More on Jen Schreiner
- How to Move Forward When You Feel Stuck
- Recognizing Our True Enemy: A Call to Focus on Faith
- The Power of Godly Friendships – 5 Key Qualities
- Why Isn’t God Answering My Prayers
- 5 Astonishing Facts About God
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