I am so blessed.
Even when days are long, and my body is feeling more dead than alive, I know that my Redeemer Lives and that He is alive in ME. That is pretty cool. God has shown me so much grace throughout my life. Just yesterday, I was convicted with the thought that in my heart alone, in that moment, there was enough sin to hold Jesus to that cross. In the room I was standing in, filled with believers worshipping, there was enough sin; enough enmity between brothers; to require that cost. We are so loved by our Saviour, that He would go to such lengths for such an undeserving people. He not only forgives us, but He removes our sin from us as far as the East is from the West! How can we not stand in awe at this man, and offer our everything to Him in return?
My dreams. my hopes. my failures. my passion. my plans. my day.
He deserves our best, and He wants our all.
Taking this mindset into outreach and evangelism means that I don't need to convince or beg people into the Kingdom of God. I am not out on the streets to do people a favour if they happen to believe what I say. I proclaim the truth of the Gospel, because I am compelled by His love. There is room for little more! When we do not go out with joy overflowing because of the church and His grace, we have to push through so much more of our own battles. Even within the church, we need to depend entirely on His strength to love. Just as we look to Him when we fast and are hungry, so we need to look to Him daily for anything that we can possibly walk in!
Going back to my opening line...I am so blessed. for the forgiveness of my sins. for the name that I am called by my Maker. for the protection I have been given. for the family that I have. for the friends and the church around me. for opportunities to learn and grow. And, for Joe! He is an incredible man of God! When I am tempted to look inward and dwell on my insecurities, he helps me look out to cling to Jesus alone. When I am sick, he gives me sympathy. When I am lazy, he makes me laugh, then encourages me to work. He pushes me, he prays with me, he reminds me of my beauty and encourages me to love those around me in new ways. Spending day in and day out with someone sure is a good way to get to know them fast! Where his heart is focused on the now, and living with simple faith for what is tangible, my heart is dreaming big and trusting for God to fling wide the doors of heaven! Both of us deeply value the people- both family and friends- in our lives. When you think of us, please continue to pray. We appreciate your love and blessing on our relationship, and value your prayer.
