Hosea 6:1-3 are definitely some of my FAVORITE verses of all time.
1 "Come, let us return to the LORD.
He has torn us to pieces
but he will heal us;
he has injured us
but he will bind up our wounds.
2 After two days he will revive us;
on the third day he will restore us,
that we may live in his presence.
3 Let us acknowledge the LORD;
let us press on to acknowledge him.
As surely as the sun rises,
he will appear;
he will come to us like the winter rains,
like the spring rains that water the earth."
On a morning such as today, when the skies are cloudy, it is hard to get out of bed and move on. But as the sun showed its beauty through the clouds, it is obvious that even if we can’t see it, it is still there. Just like this, it is hard to see Christ in some situations in life. We may be clouded over in our mind and may be doubting; “Is He really there? If He is always with us, why is all of this happening?”
Just because we may not SEE Him in a certain situation, He is there. A few ways I know this is what is said in the books of Joshua and James.
Joshua 1:9 says “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go."
James tells us to count it all a blessing. Hardships teach us patience and perseverance. What we go through today is building up endurance for the future. Everything has a purpose in life even if we fail to see what that purpose may be at the time being. Patience is key. It is hard to come by for some, but if you know Jesus, you know He will provide, so have a little faith….. at least that is what I’ve been telling myself lately.
Recently I’ve been battling with one of the biggest decisions I’ve ever made in my life. Some of you know what I’m talking about, others of you really probably have no clue but you will find out soon enough. BUT the question is: Should I stay or should I go? The decision right now is ultimately up to God and I’m leaning on Him at the present moment. One thing that is holding me back is being scared. I’m scared out of my mind for 3 reasons:
1.) I’m claustrophobic and being on a plane isn’t an attractive idea to me.
2.) I’ve never been more than 12 hours from home (yes I did measure that in an increment of time instead of distance…. You know you’re from Kansas when….)
3.) The scariest part of this decision: Telling my parents I am planning on going and trying to get their blessing on the whole ordeal.
About a year ago, they completely shot down the idea of going to STP in Jax, FL with the Navigators. They didn’t do it because they don’t want me to learn more about Jesus, but more because I’m their “little girl” and their only girl. How would you feel?
My thought process right now is along the lines of, when God says go, you go. When He says stay, you stay. Yeah, definitely made that sound like we are His pets, but He DOES have possession over our lives, whether we like it or not. We are His and we are SUPPOSED to do what He tells us to do. A lot of times we don’t go when He tells us to do so. We don’t know or remember the promises He gives us (reference Genesis 12:1-4 where he gives Abram 7 promises).
An awesome friend of mine sent me this verse after we discussed the whole situation. It was exactly what I was looking for and it is the biggest promise EVER….. unimaginable is what I like to call it.
Matthew 19:29 says “And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or fields for my sake will receive a hundred times as much and will inherit eternal life.”
Another thing that we have a hard time doing is putting Christ first in our lives. First as in: BEFORE our school, job, friends, relationships, and even family. We want to please people in our lives. We generally put them before Christ in this instance because we want to please them.
Galatians 1:10 says “Am I now trying to win the approval of men, or of God? Or am I trying to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a servant of Christ.”
This concept is a bit foreign to a lot of people, some that are close to me. An amazing passage I look back to is Matthew 6:25-34. This passage touches base on two items that are real and huge in my life: worry and leaving. I’m a worrier, don’t get me wrong, but when we trust Him with our life, it is SO much more enjoyable. The last two verses of that passage state:
“But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”
HE comes first and HE will bless us with peace and wisdom in such situations. He is in control of this situation and this decision, although I’ve NEVER been so sure of an opportunity and a decision in my entire life. How do I know? Let's just say I feel like I'm talking about marrying the man of my dreams when I'm talking about going....... even though I'm not quite sure how that is supposed to feel........lol. He has shown me the path and, although it is one that is going to be hard to travel down, it will be exciting and He will bless me along the way.
As surely as the sun rises and the rains fall, Christ is present.
My final thought is Psalm 62.
1 “My soul finds rest in God alone;
my salvation comes from him.
2 He alone is my rock and my salvation;
he is my fortress, I will never be shaken.
3 How long will you assault a man?
Would all of you throw him down—
this leaning wall, this tottering fence?
4 They fully intend to topple him
from his lofty place;
they take delight in lies.
With their mouths they bless,
but in their hearts they curse.
Selah
5 Find rest, O my soul, in God alone;
my hope comes from him.
6 He alone is my rock and my salvation;
he is my fortress, I will not be shaken.
7 My salvation and my honor depend on God;
he is my mighty rock, my refuge.
8 Trust in him at all times, O people;
pour out your hearts to him,
for God is our refuge.
Selah
9 Lowborn men are but a breath,
the highborn are but a lie;
if weighed on a balance, they are nothing;
together they are only a breath.
10 Do not trust in extortion
or take pride in stolen goods;
though your riches increase,
do not set your heart on them.
11 One thing God has spoken,
two things have I heard:
that you, O God, are strong,
12 and that you, O Lord, are loving.
Surely you will reward each person
according to what he has done.”
With Him I can do anything, go anywhere, and withstand anything in a mortal kind of way of course. He has blessed me with this amazing opportunity and I have every intention of taking it. If God wants me to go, He will make it happen and I will go.
Sorry this was such a long note. I just thought I would give a little insight into me right now and what God has been telling me and teaching me. I would also appreciate any prayers you are willing to throw up there for me. Praying does wonders and nothing is too big for God. As stated at Main Event this last weekend, we have to have HUGE faith that He knows what He is doing. I believe He does and I hope that I follow where He leads me.
Thanks friends!!! I <3 you all and hope you have a great weekend!!!
P.S. Feel free to leave comments. I want to hear some input. It may help me figure out what to do with this whole situation :)
Even though we can't see it, we know it is there. What lies beneath it is beautiful and amazing :)
Kelly, I was serious when I posted below this picture. This picture is courtesy of Kelly French from her adventures at STP 2008. Thanks friend and I love you!!!
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