7 Day God Challenge – Day 2

"For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ" (Galatians 1:10).

Today, I was surrounded by Christians literally all day long. First, I went to coffee with a friend in the morning, in the afternoon I spent time with my brothers and cleaning, then concluded my day with family. All of whom happen to believe in Jesus, which is awesome :) anyways, when you hang out with Christians, there is this feeling ... I'm not even sure how to describe it. Basically, God has a way of shining through true followers of Him. For example, my grandpa is one of the most giving people I know. Tonight, I got to spend some time with him (along with all my other wonderful fam bam). He loves Jesus so very, very much. His ability to give never fails to astound me. He wants to give his love, his time, his money, even his chair to me! Sometimes, he doesn't even have the means to provide, but decides to anyways, because that's just the kind of guy my grandpa is. I tell him he spoils me, but he just responds that he wishes he could spoil me more! Honestly, he knows how to shower love to everyone, from family to strangers. He's not trying to please men, though that is true too. He tries to serve his King, and by doing so, serves everyone around him. To me, only a living, breathing truth has the ability to change people's hearts for life -- and that truth is my Savior.

7 Day God Challenge – Day 1 [for youth group]

For the next seven days, I'm going to write about where I've seen or experienced God in my day. It's funny. I'm always asking for direction from Him, when honestly, I don't spend all day thinking about Jesus. No wonder I never find directions; it's like following a broken compass!!!!

This morning, I sat outside and just thought. I don’t normally take time to just think, but I think it’s healthy to set aside time completely devoted to Jesus, without life’s obligations pressing on you. Last night, I prayed that I could just trust Him. Trusting Him takes two things: (1) realizing He exists and (2) knowing He’ll fulfill His promises. If you heard Pastor Meek’s sermon this past Sunday, you might recall his observation on a new bike trail he found. Well, those beautiful vineyards and plains happen to be right outside my house. So this morning, with a cup of coffee in hand and a Bible in the other, I took time to sit in awe of that breathtaking view on my back porch.

Peace. I experience a peace in God that I can never find anywhere else in this world; it’s out of this world. In the eerie silence, the wind blew my hair and the grass swayed to and fro while the sun’s rays shot through the cracks in the cloudy skies. The grass began to press harder to the ground with the increasing strength under the wind. The birds sang continually through it all as I sat. I felt my tiny, fragile state of being when I looked at the strength of the wind and the blooming flowers’ powerless attempts to resist it. Psalm 103:14-16 says, “For he knows how weak we are; he remembers we are only dust. Our days on earth are like grass; like wildflowers, we bloom and die. The wind blows, and we are gone – as though we had never been here.” And also like Isaiah 40:7-8 says, “The grass withers and the flowers fade beneath the breath of the Lord. And so it is with people. The grass withers and the flowers fade, but the word of our God stands forever.”

Oddly enough, these verses came to mind and I thought, “I’m like one little strand of grass, but He was willing to give His life to make sure I survived.” I’m not even a pretty piece of grass. I’m a withering, broken, bruised, ugly piece that God decided He wants to heal, mend, and never break (Matthew 12:20). Just then, the clouds broke and the heavens smiled down perfectly and I just know God had to be literally beaming from heaven. I know something so beautiful could never be an accident.

I guess Matthew 6:26-30 sums up what I’m trying to say: “Look at the birds. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for your heavenly Father feeds them. And aren’t you far more valuable to him than they are? Can all your worries add a single moment to your life? […] Look at the lilies of the field and how they grow. They don’t work or make their clothing, yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are. And if God cares so wonderfully for wildflowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you.”

Dear Beloved [Suffering]

Dear Beloved,
I opened your letter the moment it arrived. I have so much to say, yet until I return, you will have to review my other letters, along with this one.

In your latest letter, you wrote that you have forgotten what happiness is; that your soul lacks peace (Lam. 3:17). You also mentioned lack of endurance, and even wrote that your hope in Me has perished (Lam. 3:18). It grieves Me to see you suffer like this (Lam. 3:33). Child, do not fear (Lam. 3:57).

If you only take one thing away from My letter, remember that I will always be with you, through the highs and lows; I will never leave nor forsake you ... EVER (Josh. 1:5). I will always love you, so please don't fear nor be dismayed in this short time (Deut. 31:8).

I want to remind you of a few things. You're mine (Isaiah 43:1). You are precious in my eyes (Isaiah 43:4). My steadfast love and mercies will never cease for you (Lam. 3:22). They are new every morning (Lam. 3:23)! I'm always good to those who seek and wait for Me (Lam. 3:25). I love that you simply thank Me for My letters and wait quietly (Lam. 3:26). Oh, how I love you, that despite the troubles at such a young age that you bear so well (Lam. 3:27)! I will not cast you off forever (Lam. 3:31). I know I am causing you grief now, but I will have compassion according to the abundance of My steadfast love (Lam. 3:32).

One thing you must always keep in mind is why you suffer. I know it feels unbearable for you right now. But until I come back, you must help me do what you can, where you are. The enemy will be upon you, and you will suffer for My sake (Phil. 1:29). In fact, you experienced it the moment you joined my cause. But when these trials come your way, consider it pure joy, for it is simply a test for your faith in Me and my cause, producing steadfastness (James 1:3). Don't fight the trial, but fight for Me, and allow the trial to have its full effect, so you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing in Me (James 1:4). How beautiful are My little ones like you, who bring good news, publish peace, publish salvation, bring good news of happiness, while proclaiming, "My God reigns!" (Isaiah 52:7).

Please, don't doubt Me, for though the grass withers and the flowers fade, I stand unwavering above them all (Isaiah 40:8). I am not like a shadow due to change -- that is you (James 1:17; 4:14). Are my letters not proof of how I am living? Does My creation fail to impress you? Does My love, which reaches to the heavens, not show? Does my faithfulness, which reaches to the skies, not show itself as well? [Psalm 57:10]Your doubt tosses you around like a wave of the sea (James 1:6). You don't have to be tossed around. I can be your stronghold, life, and salvation (Psalm 27:1). What are you but clay in My hands? [Jer. 18:6] I will be a Rock for you, who leads and guides you for My sake (Psalm 31:3). I will never change (Hebrews 13:8).

I know you are afflicted in every way (2 Cor. 4:8). But why do you cry? Does a King not exist within your very soul? Has your counselor perished? [Micah 4:9] Of course not. How can I give you up, hand you over, or treat you badly? My heart recoils within me; My compassion grows warm and tender for you (Hosea 11:8). I lead you with with cords of kindness, bands of love, and ease your hardships (Hosea 11:4). And you know what? You aren't crushed. You're alive, surviving, and soon to be thriving. You're perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed (2 Cor. 4:8-9). Yes, death is at work in you in every way, but with Me, you have life (2 Cor. 4:10). And who knows? Maybe I will reward you here on earth through this tribulation (Joel 2:14).

Even without a reward, did you know glory comes through tribulations? Tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope. My hope will never disappoint you, because I poured my love into your heart by giving you the Holy Spirit (Romans 5:3-5). However, you still ask, "God, where are you?" You must realize I will do what pleases Me, not you (Psalm 115:2-3). Keep in mind that I am not excluding you. I know you intimately ... I know when you sit, when you rise, your thoughts -- all your ways (Psalm 139:1-3). Do I not know what's best for both of us? Just know that I am King and I am sovereign (Psalm 74:12).

I am coming for you soon, I promise (Rev. 1:7). At the end of the day, after all your trials, you will receive the crown of life, because you love Me (James 1:12). I'll never forget you [Isaiah 49:15] and I love you (John 3:16).

Whatever you do, loved one, don't lose heart (2 Cor. 4:16). For a joyful heart is good medicine (Proverbs 17:22). You will survive, even if you feel like you're wasting away. I renew you day by day (2 Cor. 4:16). I know life seems tough now, but this light, momentary affliction prepares you for eternal glory beyond all comparison -- life with ME (2 Cor. 4:17). Is that not worth more than all the earth? Just remember to look at the things unseen; for the things seen are temporary, but the things unseen are eternal (2 Cor. 4:18).

Love,
Your Father, Beloved, Sustainer, Rock, Creator, Lover, etc. :)

[P.S. Check out this song: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-U-hOMunpWo I thought it fit well with this post.]