Webster’s Dictionary defines Lateral as: “of or relating to the side. Situated on, directed toward, or coming from the side.” In American football, a Lateral would be a pass thrown parallel or backwards away from the line of scrimmage. In other words: NOT MOVING IN A FORWARD MOTION.
What is a lateral life? A life consumed in self-inspection. A life, eyes fully locked, on what you can see, touch, feel, experience right here, right now on this planet in your lifetime. Lateral. How many of us have, or currently are, wasting our time here on lateral consumption? So consumed, so intrigued, so focused on stuff going on here and now–fully oblivious and blind to the eternal–and finding yourself “not moving forward”? I’m not judging here, I’m identifying. I’ve wasted many a day, month, year analyzing and re-analyzing situations in my life–all the while praying, “Lord, help me figure this out so I’ll know why!”
Truth is: we don’t need to know the why. “Why” is a victim-based mentality’s closest friend. It is a self-based effort to control your own life to avoid pain. In truth, it is idolatry.
“Why” will dovetail you into a situation and keep you there for decades, if you allow it. Even if you can’t see the truth yet, you can lean on the Truth while you wait! Choose to believe God instead! Let’s trust that He truly IS above all things, knows all things, sees all things, and can lead us through all things by His grace, His strength, His mercy and His abundant forgiveness! Let us choose to believe His Word, ALL OF IT.
He paid so we can be on His Team!! 🙂
If you read this and you feel it is too much for you, trust me, He will meet you where you are. He loves you SO much! He wants to come in and tear down those walls of hurt, pain, the lies the enemy has told you, and set you free! He even said Himself in John 8:31-32: “…to those… who had believed Him, “If you remain in My Word, then you are truly My disciples. You will know the Truth, and the Truth will make you free.” Run to Him, run to the Word! He’s waiting!
Here are just a handful of scriptures to consider:
“…’My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness.’ Most gladly therefore I will rather glory in my weaknesses, that the power of Christ may rest on me.” 2 Cor 12:9
“We know that all things work together for good for those who love God, to those who are called according to HIS purpose.” Rom 8:28
“But seek first God’s kingdom, and His righteousness; and all these things will be given to you as well.” Matt 6:33
“Lead me to the Rock that is higher than I.” Psalm 61:2
And check out Romans 8:31-39:
“What then shall we say about these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who didn’t spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how would He not also with Him freely give us all things? Who could bring a charge against God’s chosen ones? It is God Who justifies. Who is He that condemns? It is Christ Who died, yes rather, Who was raised from the dead, Who is at the right hand of God, Who also makes intercession for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Could oppression, or anguish, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? Even as it is written, “For your sake we are killed all day long. We were accounted as sheep for the slaughter.” No, in all these things, we are more than conquerors through Him Who loved us. For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, will be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
Isn’t His Word wonderful?!
He is not against us! He is FOR US!!
Losing in the game of life? Turn to The Conqueror, King and Lord over All! He is willing. Surrender to His love, listen to His Word and Way, accept it over your own game plan. Abandon your losing team and move over to Jesus!
Let’s pray:
“Father, we come to You. We come in our tattered efforts and rags and fully claim that Jesus is the ONLY Way. We come in full repentance of trying to run our own lives, trying to sort out the pain, looking to man, instead of You, for answers to this life. Please forgive us of all our sin and wash us clean in Your blood that You shed for us at Calvary. Your sacrifice finished it. Through You, I can boldly come to You and believe that You are ALL I will ever truly need. Please send Your Holy Spirit to come and live in my heart, renewing my mind and my ways by Your holy Presence and Word. Wash me in the water of the Word. Create in me a clean heart, pure and holy before You and lead me in the way everlasting for Your Name’s sake. I surrender this mess I’m in to Your Wisdom, Your passion, Your LOVE. Thank You that I CAN TRUST YOU. In Jesus’ Name I ask and give thanks, AMEN.”
Now receive His Peace, His Joy, His Righteousness–it is yours by His grace, through faith in Him alone. Welcome home dear one! Welcome to The Team!! 🙂
*All quotes are from the WEB version and all emphasis is mine.
