Once again, I find myself overwhelmed on my birthday. I can't believe that God wanted me. There is no other explanation for my birth. He wanted me. He knew me before anyone else knew me. The Bible says that He knit me together. Since then, He has never forgotten me. He has provided. He has sustained. He has abundantly given me more than I need. He has allowed me to experience pain in order that I might know His love. He has been my best friend and He has never let me go no matter how many times I try to run away. He has accepted me even though I have doubted.
Most of all, I can't believe He wanted me before I was born, knowing I would rebel against Him. He knew all of me, even the ugliest places of my heart, and He wanted me anyways. And He calls me beautiful anyways! What crazy love?
His original grace preceded my original sin. And on top of that, He knowingly chose to experience death so that I would never have to face it myself. I can't believe He wanted me here. Much less can I believe that He wanted me to live and never die. How am I to ever repay Him?
"Upon you I have leaned from before my birth; you are he who took me from my mother's womb. My praise is continually of you." -Psalm 71:6
Showing posts with label thankfulness. Show all posts
Showing posts with label thankfulness. Show all posts
Saturday, October 27, 2012
Thursday, July 26, 2012
Who Rescued Who?
Passing a car a couple days ago, I caught a glimpse of a bumper sticker in the shape of a doggie paw print. In the middle of the paw print were three words. "Who rescued who?"
It is very easy for me to slip into "God owes me" mode. I expect to be protected in storms, healed when I get sick and surrounded by people that care for me. To an extent, I live with a sense of entitlement. But what are these trifling things when compared to the greatest fear in any human heart? Death.
Before a perfect, holy God, we are disgusting. Our sin is intolerable, deserving of the most severe punishment. But by His own compassion, God sent Jesus. Rescuer. Savior. Perfecter. Jesus lived a perfect life--a life absolutely pleasing to the Lord. Yet in the midst of undeserved death on a cross, God turned His face, allowing the brutality for my salvation. For your salvation. Rising three days later, Jesus conquered death once & for all.
God has shattered the fear above all fears. He has destroyed the pain above all pains. How this can become mundane, I will never understand. It is anything but normal. Anything but expected. Anything but deserved.
We owe Him our praise, devotion, first fruits, and our best.
The next time I start sulking about a poor grade or tiring day of work.....who rescued who?
"For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins." -Colossians 1:13-14
It is very easy for me to slip into "God owes me" mode. I expect to be protected in storms, healed when I get sick and surrounded by people that care for me. To an extent, I live with a sense of entitlement. But what are these trifling things when compared to the greatest fear in any human heart? Death.
Before a perfect, holy God, we are disgusting. Our sin is intolerable, deserving of the most severe punishment. But by His own compassion, God sent Jesus. Rescuer. Savior. Perfecter. Jesus lived a perfect life--a life absolutely pleasing to the Lord. Yet in the midst of undeserved death on a cross, God turned His face, allowing the brutality for my salvation. For your salvation. Rising three days later, Jesus conquered death once & for all.
God has shattered the fear above all fears. He has destroyed the pain above all pains. How this can become mundane, I will never understand. It is anything but normal. Anything but expected. Anything but deserved.
We owe Him our praise, devotion, first fruits, and our best.
The next time I start sulking about a poor grade or tiring day of work.....who rescued who?
"For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins." -Colossians 1:13-14
Sunday, April 22, 2012
the year in review: part one
I recently read that to delight in God's people is to delight in His goodness. A lot of times we sing songs that say things like, "All I need is You." Yes, God is our sustenance, but He has also made us for community. We are designed for the company of others. I have never seen this more beautifully than I have this past year. The following friends have really enriched my life. With them, I have really been able to experience God's goodness in some amazing ways so I hope you don't mind if I use a post to just delight in them and all they have meant to me.
Bevvy
This girl has meant so much to me. I am so thankful that she is a part of my life. I have learned more from her than just about anyone else. Ever. It has been the most amazing thing getting to walk through life with her this year. To celebrate with her, step out of my comfort zone with her, cry with her, learn with her, serve with her and to watch God work with her. I seriously feel like the luckiest bible study leader at NC State because I get to lead with such a wise, gentle and Spirit-led woman.
Jessica
It is so hard for me to believe that we have only known each other for a year. She is always the first person I go to when I have had a rough day or just need someone to talk to. She knows more about me than anyone else and I am constantly overwhelmed by the way she still loves me despite all my rough edges. I am so thankful for our late night "swing dates," early morning breakfasts, and her accountability. I really don't know what I would have done without her in my dorm. I am going to miss her to death next year, but I am excited to see what God has in store for our friendship.
Lou, Molly & Danielle
On the left is my roommate. Not only is she a dream of a roommate, but she is also one of the most challenging and passionate believers I have ever met. Living with her has held me to new levels of accountability and really pushed me forwards in my relationship with the Lord. I am so grateful for the way God crossed our paths last year. On the right are two amazing women I met just this past fall. Their hearts for other girls and for the Lord are so beautiful. Once again, I feel so blessed to have friends with character that I can strive towards.
Bible Study Girls
This picture was taken back in August so it fails to capture the true nature of what our friendships look like now. (Hehe.) I am so amazed that God would give me the opportunity to be a part of all of their lives. He is so generous. I remember being so nervous about leading a Bible Study and thinking I wasn't good enough for the task. Somehow they have loved me despite my quirks and this group has been one of the biggest blessing of my life. Please pray that we will continue to see God bless our study, and that we will live bold lives in step with our Creator!
Sissy
Where do I even start with Cam? I have never experienced a transformed relationship like ours. A year ago we talked maybe once a month and only if we had to. Now, I have more fun with her than anyone else! I cannot explain all that happened, but to God be the glory for the way he changed both of our hearts and worked things out for good! I can't wait to share the rest of our life together; we have so much to look forward to!
Brandon
I know without a shadow of a doubt that I am the luckiest girl at NC State. It doesn't take being around him long for almost anyone to agree with me. I have never known a more generous or selfless man. I am more than excited to see all that the Lord is going to do with him and I feel so blessed to have a front row seat.
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