Changing Tides

“Everyone thinks of changing the world, but no one thinks of changing himself.”

-Leo Tolstoy

It is strange, looking back on our past selves. At times it can feel like you are reading someone else’s story. Lately, God has been growing and giving me a new perspective on life. A greater appreciation for the work He has done so far that I wouldn’t trade for the world. I don’t miss the old me, in fact, today, I would say that I am more “me” than I’ve ever been. What I mean is that God is restoring me to the image He first had in mind when I was created. Just as creation groans in longing to be restored, so do we.

Life has a way of pulling us away from the things we want most. We divvy up our time between family, work, church, and kids and forget that all of these areas can’t really be helped unless we first make time for God. He is why we are here, it’s all by Him and for Him. As I looked out over the ocean just a few short weeks ago, I was reminded of how small my problems really are, and that this world continues on, seemingly unaware of my personal woes. These waves won’t stop on my command or churn in response to my emotions. And why would I want them to? There is nothing more peaceful, more freeing than knowing God holds it all, these waves, my woes, and time itself…in the palm of His capable hands.

Do you know that you don’t have to fight your battles alone? Do you know that those heavy burdens you’ve been carrying can be laid at His feet? Cast your cares on Him for He cares for you (1 Peter 5:7). Let the God of the universe fight for you, shield you, comfort you, and love you. Many pretend that God doesn’t exist, that He doesn’t care about mankind or it’s problems. If that were true, why create us at all? He doesn’t need our worship, He doesn’t need broken servants to carry out religious rituals…we exist because He wanted us to exist. Think about it, we exist because His love can’t be contained. God, on His mighty throne, looked around and saw that heaven wasn’t perfect because it was missing you…

We cannot overestimate His love enough, and that is where people try to limit Him the most. God would rather you doubt His ability than His willingness. God is mighty, God is all-powerful and omnipresent, but at the core of His being, God is first and foremost LOVE. And I am starting to uncover more of that love, that calls forth my true identity. His love washes away the dirt and grim and uncovers the gold every time.

These tides are changing, the question is, are you willing to change with them? Will you let His waves of grace carry you deeper and farther from the shore of your comfort zones, into His presence? Will you surrender your life to Him, trusting that His strength is enough to keep your head above the crashing waves? Is He truly, your anchor in the storm?

I have a long journey ahead of me, full of challenges. Life can only get harder from here..and yet, looking back…I find that I do not wish to return to what once was or to remain where I am now. I’ve tasted and seen and now I can’t go back to not knowing, I can’t return to a life of emptiness. He is worth it all, He is worth giving my life for…God, I just want more of you, please take me there…

 

 

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