The Power of Surrender

Recently I have discovered the power of surrender. What do I mean by this? Well faith is trusting in God, believing that God has our best at heart. Trusting in the generosity and goodness of God. This does not mean that we will experience only what we want but rather that no matter "what is in our life now" we accept it as it is and trust that God will work it out for our good. Romans 8:28

I found myself in a situation recently that was very difficult and I saw no solution. However there was someone who could help, but I had promised myself never to ask them for anything due to a strained relationship over the years.God worked in a way where this person found out about my situation and to my surprise offered to help.Part of me wanted to rise up in my pride and stand my ground but by the help of the Holy Spirit I saw God's plan. God had allowed this situation in order for there to be healing and forgiveness in a relationship that I had resigned to never get any better. This person was my Dad.

God took a difficult circumstance in my life and used it to bring about a miracle that means more to me than anything Gos could have given me. God used the one person I never thought he could. This was a valuable lesson in surrender, forgiveness and the generous heart of God. Although many are going through hard financial times and I do believe in God's faithfulness for his children to see them through. I also believe that God will work in a way that brings far more good than just meeting a need.

Today I took my kids to visit my Dad. We had a nice visit and I am so thankful for the gifts of God. I know that I will not have my Dad in my life for too many more years but I am thankful that whatever time we have left will no longer be strained or wasted. Faith is trusting in the goodness and generosity of God. But God's priorities and economics are not our own. Trust and surrender you will not be disappointed but you will grow.

Who do men say I am....does it matter?

What has happened to the Church? I use the term church to refer to the religious movement as a whole. I know there are those who still remain faithful to the teachings and Spirit of Christ, however when you look at the message, positions and messages of the "church" at large you have to question how did we get here. My purpose is not to slam anybody. My purpose is to ensure that I am where I should be and that the authentic faith I have found in Christ....the faith that simply says Love God, Love People, be and see Christ in all and demonstrate love....doesn't become ship wrecked or hijacked by any agenda.

My faith has been an evolution. Faith is a journey of growth and transcendence. We should be able to look back and rejoice that we are not where we once were. I am not perfect, nor do I have a monopoly on authentic faith. However the more authentic my faith becomes the more simplistic is becomes as well. Some might label me naive, deceived or too liberal. All I can say is that I have never been so free, so in Love with my God and his/her people.

I live in a small town and regularly run into people who view my faith and life as if my authenticity was a crime of anti-christ proportions. I have seen the looks, heard the whispers and outright hateful things that are said. I have never felt so close to my Lord, who suffered many of the same things for differing with the religious of his day and loving those who were considered outcast. Although I mourn for the condition of the church today, I also find a peace that I am not in step with it. I find comfort in being an outsider...give me identifying with Christ any day rather than any other.