"The only thing one can usually change in one's situation is oneself. And yet one can't change that either--only ask Our Lord to do so."
Today is April 15th, 2017 and tomorrow is Easter.
Crazy thing is, on the 27th this month; it will
have been 5 years since I fully gave my life to Jesus.
Since I was a little tot I had known of Jesus, and was taught to love Him.
Raised in church, conferences, all the “requirements” that
make us appear as Christians.
But, I was still pulled in many directions, like most
people.
Distracted, not aware, apathetic to a lot.
In school, dating boys, hanging out with lots of people who
were a lot like I was…
Pulled by popularity, drama, relationships, insecurities,
and family problems.
Lots of junk.
I had spent a lot of time watching people who were at church
conferences who seemed to have some insight I didn’t have yet.
They cried when they prayed and they talked with passion
about this man Jesus, who I’d heard a lot about.
I’d heard about Him in Sunday school. I’d heard His named
cursed in movies, and I’d seen pictures of Him at random places.
I knew of Him, but they seemed to have met Him.
I was pulled by wanting to know this man and being
distracted by the other things going on in my life for a long time.
I’d been going to conferences since I was 11.
On April 27th 2012, at 18 years old, I was at a
conference and for the first time in my life I encountered someone that was
worth walking away from the distractions to fully follow.
My “Cross the line” moment.
How I imagine the
disciples, looking up at this Man who says, “Follow Me”.
And without hesitation, they drop their plans, dreams, all
the distractions, and follow Him.
They saw something/someone worth following.
And today, the Saturday before Easter, I woke up and helped
my mom cook some and then headed to a store to go shopping, only to be half way
out of my neighborhood to feel Him tug on my heart.
This tug, I recognized.
Not because its common, but because I’ve felt it a few
times.
This tug is a “come away with Me” tug.
It’s a “find the secret place and sit with Me” tug.
An “I miss you” tug.
And I turned around and drove straight back to my house,
walked to my room and He was there.
His presence, His love, His overwhelming attendance.
He was there.
Faithful, loving, Kind, Holy, Revered, but most importantly,
present.
Jesus, Emmanuel, “God with us”, was/is here.
He is here, as I type this out with hot tears streaming down
my face.
Almost 5 years later.
And the same Man I encountered on that hard floor at that conference
is still the same Man today that pursues me without any reservations.
I am so thankful for Him.
He desires me, and just like me, He desires you.
I didn’t know how to meet Him the way those kids at
conference did.
And I’m positive it’s different for every person.
But He sure did know how to meet me.
And I know He knows how to meet you.
Don’t be surprised when He comes knocking.
Happy Easter, Jesus.
We won’t forget what You did to have unveiled tugs whenever
You want.
I love You.
