God, Do You See Me?

Life doesn't always turn out exactly as planned, but often times, the results of difficult situations make us stronger! Sometimes I believe God allows those times in our lives so that we have no alternative but to turn to him.

Since August of last year, my life has taken one hard hit after another. At times, I feel as though I have lost everything. From a car accident that totalled my car, the loss of my job, having to relocate back to TN from GA, and many other things that I will not name, it seemed easier to give up - to retreat! After all, if living righteous and good only brings pain and heartache, what's the point, right?

Well, I will tell you what the point is. The point is that we are loved by one of the most amazing and greatest Fathers of all times! He endured so much, yet He loved. When he was rejected, He loved. When someone caused him pain, He loved. As he hung on a cross so that we might live and be free, He loved. He is so amazing! What an incredible example of humility and love he has shown us! Even through his pain, there was a plan. A plan that would be known throughout eternity! I believe that to be true in our own lives as well - sometimes we endure things and ask God "why?" While we may never know the reason for some of the things we go through, rest assured, He has a plan!

When we choose to press past our pain, He will carry us. However, we have to begin taking the necessary steps towards him. He is never going to drag us along and he will never "make" us do anything. He has given us the power to choose the path for our life. Which path are you on?

As for me, I thought it would be easier to put walls up around my heart. This way, no one could get in and I would not have to endure hurt from anyone. In this process, I put up a wall between me and God. I found myself living life carelessly and without purpose. It was too difficult to live the "perfect" life. Funny thing is - God never expects us to live perfect. I believe he expects us to search after him and to strive to live a life that is pleasing to him, but he is not looking for perfection; he is simply looking for someone who is willing to love him, to seek after His will, and to do their best.

If you are like me, you may find yourself asking the question, "What if I fall?". Here's the answer: If we fall, He still loves us. He never changes! He never fails us! And He never leaves us! He is dancing over us even now. We are his children and there is nothing that can take us from his hand. He loves us unconditionally.

Do we really grasp the concept of unconditional love? There is NOTHING that can separate us from him. Nothing! The amount of grace and mercy He gives is incomprehensible. It doesn't matter what you have done...It doesn't matter what happened yesterday or 10 years ago...He loves you!

Do not waste one more minute of your life trying to get "perfect" before you turn your heart towards him. Run to him! He bids you to come just as you are! He will walk with you, he will show you the areas in your life that need improvement and He will give you the power to do it! He cares about you more than you can imagine! He will not let you fall without lending you a hand to pick you back up. When your heart is broken, He will mend it. When you feel completely alone and are hurting, He will wrap you up in His arms and hold you! He loves you and has given so much for you already! He paid a huge price for you. Your worth is invaluable!

I am so thankful that He cares enough for me to pour into my life the valuable tools needed to break the walls down, to carry me when I can't even seem to stand, and for sending friends who lift me up with words of encouragement and prayer. He is truly an awesome God and he ALWAYS has our best interest at heart!

I challenge you to take at least 5 minutes out of your day and tell him how much you love him. Spend some time with him. Get alone with him today!

Relationships take time. They are what you put in to them!!!

Thanks for reading! Have an awesome day!!! Melisa

Safe In His Hands

Life is full of surprises. Along with times of great joy, life has anxious and fearful moments, and when they occur, we find ourselves uncertain of what lies before us. The word of God tells us in Isaiah 49:16, that He has engraved us in the palms of His hand. Do we even grasp the reality of what is being said here? It is estimated that the population of the world will be 6,848,932,929 by the year 2010. Take a moment and look at your hand, focusing only on the palm. Now imagine writing your name in the palm of your hand. You see it there? Now imagine adding another 6,848,932,928 names to your one! THAT'S ONE BIG HAND! : )

As a child, I'm sure you remember singing, "He's got the whole world in His Hands." Have you ever pondered how vast the world is? One source states that the world is 195,000,000 square miles in area. Of that, 57,500,000 square miles are land. And about 137,500,000 square miles are oceans. It is 24,961 miles in circumference, going around pole to pole. And 7,926 miles wide at the equator. (Philips Map Book) In short terms, the world is larger than we can comprehend! And to think...He holds it in His hands!

The Lord holds us up with His right hand. The Lord's Hand is mighty in battle, strong enough to discipline those He loves, yet gentle enough to uphold them in times of trouble. His hand is always extending to those who seek after Him and in His hand He holds blessings for each of us! Psalm 63:8

God is more than sufficient! Everything we have need of, He has! We can be confident that through Him, we have the ability to rise above any circumstance. The enemy is at constant work, trying to detour us from the path that Christ has set before us. Satan would desire to hinder us from finishing the race we are on to reach the Kingdom of God. But through Christ, we are more than conquerors for our time is in HIS hands. His grace is more than able to sustain us!

But He said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness. Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. 2 Corinthians 12:9

Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. Romans 8:37

In John 10:28, Jesus says, “And no one can snatch them out of my hand.” I love that picture of Christ holding us in the palm of his hand! When we face adversity, Jesus holds on! When we face death, He still holds on! No matter what happens in this life, HE HOLDS ON! Nothing, absolutely nothing, can snatch us from His hand! We are safe in His tight grip!

In his hand is the life of every creature and the breath of all mankind. Job 12:10

I challenge you today to take the focus off of your circumstance, and place it on the ONE who holds you in His mighty hands! His grip on you is tight! His promises are true and He will not allow you to be snatched from His hand! He is great in power and His power is great in you! Take courage and fight! Your circumstances may seem big, but God is so much bigger! Take your place child of the King and stand firm! When you are weak, rest behind the shield of the Almighty and let Him fight your battles! Take heart and know that you are safe in His Hands!!!

HE KNOWS THE PLANS HE HAS FOR YOU! Jer 29:11
"We give thanks to you, Lord God Almighty, the One who is and who was, because you have taken your great power and have begun to reign. " Revelation 11:17