Tag: God’s love

Letting Go

I haven’t posted in quite some time. During this lapse, I celebrated several birthdays including my own, said goodbye (for now) to a beautiful person and dear friend, lost a much-loved pet, helped to plan a Bridal Shower and Bachelorette Party for my best friend, shared the holidays with my family, began attending a behavioral health program, played in a hand-bell performance at my church, and watched with joy as my best friend said “I do,” to name a few.

There have definitely been some ups and downs.

But I feel like that is what God is trying to teach me. No matter what happens in my life – whether it be good or bad – He is there, and He is loving, and He is sovereign. And He is using my circumstances to mold and shape me so that I can fulfill His plans for my life.

Today as I was driving home from a difficult psychiatrist appointment, the Lord spoke to me through several songs: “Just Be Held,” by Casting Crowns, “Come As You Are,” by Crowder, and “Help Me Find It,” by Sidewalk Prophets. I felt like God was saying to me:

“Crystal, you’ve got to let go. Stop trying to control everything. Stop trying to be perfect. Stop trying to please everyone. Come to me just the way you are – weaknesses, sins, brokenness and all. Look to Me. Rely on Me. Trust Me. I am your Father, and I love you. Life will not be easy, but I will guide you as you move forward in faith.”

And that’s what I want to do.

I will most likely stumble and fall…but I trust that I will keep getting back up by God’s grace. And keep moving forward.

I want to let go – moment by moment…and fall into the arms of the God who will never let go of me.

 

 

The featured picture is a shot that I took with my phone when I arrived home from my Dr.’s appointment today. In the photo it looks like the sun, but it’s actually a tiny slice of a rainbow (there were numerous colors). This was another reminder that God sees me, sees where I am and what I’m struggling with. And that with Him, there is hope.

He Loves Us Anyway

Have you ever felt unlovable?

I’ve been feeling a little like that this evening.

My heart is discouraged and I’m not quite sure why. I don’t have a specific reason…I just feel “down,” and I wonder why anyone would want to be around me.

As I was driving home from visiting my husband at work, however, a song came on K-Love radio that encouraged me. It’s called “You Love Me Anyway,” by the Sidewalk Prophets. Some of the words really hit home.

I am the thorn in Your crown
But You love me anyway
I am the sweat from Your brow
But You love me anyway
I am the nail in Your wrist
But You love me anyway
I am Judas’ kiss
But You love me anyway

The amazing thing is that the focus is not on what we have done or how horrible it is. The focus is on what Christ has done and how wonderful it is! It is just so amazing that He loves us anyway, even after all of the ways we’ve (knowingly or unknowingly) fallen short of His best for us.

Be encouraged today. No matter what you’ve thought, felt, said, or done, God loves you (and me!) anyway. ❤

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Photo credit: LifeLongDisciple

A Greater Purpose

18 I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us…
28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. 29 For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters. 30 And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified. 
~Romans 8:18; 28-30

Have you ever thought that God may have a greater purpose for us than just making us happy?

I love the verse Romans 8:28: “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” But if you look at the verses around it, a larger perspective seems to be given.

In verse 18 of Chapter 8, Paul writes that “our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.” Also, connected to the end of Romans 8:28 (regarding God working all things for our good) is verse 29, which states: “For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters.”

God wants to conform His children into the image of His Son, Jesus Christ! In this way, He receives the glory that He is due. And many times, He uses trials in our lives to make us more like Jesus.

Yes, God works out everything for our good, and He wants what is best for us. I believe this wholeheartedly! But sometimes He may accomplish His work in us through circumstances that we would not choose for ourselves. Circumstances that are difficult; uncomfortable; trying. But He knows what He is doing, and He knows that “our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us” (vs 18). He has a greater purpose!

This is often difficult to believe and accept. Truthfully, I am having a hard time wrestling with this truth right now. Over the past week, circumstances and situations have not been ideal. They have not turned out the way that I would have wanted. It seems as if my prayers are not being answered.

But I must believe that God knows what He is doing, and that He is working all of these difficult situations out for my good–and to make me more like Christ!

If you are struggling with difficult circumstances today and are feeling discouraged, do not lose heart! God does have a purpose, and He does have a plan. He does know what is best for us; and even though the path may be difficult and not what we would call ideal, in His great love for us He is working it all out for our good–both in this lifetime and for eternity!

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