Weak Made Strong

To be perfectly honest with you, writing this blog leaves me feeling a bit uneasy. You see, being completely transparent with your life isn't always the easiest or most comforting thing to do. Satan proceeds in whispering lies from hell in your ear, convincing you that others will judge you, or maybe even that you're not good enough.

The bottom line is GOD LOVES TO USE WEAK PEOPLE. 

Yeah, that's right. W E A K. Without strength. Broken. Lacking in ability. Easily damaged. Powerless. Your first thoughts may not leave you convinced. That's okay, mine didn't either. :) In this world we are so easily swayed that Christ won't settle for anything less than "perfect" people. Not only that, we believe that He won't even consider using us until we are spiritually cleaned up, or worthy of His love.

H E  K N O W S  N O  L I M I T S-- to His grace, His love, and His willingness to use you.

You see, it's in my weakness that I'm made strong-- that YOUR made strong. It's in our deepest and darkest times that Christ can use us for His gain. Rick Warren says it best....

"Ministry begins with vulnerability. The more you let down your guard, take off your mask, and share your struggles, the more God will be able to use you in serving others. Vulnerability is emotionally liberating. Opening up defuses your fears and is the first step to freedom."

So with that said, here's in honor of dancing in His freedom, boasting in my weaknesses, and learning to be fearlessly obedient in my vulnerability. 

L O V E... What first pops in your mind? Maybe you think of your significant other, the sport you play, or a classic movie like The Notebook. Although my list contains many different things, I always think about my future spouse. What my husband will be like, if I already know him, if he ever thinks about me as much as I do him... Let me be real, I let him consume my thoughts daily. I sit and crave a relationship-- one that will fill me up, satisfy me, maybe even complete me. 

Man oh man, how foolish I am. The reality is, Christ's love is ENOUGH. Correction: it's MORE THAN ENOUGH. Nothing satisfies a season of loneliness, one of which I am in now, but Jesus. None but Jesus. These seasons tend to strangle us from His love and steal our joy. 

The beauty lies in the fact that this is His season, this loneliness I feel. It's not by mere coincidence nor a consequence of some sort. It's custom carved, purposefully put in my life, all so I can be led back to the Father. And for the understanding of this... Christ is my portion, my prize, my reward. He alone fills me up, satisfies me, and makes me whole in His love. He made me to crave being known and yet He allows me to feel the void of not being known.

But thats okay because He knows me. He formed this hole, and only He will fill it. 

And because of that, I thank Him for this season of loneliness. I have been sweetly reminded that I am His, and He is mine. I am reminded that saving my heart, my first kiss, and my first love is worth the wait, because one day my spouse will honor Yahweh before me. Rather than dreaming about my Prince Charming, focusing on who I am in Christ signifies that I am loved, cherished, and known. I am content because of Him, and through Him my love rests on the cross. 

So for all of you hopeless romantics out there (I'm speaking to myself :) ), rest in the fact that you are known, loved, and cherished by the One who desires for you to pursue Him as passionately as He has pursued you all along. It is then you are found whole in a love that never runs out and never fails. Loving Jesus above ALL things is where I am found, humbled, and beyond thankful. Praise God for the seasons that feel dry, deserted, and empty, for it is in Him I am made strong.  

Will you let Him fill you up? He's waiting.

"But you, O Lord, are a compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness."

-Psalms 86:15 

"Look to the Lord and His strength; seek His face always."

-1 Chronicles 16:11

"But those who hope in the Lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint."

-Isaiah 40:31 

"Therefore, since we receive a kingdom which cannot be shaken, let us show gratitude, by which we may offer to God an acceptable service with reverence and awe; for our God is a consuming fire."

-Hebrews 12:28-29

Silence.

     Sitting in my room, making a poor attempt at trying to explain what God is showing me in my life, I am absolutely infatuated and in awe of the one whom my soul adores. The one who spun the earth into motion, who walked on water, who heals wounds, who brings absolute freedom in my life... That one, sweet Jesus. Oh, how often I find myself at a fork in the road, wondering which way to turn, who to trust, what decision to make. In the midst of my frustration, I simply cry out to Jehovah God, begging for reassurance, comfort, peace, something to help me... Although I often feel His sweet Spirit, that is not always the case.

     I can remember feeling lonely, desperate, and completely broken in some of the most trying circumstances of my life. However, it was in these periods of pain that I was met with a reassuring sweep of love by Christ himself-- a peaceful love that words simply cannot explain. The comfort that entered my life by simply asking God seemed surreal to me. My heart overflows with thankfulness at the thought of a holy God wanting to strengthen and bring peace to a wretched sinner like myself.

    I can also recall moments in my walk when I felt deserted, abandoned, and completely unloved by a God who gave up His entire life for my sake. Man, how painful and uncomfortable these seasons of life are. We cry out for Jesus to move, and seem to receive NOTHING in return. No peace, no comfort, no sense of His presence. Our immediate response often includes thoughts of anger, bitterness, and rejection towards God. I would like to justify these very thoughts, but that is when ignorance takes root.  

You see, it is in these very seasons of silence that we learn, grow, and blossom into the children of God we are called to be. My friend, whatever season you are in, take heart! There is a sovereign God who directs every detail in your life, "working all things for the good of those who love Him" (Romans 8:28). Christ Jesus calls us to a life of faith, trusting him with all of the plans He has for us... Regardless of how you "feel" in your relationship with Him. 

Please remember: He is with you in EVERY season, whether you may sense His presence or feel trapped in a chasm of silence. Lift your eyes, my brothers and sisters, for the King is absolutely enthralled with YOU. 
It is my prayer that in those periods of silence, you may experience the growth, molding, and forming of the person you are called to be. 

"So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."
~Isaiah 41:10

"My soul, wait silently for God alone, for my expectation is from Him."
~Psalm 62:5

"Be still and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!"
Psalm 46:10

Blessings <3  

That Heart of Yours.

     Hey, you. Whoever you may be reading this... girl or boy, Christian or not, single or taken. I want YOU to realize your worth and precious value by the Creator of this world. Nothing can compare or even touch the surface of the depth and width of His love for you. You were made from the beginning and no one on this earth is like you. YOU are unique and of great importance in the Master's eyes. So intricately made and formed that he knows the number of hairs on your head. He knows the color of your eyes, your burdens, your desires and dreams, your failures, your exact facial definition, your past and future, every crevice in your skin, the tone of your voice, your every thought... Okay, I think you get the point. :) God, in His total right to leave us in our sin, decides to personally know and care for us!

"Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart..."

~Jeremiah 1:5

     Weighing in at 10 ounces, the blood-filled muscle called the heart has become the universal sign for love. I think we can all agree that we have a natural desire to love and be loved. Again, this is part of the way God wired us! Some of us express that desire through words, actions, writing, or singing. But what if we started focusing more on loving our Creator, the guy who loves us with ALL He is and ever will be. What if we fixed our affections onto Jesus, and expressed to Him how much we love him... 

     Nowadays, people throw around their heart like it is of no value. They look for acceptance, fulfillment, and the hope to be loved back by allowing anyone, at any time, to come and slowly take pieces of it away. They continually feel brokenness and heart ache time after time again. Why? Simply because they aren't waiting on the person God has personally made for them. Yes, YOU, God has created a special person for YOU. A person to share your laughs, troubles, and life with. Until you meet this person, God expects you to guard your heart! He hurts to see you carelessly throw it around to people just to end up devastated in the end. What peace does that bring? Maybe something temporary, but is it really worth it in the end? 

"Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life."

~Proverbs 4:23

       Often times people ask me why I don't date immediately after I get asked out, say yes to an opportunity for a relationship, or simply engage in what the world thinks of a typical teenage girl. In reply, I try to explain what God has shown me through being a Christian. He continually whispers in my ear... "My precious daughter, guard your heart. I didn't make it for anyone who wants it, but in reality, just for one special person. I know the temptations of this world convince you otherwise, but focus on my truths. Meditate on them. I LOVE YOU, and for now, I am the relationship you need to be focusing on." I know you're probably thinking that's pretty drastic, or maybe even pointless. Don't worry, you're not alone, because I once did too.  

       Why not just date to have fun? Why live in a "shell?" Why don't you just give it a try? You need to date to see what you like in a person... That isn't the popular thing to do... You're different... Why not just live your High School years out? JUST DO IT...

I'm continually confronted with questions and comments like these. Some times I'm not quite sure how to answer, but then that is when God steps in and says.. "Maddy, you do know. You understand the value of your heart. You understand how much I love you." It is then that I can shrug it off with a smile on my face and realize one of my purposes as a Christian: To follow Jesus' commands, live them out, and pray that others will do the same. 

       Although my view on relationships and the value of our hearts differ from most teenage girls, I am still normal. I still hangout with people, want a relationship, and do the typical things teenagers do. The only difference is that I am learning to rely on God's PERFECT timing instead of my own. A timing that I will never be able to fully grasp, but that I understand enough to put my total trust in. I praise God for taking his truths, penetrating them into my life, and in turn being able to share them with you. I pray that YOU realize just how special the Father made YOUR heart. Take care of it, for after all, it is the wellspring of life. 

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and HE will make your paths straight."

~Proverbs 3:5-6

     

     

Desires.

     We all have desires. We have those times where we feel like nothing is going our way and we just want to give up. We want to give into doubt and worry. We want everything to happen when we want it to, no matter what it takes for that to happen. God understands where we are coming from. He understands our desires. 

     I struggle with this day in and day out. I have my own desires-- desires for family members to change and see Christ, desires for God to use a broken picture and make it beautiful in my eyes, desires for a world that wants to simply serve Him. I pray for these things constantly and feel like God is ignoring me. Then I have to shut my doubts up and remember the promise He gives us.

Then you will take delight in the LORD, and He will answer your prayers.

~Psalm 37:4

     We have to be careful not to criticize and get angry with God when our desire isn't being met right then and there. Often times, we cast judgement on God and say heck with it just because nothing has happened yet. God could simply be whispering in our ear, "The time has yet to come, my child. But don't fear or get upset, because I've got you in the palm of my hand." God answers prayers in a lot of ways. It could be a "no", "not yet", or "yes" depending on HIS perfect timing and will. 

"For I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord. I have plans to prosper you, not to harm you. I have plans to give you a future filled with hope. When you call out to me and come to me in prayer, I will hear your prayers."

~Jeremiah 29:11-12

     You see, God knows exactly what He is doing. He knows every single detail about our lives and just wants us to give Him our total trust. Not just a little here and there, but in EVERY aspect of our lives. What more could He ask of us after the promises He gives us all throughout the Bible? He knows the plans for us- those plans that are meant to do us no harm even though they seem that way when taken at face value. The reality is God has our back. All He wants and desires from us is that faith and trust we all should have. 

Jesus said to him, "Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed."

~John 20:29

     The circumstances that surround us seem unconquerable and hopeless. Thankfully, we have a God that can conquer anything and everything within His timing. With that said, it's time for me to cast my worries and doubts at the feet of Jesus and leave it all up to HIM. Leave it to Him to handle my situations, burdens, and troubles. It's time for me to sit back and have the blind faith I need to have. After all, faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. I pray that God would give me just that---the faith I need to sit back and KNOW everything will be alright because I have a God that simply loves me enough to take care of my every need.

     Now it's your turn. It's the time for you to sit back and relax. The time for you to breathe and give your burdens to God. The time for you to build a testimony in yourself of being a person who has that blind faith. Join me. <3  

SO BLESSED.

The old and worn roof over my head, tastful and satisfying food in my belly, loving family and friends to depend on, a compassionate church I can worship in freely, clothes on my back, an education and school I can learn in, a copy of the precious words of God, a warm bed with pillows and blankets surrounding me at night, a safe and supportive environment I can grow up in, TV's and computers, the sweet sound of laughter-- a few things I'm thankful for. Now picture this... No place to call home, a hurting stomach begging for food and something to drink, an abandoned heart longing to be loved, persecuted for even claiming to be a Christian, no clothing but maybe scraps of old cloth, education isn't even considered because finding a way to survive is the priority, the hope of having a Bible is overweighted by the chains of persecution, a cold and dirty ground for a bed, sounds of gun shots as another person dies, the only form of entertainment is the rocks and twigs beneath you, an aching heart cries out for help in sobs of pain. It's true, it's real. We are spoiled rotten and have no perspective on what life is really like for many people. We have it made while people die daily from starvation, untreated diseases, and suicide because they feel worthless and with no hope. We see the commercials, ads, and pictures all the time; when will we really get it? WE ARE BEYOND BLESSED! My heart breaks to know what life is like for so many people. I'm sick and tired of sitting around and playing games; I'm done telling myself they will be okay. So, that is why I'm freely allowing Christ to sear a hole through my selfishness and send me to help these people in His perfect will and timing. I pray that we all would realize just how blessed we are. The next time you start to complain or when you become unsatisfied, remember how much God has already given us. Thank you God for opening my eyes and heart to what this world is really like. I pray one day I will get to experience it and make a difference.

Caring like Christ

"For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me."

~Matthew 25:35-36~

That girl walking down the hall with her head down scared of being overlooked and judged. That boy you see in the stairwell with defeat written across his face. The 'weird kid' sitting alone at the lunch table. The kid you see needing a word of encouragement and hope. That person...

We all have these people in our lives that we could care less about, and simply act like we don't know them. Am I guilty of this? YES. Am I ready to stand up and be light to them? YES. Am I ready to quit caring about what others think? YES.

I struggle with all of these things, and it's right then that Satan works his way into our minds and whispers to us that it's okay to sit back... That it's alright to watch people deal with pain and hurt... That it's not a big deal for another soul to spend eternity in hell with him. And what do I do? What do we do? We buy the lies he tells us and accept it as TRUTH.

Then I am reminded of Matthew 25 and the awesome truth it holds. Jesus plainly tells us that when we CARE for others that we are doing exactly the same thing to Him. When we feed the hungry soul with loving words, when we give the hopeless heart water in hopes of replenishing their pain in life, when we allow that person to lean on us, when we cloth them in the apparel of a child of the King, when we allow God to use us so He can heal their bitterness, when we simply reach out...

The next time you find yourself staring at the new kid, or judging the girl who made a mistake, remember this... God wants YOU to be His hands and feet. He wants His body of believers to get out of their comfort zones and find happiness in caring for others while caring for Him.

So, my question is this: When will you allow Christ to sear a hole through your pride or worries in fulfilling the work He has called His people to do? I know I want this, and I hope you do too.

His Plans

Do you ever wonder what purpose your life has or will have? I know I do. I know I wonder all the time what God has in store for me and how He will use me. It was until recently that I truly realized what God was trying to tell me... It was simply this: I am right where I need to be for now. Here in little old Blairsville. Here in my school, my sports teams, my

community, my church. Who ever said you have to be in a foreign country to spread His word and be a witness? I believe Satan works this into our minds to discourage, trick, and dishearten us so we won't have the courage to do the work God has for us. The Bible states it like this:

He told them, "This is what is written: The Christ will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, and repentance and forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, BEGINNING AT JERUSALEM."

Jerusalem can be compared to Blairsville or Union County. All nations compared to all types of people at our schools and jobs, all the different groups and cliques within our community. My point of this is to plainly say that if you are willing to sacrifice whatever it takes, God WILL use you if you seek His face. I know that's what I am doing. Stay in the Word, prayer, and Christian relationships and you will see God use your life in ways you wouldn't think.

Look for these opportunities-- they are everywhere! So, the next time you question your purpose in this world, run to Christ and He will use YOU.

"Here is my servant, whom I uphold, my chosen one in whom I delight; I will put my Spirit on him and he will bring justice to the nations."

-Isaiah 42:1