October 13, 2013

[pressing onward]

You know what I used to think? I used to be so transfixed on the idea that Christianity was about that one time moment, that illicit, single life changing event. You know what I'm talking about - the story you tell whenever people ask you how you became a Christian. "I realized I was making my boyfriend my idol when suddenly I realized a human is never one to be idolized" or "I was searching for meaning and purpose when I came across Jesus Christ and his calling for my life." Don't get me wrong - these events are extremely important.. after all, they did change your life.

Flash forward to Sunday, October 13th, 2013.

I believe I have been a Christian - a Jesus following, mistake maker, Holy Spirit filled human being for the last 4 years of my life. What I have learned during this roller coaster of a time period is that God is not willing to leave you where you're at after that first life changing event. He's got bigger plans than you could EVER imagine for your life - talk about cool. If your testimony involves God breaking you so that you may see Him more clearly - get ready, there's a lot more of you to be broken. If your testimony involves God giving you joy and meaning through Him - there is a deeper sense of joy that comes from knowing the Lord more intimately and you better believe He's going to continue revealing Himself to you.. if you ask.

One of my most favorite quotes comes from C.S. Lewis:
“Imagine yourself as a living house. God comes in to rebuild that house. At first, perhaps, you can understand what He is doing. He is getting the drains right and stopping the leaks in the roof and so on; you knew that those jobs needed doing and so you are not surprised. But presently He starts knocking the house about in a way that hurts abominably and does not seem to make any sense. What on earth is He up to? The explanation is that He is building quite a different house from the one you thought of - throwing out a new wing here, putting on an extra floor there, running up towers, making courtyards. You thought you were being made into a decent little cottage; but He is building a palace. He intends to come and live in it Himself.”

These 4 years have been slightly intense for me - no where near the intensity of others' lives, I am sure; however, I am somewhat of a pansy, so it's been intense for me. I'm not going into details, but let's just say that God certainly isn't leaving me where I was when I first met Him. I have experienced joy, no joy, questions, confidence, purpose, indifference.. you name it. What I have learned along the way is that all of this is vital to becoming a deeper Christ devoted follower.

Does it hurt? At times.
Does God have your best interests in mind? Thankfully, yes.
Is it an adventure worth living? You betta Belize it!

If you continue in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.
-John 8:31-32
 
So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.
-Colossians 2:6

It isn't that you're ever going to be perfect in this life - you're going to learn to struggle well.

In other news, life is good. Yesterday was OU vs. TX.. and OU lost. Personally, I think we owed Texas a win after a good 4 years. It keeps things more interesting, right? If you're a Sooner fan, you are probably hating me right now. Regardless, it was a good day filled of beautiful friends, cinnamon rolls and banana espresso chocolate chip muffins, and football.