Everyday we make thousands of choices to prioritize the activities, the lifestyles, the people and the things we value. We make space to have the type of life we desire. Our choices are made based on numerous reasons; convenience, desire, necessity, leisure etc. How and what we choose can affect our present and our future. I want to take some time in this blog to share my most important pivotal life changing choice. It has transformed my past, my present and my future. Sit back, get comfy, and join me…
My life as a young girl had been ruled by fear. It felt as though I was always afraid of something, especially anything new! New things represented for me change that I couldn’t prepare for. It made my whole insides feel as though I was going to be physically sick. The fear became even more insurmountable as my family returned to Ontario, Canada from living overseas in Africa for 3 years.
I was faced with the awareness that I was no longer near any of the friends that I loved and was forced to make new friends. I couldn’t control how any of it was going to go. But I had already determined that it was probably going to go poorly.
Though I was raised in a home where we went church, Sunday school etc. and I was read the Bible every night…the personal relationship I could have with Jesus had not become real to me. My parent’s faith in God was not my own. Not yet.
When I was 8 years old, I remember looking through my picture storybook Bible. I was struck by a picture where Jesus is out in a boat with His disciples. Jesus is sleeping in the boat while the storm is raging all around them. The disciples are terrified. They proceed to wake Jesus up in a panic to do something! Jesus stands up and commands the wind and waves to be still. Instantly, the wind dies down and the waves shift to gently lapping quietly against the boat.
It was in that moment, the Holy Spirit began to reveal the need that I had for not just knowing about God, but asking Jesus to be My Saviour, My Lord, and My Redeemer. I was drawn to this power I saw displayed in the person of Jesus Christ, and I knew I needed Jesus’ power to do life! I was very aware at a young age that I needed someone much bigger than myself.
One of the many things I celebrate of my parents is that they made space for me to know Jesus personally and it changed everything for me! It was the greatest gift they could have ever given! My relationship with Jesus gave me a new past, present and future! My life as a daughter of God gave me a brand new LIFE!
My parents created space for me to encounter the Lord. The environment that surrounded me was one that made me very aware of His Presence. However, ultimately, the choice to receive Jesus, to let Jesus in…was mine. My parent’s faith shaped my decision and longing to know Jesus, but it could never make me a believer in Jesus.
When I became lover of Jesus, what took over this fear ridden little girl, was a supernatural boldness that couldn’t contain the Good News that I had received. It was something that was not natural in and of myself. Already, He was transforming me into the person He had designed me to be…His emboldened daughter! I remember vividly bringing my picture Bible on the school bus with me. I would sit with friends and show them stories of what Jesus has done. I would ask them if they knew Jesus. I was burdened at a very young age for the lost. My diary detailing my daily activities quickly shifted to a journal filled with prayer requests for family and friends to know Jesus personally. I couldn’t contain the joy and the earnest desire I had for everyone to encounter Him!
Life and circumstances can hinder us from hearing the voice of the Lord to enter into the family of God. Yet, there is also an enemy who works hard against people; blinding eyes and ears, and hardening hearts from the saving work of Jesus Christ. The enemy wants you to stay stuck, to stay lost, to believe that you are better off without a personal relationship with Jesus. He HATES anything of God! He loves when we crowd our life with distractions, with self sufficiency, with shame, pain, and disinterest. The enemy does not want you to have true lasting, abundant, and vibrant LIFE!
Remember that young girl I described earlier? That little girl grew up and one of the many purposes He planted in my heart was a calling to share the Good News of Jesus! My prayer as you read this blog is that you would see the need to know Jesus personally and intimately. I pray that the eyes and ears of your heart would be opened to the call of Jesus on your life. It is He alone who fills the voids, the aches and the longings of our hearts.
My dear reader, do you know the One who thought of you from before time began? Do you know the One who created you? Do you know the One who has dreams, purposes and good plans for you and your life? Do you know the One who sent His one and only Son to die to ensure that there would never be anything to separate you from His deep, vast, overwhelming, and rich love? God the Father, Jesus the Son and the Holy Spirit are passionately enthralled by YOU! It is knowing Him personally and intimately that changes everything! You are loved by the King of kings and the Lord of lords.
Making space for a relationship with Jesus Christ will change everything for you! No longer will you be defined by your past. You will be able to receive forgiveness, redemption and His freedom! He will set you apart for His purposes, plans and dreams…which are beyond anything you could have planned or dreamed for yourself! You will receive the enabling power and ability to live a life that is victorious because of His Presence which comes to indwell you! His Presence goes with you in all things…you are never alone! And I can’t forget to mention the glorious future you have in Him. It is a hope that will not disappoint! I could go on and on about the blessing upon blessing, the gift upon gift, and the favour upon favour that He bestows upon His children. Will you make space for Him to change everything?
