Jesus Appointment
Do you ever have moments or meetings that you know for sure the Lord orchestrated? Of course He is present in each conversation and interaction we have throughout the day, but I firmly believe that some occasions are special gifts from Him. Tonight was one of those times for me. A dear friend, mentor and role model and I met for one of the last times before I move to Indiana. After a time of catching up we began to dig into deeper issues. As I shared what I'd been feeling and thinking about recently we began to make amazing connections between our life stories. She had and does have some of the same exact feelings and struggles that I've had and have been having. It was strange and almost surreal to me when she began to say some of the things that have been on my heart for weeks. As we talked back and forth we actually grew more and more excited about how well we could identify with the other person's feelings. We began reading scripture that fit with what we were talking about and grew so excited about how God is working in both of our lives. I was literally smiling from ear to ear! Yay, God!
Then I stopped to think, should I really be that surprised? Shouldn't I expect God to show up for me in ways like this. Why do I worry about life, friendships, the future? He always shows up for me and has promised to always do so in every situation.
These are great reminders for me as I get ready to move to Indiana. Although there are SO many unknowns, and at times it is extremely overwhelming, God knows what He's doing.
Tonight I feel restless and ready to get going. I want to do things for God, and feel used by Him. It's time to close the chapter on my life in Grand Rapids and begin anew in Bloomington.
Yay for God surprising us when we shouldn't be surprised at His grace. Yay for old friends and relationships that will never go away with distance. Yay for new beginnings. Yay for opportunities to keep growing in God's plan for my life.
A prayer that I often pray over my own life, and pray for everyone else too...
Phillipians 3:7-14
7 But whatever were gains to me I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. 8 What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ 9 and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ—the righteousness that comes from God on the basis of faith. 10 I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, 11 and so, somehow, attaining to the resurrection from the dead.
12 Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. 13 Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.
As I move on to school and a doctorate degree, I remember that my ability to obtain an education is nothing. I don't take ultimate pride in my ability to study and learn, nor will I ever find great value in becoming a doctor. I know that my days on earth could end tomorrow so therefore, Christ and living for Him is all that truly matters to me. I pray that nothing in my life will ever become so important that this perspective is taken away from me. Praise God that He is first in my heart and life.
I pray that you readers and friends may find the same freedom and rest that I have experienced in letting God take first priority in my life.
Peace and Blessings to you all,
Rachel
