Monday, June 6, 2011

Staying Strong

I stepped out on faith.  I trusted when I didn't even know what I was doing.  I was willing because He said go.
I have lived in Birmingham, AL for about 4 months now.  The move was one of the smoothest moves I have ever experienced in my life.  I know all about moving - I think I have moved about a dozen + times in my life.  Since being in Birmingham, my faith in God has been tested.  A test that at times has been easy to surpass because of the strength I find in the Lord, and at other times, it has been one of the biggest struggles.  I continue to seek the Lord despite the struggles.
I live alone with the exception of my amazing pet - Kody Bear.  I am so thankful that God gave him to me, because at times, he is the only tangible friend I have.  Don't get me wrong, I love where I am, and so incredibly thankful for where I am.  I asked for this.  I didn't ask to be alone, but I asked to be filled, embraced, immersed in the word.  I am soaking it up.  Day in and day out, I find myself in the word, whether it be at church or in school.  I asked to be put in a place where I would learn, to be in a place that would feed me and fulfill the hunger and thirst I had and still have today.  I hunger and thirst in a different way these days.  My life is changing.  I know that it is not me who is working but it is God working in me.
God has blessed with me with a roof over my head and food on my plate.  Clothes to keep me warm and a car to drive me to and from school and church.  There are so many things that God has provided me with.
I have always - or so it seems - been surrounded by others.  A group of friends, a family gathering, but these days, I spend a lot of time alone.  I hope that this does sound not like complaining, its just a moment of truth.  I seek Him more and more each day.  I pray that I can feel His warm embrace.  I seek His will for my life. 
No matter the darkness that sits upon our life, the dew that seems to keep us from moving forward, seeking Him in the moments of weakness will only strengthen us when we are standing firm and strong with Him in strength.  I am not weak, I am strong.  I am only strong because of Him.  He deserves my praise no matter how I feel.  He deserves my praise even when I have a hard time uttering His name - JESUS!!!  He is here, he is carrying me - he is carrying you - stay strong in your love, stay strong in your faith.
Jeremiah 29:11 - For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.