As of late, I've been challenged greatly to think about why I believe and value the things that I do. Why I hold so closely my relationship with the Lord and my Christian Faith. Well... to many, it's not going to make much sense. I may be seen as "weird" or 'crazy" for believing in something that I cannot physically see or tangibly touch, but I still experience just the same. So here we go...
I believe in God the Father, Christ the Son, and the Holy Spirit. The trinity. The 3 in 1. That each is made uniquely, yet knit togetherin 1. Each with their own role in the lives of God's children.
I believe that Jesus Christ was God made flesh to walk this earth and experience life as we experience it. I believe that He died for our sins, that we may be forgiven and given life forever with Him. I believe He's our comforter in times of need and our strength in times of weakness.
I believe in the power of prayer to change circumstances.
I believe words are powerful and we should choose them wisely; with them we have the ability to build up or condemn.
I believe in the work of the Holy Spirit in the lives of those who accept Christ. I believe that the Spirit goes to work for us, intercedes for us, challenges us, convicts us, and gives direction and clarity in life.
I believe the Bible is the inspired, infallable Word of God that has not only backing from the history of 2 other religions (except for the New Testament), but also historical confirmation of the happenings recorded as true.
I believe in the Peace of God that transcends all understanding. A peace that cannot be described, which makes what I once worried about seem insignificant in the grand scheme of things.
I believe that everything in life happens for a reason. Whether it's meeting someone for 5 minutes and never seeing them again, or choosing a different route home only to find you're spared from some horrific scene. There are no coincidences...
I believe I have the power to change things in life by prayer and petition. I believe that if I ask, I will receive and be met in my deepest times of need.
I believe in a God who looks at the "impossibilities" of life and goes "It's possible".
I believe in a miracle performing, life giving Creator who loves deeply.
I believe love is the answer to everything. Love God. Love others. And the rest falls into place.
I believe God's hand has been a constant in my life. Whether it was in the midst of the chaos of my dad's accident and recovery, my brother's disappearing, my mom's life threatening health problems, or in my own heartaches and loneliness.
I believe my faith has turned to a relationship with the One and Only. Not just a belief system, but a personal, tangible 2-way relationship where I chat with Him and He speaks ever so gently to me. His reminders, His love, His provision is found in the simplicity of the everyday, the beauty of a sunset, or the promise He gave with silly pink flower.
I believe He loves us. Oh how HE loves US! With such gusto, with such grace, with such mercy and gentleness. I know His presence, I know the comfort of His arms, I know the peace that is only found in Him. And it's unexplainably wonderful, wrecklessly abandoned, undeservingly sweet.
And why do I believe in all of this? Because it's been proven to me over and over in my own life. Because I've had tangible, real experiences that have proven to me the credibility and reality of it all. Because I've met with the One and Only in a way not many experience... and His grace is sufficient. Because I've been a witness to His miracles; His hand has turned around many devastating moments in my life. Because I've seen the healing He brings not only to the weary soul or the broken heart, but even to the physical body. I've seen, I've heard, my heart has understood Him in His works. His unseen glory is where my faith and trust kick in... trusting the promptings of my spirit and His spirit at work in me to speak and bring truth in my life.
I guess what all of this boils down to is this: I'm in love with my Savior, my sweet Jesus. And to the outside world I may look a fool. I may seem ridiculous. But the beauty of His majesty has invaded my soul and taken me from the insecurity of this world to His unfailing arms. When all else fails, He remains. When everything is a mess around me, He's the only clarity I have. When circumstances and people disappoint, He is my strength and my fortress, my God in whom I trust.
He's made me who I am today. And without him I would be nothing. I don't even know if I'd be here today if it weren't for His loving kindness and His merciful grace that sees beyond the mess to the heart of a woman who wants nothing more than Him.
He's my one true love. I get lost in His presence. I find peace and rest in Him. I meet him in the great outdoors and even in the everyday chores. He whispers in the wind. He reveals His care in the love of dear friends. He knows my needs and provides in miraculous ways that can only come from Him. He romances me with his goodness and beckons me to His side. He's my everything....
Tears.
Lots of them.
All because Grace has found me... and His love quenches the deep thirst of the soul to be known and loved.
True Love:
Come close listen to the story
About a love more faithful than the morning
The Father gave His only Son just to save us
The earth was shaking in the dark
All creation felt the Fathers Broken Heart
Tears were filling Heaven's Eyes
The day that True Love died, the day that True Love died
When blood and water hit the ground
Walls we couldn't move came crashing down
We were free and made alive
The day that True Love died, The day that True Love died
Search your heart you know you can't deny it
Come on, lose your life just so you can find it
The Father gave His only Son just to save us
The Earth was shaking in the dark
All creation felt The Fathers broken heart
Tears were filling Heaven's Eyes
The day that True Love died, the day that True Love died
When blood and water hit the ground
Walls we couldn't move came crashing down
We were free and made alive
The day that True Love died, The day that True Love died
Now, Jesus is alive
Jesus is alive
Jesus is alive
Jesus is alive
Jesus is alive
Oh, He is alive
He rose again
When blood and water hit the ground
Walls we couldn't move came crashing down
We were free and made alive
The day that True Love died, The day that True Love died
Come close listen to the story
True Love - Phil Wickham
