Nobody’s Doormat

You know that old saying: I’m nobody’s doormat!

I actually saw a rug today that said, “I will not be a doormat!” Although a clever play on words, this hits close to home for many, many people. Too often we hear of devastation brought about by someone’s abusive words or actions. Using others simply to promote one’s own gain leaves everyone wanting.

Because we were created with the freedom to make choices, thinking this freedom could be taken away makes us nervous. Even defensive. But authority – and consequently, submission – are a necessary part of life. We see it with:

• marriage
• teachers
• police officers
• parents
• employers
• and yes, God.

How do you feel about submitting to God?
Honestly, what was your first reaction just now?

• Do you question His motives?
• Do you trust His wisdom?
• Do you wonder what He’s really up to?
• Do you think He’s going to ask you to do the one thing you fear most?

I know I’ve pulled back at times because I didn’t understand what it really meant to submit to Him. And more importantly, I didn’t know Him. As a young woman, I would visualize God waiting to pull the rug out from under me – right when I least expected it and everything was going well. Ever have that feeling? I’m not sure where I picked this up. (It is completely false, by the way. This is NOT how God thinks or acts.)

But those little filters (right or wrong) make a huge difference in how we think and act and process information. They change our decisions and direction and future.

What if God’s greatest desire is for you to submit to His love? What if it’s not about control, but communion? What if submission to God is all wrapped up in His eternal vision for us to walk this earth in perfect wholeness, freedom, and unity with Him?

Over and over in my journals He says to me, “Amy, let Me…”

• Let Me be your courage.
• Let Me be your strength.
• Let Me show you who you really are.
• Let Me love you like I want to love you.

Look at I John 3:16.

“We know love by this, that He laid down His life for us…”

Jesus was nobody’s doormat. He wasn’t the brunt of His Father’s joke or under the control of those who mocked and killed Him. Jesus (who was God) surrendered Himself willing to His Father’s perfect plan: life, death, and resurrection as a man. Why? For love.

• For His love for His Father.
• For the Father’s love for Him.
• For their love for the world.

This love didn’t mean an easy road. It didn’t come free of pain and trials. Just the opposite. But it also carried the constant companionship, comfort, and guidance of His Father. As Jesus submitted daily to His Father’s love, He walked this earth filled with God’s wisdom, power, and love. He lacked no good thing and fulfilled a destiny otherwise impossible.

What if God’s greatest desire is for you to submit to His love?

How would that change how you see Him? How would that change how you see His leading? How would that change how you respond to His call?

This week, today, for the next hour…

• Let Him reveal His wisdom to you.
• Let Him open up your wounds and bring healing.
• Let Him be your courage, strength, and peace.
• Let Him love you.

I’d love to hear your story…
Please leave a comment below.