“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.” (Jeremiah 29:11-13)
As I’ve explored myself as a Christian, there are times when I think of the path I’ve walked. The things I’ve seen and done. All in an attempt to fill the void in my heart and soul.
I don’t regret learning and studying other religions. I do regret the time away from God – I know now how much I needed Him in my life. But I also think studying other religions has given me the opportunity to learn and grow more as a Christian. It’s allowed me to come back to God with a full heart and knowledge of what the commitment I’ve made to Him means. I wasn’t ready to come back until I truly and fully was open to that commitment.
Which ties into last Saturday’s sermon, which was a discussion on 1 Corinthians 10:13.
No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.
As the pastor talked about this verse, he talked about sin and how God gives us ways out of sinning. He will keep helping us say “no” if we trust him in our time of temptation.
As I’ve thought about that sermon and the message our pastor conveyed, I thought about how it can apply to my life in a larger sense.
I spent almost 30 years searching for something to fill the hole in my heart and soul. I did things I will regret for the rest of my life to fill that hole. But it wasn’t until I was in a truly dark time that I was finally able to see the light and healing that God offered me.
Of course God was there all along but I couldn’t see Him. I was so angry at the church that I couldn’t even feel his presence around me. But when I sought healing with all my heart? That’s when I was finally able to reach out, swallow my pride, and feel his healing grace.
I look around me at the miracles I have witnessed – small and large – and know that through it all, God was there. Waiting for me.
He led me to my friend, who led me back to church. He led me to the church where Dr. Collins was – the man who could speak in a way that would help me come back to God. He led me to swallow my pride and heal the rift between my sister and I – the one that had kept me from the church for almost 20 years. He helped my friend guide me – my friend gave me the bible I treasure, my friend has sat and listened and talked with me as I’ve read that bible and struggled to understand what it all means. He led us to the new church we tried a few weeks ago where my soul was filled with God’s presence. God has helped me every step of the way and it’s because I sought him with all my heart and was willing to say “yes” to all He has to offer.
My life isn’t perfect. I still struggle and will keep running into obstacles. But it’s incredibly easier because I know that God is here for me. He has and will continue to help me every step along the way. There is no greater blessing than that.
Thank you, Lord, for all you have and continue to do to bless my life. Thank you for my friends and family who are by my side and have supported me on my path to you and your grace. Amen.