OK, I am going to try and keep this short today, but before I go any further, I want to share that this Blog is where I can pour out my heart about what the struggles are in my life and any single woman's life. However, not just to burden people, but to encourage them as I share how God lifts me out of these trials. I want to be as real as I can with you.
About 2 years, ago I left my home and job and volunteered at a Christian camp! Want an experience for me and a time God used to draw me closer to him. During these 3 months, I was really seeking God in what he would have next for me in his agenda after this. I knew it would be something to stretch me, but I choose to keep asking for direction! About a week before I left I got the opportunity to work in Co. at the YMCA of the Rockies. I was so scared but had great peace that I needed to go. I was just a little fearful about my parents not being too excited about this. As I was praying and seeking God's Peace on this I ran across 2 verses, that opened the door of courage in my heart to follow the Lord Wherever He desired. Let me share them with you.
Luke 14:26 says,
If any comes to me and does not hate his father or mother, his wife, or children, his brothers or sisters-yes, even his own life-he cannot be my disciple.
Matthew 10:37-38 says,
Anyone who loves his father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; anyone who loves his son or daughter more that me is not worthy of is not worthy of me; and anyone who does not pick up his cross and follow after me is not worthy of me.
Now, please don't take this that you have to hate your father or mother, son or daughter in order to follow the Lord! However, as I have been meditating and studying these 2 passages and the context around them, this is what I have taken from it and received much courage to follow whole heartedly after Jesus Christ my Savior.
What this is saying is the there is only 1 top priority in our life, and that belongs to the Lord! He will not compete for it, nor will he be second or third to anyone or anything else in our lives. If we want to live pleasing to him and serve as his disciples we are to Love and be obedient to first and foremost.
Please don't let this scare you as if you are going to have bad relationships or a bad life, but contrary to it. He gives us a life of abundance of joy, and peace, and for me Courage.
Why am I writing this today? Well, since my move to Colorado 11/2 yrs. ago, (which my parents accepted even with the few fears they had) I have had some choices to make there that went against the grain of my 24/7 environment out there. Very often only clinging to God's word and the peace he gave me was all the encouragement I had along with a few good friends and a wonderful chaplain.
I have now met a wonderful person who has touched my life so Amazingly. However, this and the fact that he is of of different racial and cultural background, and the fact that I may live there someday goes against the grain of many people, which doesn't bother me. The only ones that hurt at times are from those who are closest to my heart who don't always see. For sure, I understand concerns and worries, but it doesn't make it any easier.
Today, I cling to these verses. Why? Because as I search my heart for wrong motives in loving someone I believe designed to complete me. And also my motive in my desires, I know that I am only following the path that I believe whole heartedly is God's will for me. Today is hard as I think of those who do not celebrate this with me. I love them and am praying that God will work in their hearts as well as mine for understanding and peace about these decisions, but I love Jesus Christ first and foremost! Though none go with me still I will follow! No matter how hard some days!
I don't know what you may be facing today.. maybe you are afraid to make Christ first and follow with abandoned passion with him First, or maybe you already have and you may be having a day like mine, where you just desire God's peace and joy one more day as you take your cross and follow after him! He didn't say it would be easy, just worth it!
God-Bless, AnitaKay
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