Surrendered.
Waking up this morning to the news droning on about what is happening in Russia, Iraq, Gaza, Syria, the ebola epidemic in Liberia, the riots in Ferguson, Missouri, and many other stories of evil and brokenness makes it easy to feel like the world is falling apart around us. I recently returned from a trip to Guatemala where there is so much poverty and so much desperation it is overwhelming. There is so much heartache, devastation, and wickedness occurring. But the services I went to at church this weekend were reassurance of John 1:5 (NIV):
The series at my church the last month has been about our own stories with Christ; what our lives are like when we surrender to God. Surrendering our lives to Him means that we will have the fullest lives possible on earth and will one day live in Paradise with Him.
This weekend over 300 people surrendered their lives to Christ during the four services (another 25 at a new campus) and were spontaneously baptized on the spot. I went last night and was so filled with the goodness of God that I went back again this morning to watch 153 more friends, members of my small group, and now brothers and sisters in Christ surrender themselves, saying they wanted the fullest lives possible here on earth and look forward to eternity with Him one day thanks to the sacrifice Jesus made for us on the cross. Together we danced and sang praise to the Lord and stood in awe of Him and all that He has done for us.
In the midst of so much chaos in this world, we have hope in the Lord and know that with Him we will have the victory; that the darkness cannot extinguish the light (1 Corinthians 15:55-57). There is that promise for all of us who hold onto that hope in Jesus, no matter what the circumstances. This weekend it was evident that while the forces of evil may be persistent, so is the church. Through Christ we can combat the heartache, the devastation, and the wickedness; that is the mission of the church. So after watching a news story about things such as the terrorist group, ISIS, growing, I witnessed the body of Christ recruiting more than 300 members just at one location and just within 17 hours. Darkness is not winning.
So for those of us who are surrendered we cannot be quiet about our faith. Do not keep the love, joy, grace, peace, and hope that you have found in relationship with Christ from the world - the world needs to hear it, to experience it. In this world that is aching and breaking only Christ is the answer and the way to the end of suffering.
For those of you who have not yet surrendered your life to Christ, you need to. You are missing out on the best life possible for you and will miss out on what God is preparing for those who give themselves to Him. It will be the best and most important choice you will ever make. There is nothing you need to work on or change before you give your life to Him. He wants you just as you are, where you are and He will transform you Himself.
I don't know how people who do not know Christ go through life without Him. I do not know how people go through the pain, confusion, frustration, hurt, and brokenness that come with living in a fallen world without relying on God and without turning to Him, and without hope that there is something better waiting for us.
Through the ups and downs of this life I have confidence in Christ, and I eagerly await the day when I can fall into His arms and know that I am finally home.
"The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it."
The series at my church the last month has been about our own stories with Christ; what our lives are like when we surrender to God. Surrendering our lives to Him means that we will have the fullest lives possible on earth and will one day live in Paradise with Him.
"He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away."
- Revelation 21:4 (NIV)
This weekend over 300 people surrendered their lives to Christ during the four services (another 25 at a new campus) and were spontaneously baptized on the spot. I went last night and was so filled with the goodness of God that I went back again this morning to watch 153 more friends, members of my small group, and now brothers and sisters in Christ surrender themselves, saying they wanted the fullest lives possible here on earth and look forward to eternity with Him one day thanks to the sacrifice Jesus made for us on the cross. Together we danced and sang praise to the Lord and stood in awe of Him and all that He has done for us.
In the midst of so much chaos in this world, we have hope in the Lord and know that with Him we will have the victory; that the darkness cannot extinguish the light (1 Corinthians 15:55-57). There is that promise for all of us who hold onto that hope in Jesus, no matter what the circumstances. This weekend it was evident that while the forces of evil may be persistent, so is the church. Through Christ we can combat the heartache, the devastation, and the wickedness; that is the mission of the church. So after watching a news story about things such as the terrorist group, ISIS, growing, I witnessed the body of Christ recruiting more than 300 members just at one location and just within 17 hours. Darkness is not winning.
So for those of us who are surrendered we cannot be quiet about our faith. Do not keep the love, joy, grace, peace, and hope that you have found in relationship with Christ from the world - the world needs to hear it, to experience it. In this world that is aching and breaking only Christ is the answer and the way to the end of suffering.
For those of you who have not yet surrendered your life to Christ, you need to. You are missing out on the best life possible for you and will miss out on what God is preparing for those who give themselves to Him. It will be the best and most important choice you will ever make. There is nothing you need to work on or change before you give your life to Him. He wants you just as you are, where you are and He will transform you Himself.
I don't know how people who do not know Christ go through life without Him. I do not know how people go through the pain, confusion, frustration, hurt, and brokenness that come with living in a fallen world without relying on God and without turning to Him, and without hope that there is something better waiting for us.
"I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus."
- Philippians 3:14 (NIV)
Through the ups and downs of this life I have confidence in Christ, and I eagerly await the day when I can fall into His arms and know that I am finally home.
"Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, trust also in me. In my Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. You know the way to the place where I am going."
- Jesus, John 14:1-4 (NIV)
Jenn,
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed your blog entry. This weekend, it was beautiful to see so many people trust God and surrender their lives to Christ. It was a powerful moment in our church. I'm so glad this inspired you to share the hope of Christ with others! I, too, can't imagine going through life without drawing strength from God. He is our constancy in the midst of change. He is our hope, strength, and anchor in life. I look forward to your future entries as they are so inspiring.
Happy 21st Birthday, Jenn!
Hugs,
Tasha