I will always be a firm believer that everything happens for a reason.
Last week was an experience of a lifetime that I truly believe would not have happened if it were not for the grace of God. Before the Waste Management Phoenix Open, I had my Thursday to myself while I was home. I got to practice, spend time with family, catch up with friends, and make new ones!
What I was truly looking forward to was going to the Young Adult night with one of my best friends Katie! I first attended this group when I was home for winter break and she invited me to go to their opening night. Ever since that night, I could not help but feel so moved by God and my fire for Christ being aflame. With a desire to go back, I reached out to Katie and asked if I could attend a young adult night with her while I was back, and I am so grateful I did.
Even though I came back for Waste Management, in my spirit, and in my soul I know that God intended for me to hear the message the pastor preached that night. Being around like-minded young individuals that are on fire for Christ is good for the soul and good for your overall well-being. It is so inspiring and heartwarming to see people my age give their lives to Christ. With the current climate of the world, it can be easy to feel like Elijah and feel alone in a hopeless state.
God knows where you are, and sometimes you can find yourself in the wrong place or a place you were never intended to be. Stop running from your purpose, stop running from the plan He has for you, and stop running to the world for comfort.
Sometimes I have to take a seat and really understand that I have NO control at all, and most of my stress, anxiety, and worry come from me trying to control the unknown. I had to make peace with the fact that the world can not offer me what God can. I had to go within and examine my motives, my desires, and ask God to cleanse my heart.
On Thursday night the Holy Spirit moved, and I was completely convicted and set free from caring about what other people may think of me, regardless of where I am. If I want to praise God, if I want to shout from the mountain tops, I WILL!
Praising God is something that I believe Christians tend to overlook. Praise and worship go hand in hand and we are blessed to be able to serve while we are on this Earth. I know it is easy to feel embarrassed or discouraged from singing your heart out while at church but then I think about concerts. Why is it that at concerts, people can let loose and scream and shout but at church, we can barely lift our hands to God? Do not let other people get in the way of your faith and your walk with Christ. At the end of the day, and the end of the world, it will be you and him.
While at church, Katie and I were both taking notes while following along with the pastor’s sermon he had. A few points that hit home were the following;
Do not trade temporary pleasure for your eternal peace
HUMBLE YOURSELF
Failure is not final, but FOREFIT IS
That night, I had to accept that it is not about me. Not my website, not my degree, not my golf game, none of it is my doing. The purpose I have on this Earth is to do my part in sharing the gospel and the love of Jesus Christ.
Throughout your journey with God;
You will fail.
You will stumble.
You will want to quit.
But greater is he that is in you than he who is in the world.
Be unapologetic and bold in your faith.
Listen and read His word.
Find your go-to person who will pick you up when you fall.
God answers prayers, trust and believe that. Before going back home for my summer internship, I prayed to God that I would meet a true friend who embodies who Christ is and would help me on my journey as a believer. Lo and behold, I met Katie and I almost want to cry while typing this. I have never met someone like her in my life, and I am so proud to call her my best friend. Where I am weak, she is strong, and vice versa. She holds me accountable and inspires me to keep going when I want to give up. I thank God that I met her and I am so grateful that I waited for my prayer to be answered.
I hope everyone meets a Katie in their life, and if you haven’t yet, hold on tight they might still be on their way.
Be encouraged and know that the battle is already won.
Although this verse is simple, it holds so much truth and weight and is a great description of what a friendship should embody:
"Iron sharpeneth iron;
So a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend,"
Proverbs 27:17
As always I love you, but Jesus loves you more!
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