There always have been, and always will be, countless misconceptions about Christians. I know of SO many people who have been turned off to God because of negative experiences with church or evangelists. But Christianity is not a set of rules to be followed or a place to go on Sunday mornings. Christianity is a dedication to God our creator, and Jesus Christ our salvation. I am not at church every Sunday, I do not lead life groups throughout the week...but I have faith in the Lord. I have faith that Jesus is who He says He is and I have faith in the promises that He made thousands of years ago. My faith has continued to grow and strengthen as I have felt Jesus’ constant pursuit in my life. I have never stopped asking questions and with every answer, the Lord draws me deeper into relationship with Him. My mind is not capable of knowing God or all of His work fully, but these are a few reasons on why I continue to choose Him.
1. God is, among many other things, a perfect planner.
I do not know which way is forward and which way is backward. I changed my major three times within the first year of college. There is no instructional manual to figuring out life - God doesn’t provide one either. However, God does have an individual, fulfilling and joyful plan for each of his children. But, He is not controlling and He doesn’t force His way on any of us. We are only able to see His path for us when we surrender to Him and allow His will to be done. I have learned, continue to learn, and will never stop learning what it means, and how, to completely put my life in the hands of my God. He has presented me with opportunities, opened my eyes and heart to crazy possibilities, and given me the peace I need to let go of any expectations that I had.
2. I trust Him more than I trust myself.
Easier said than done. By nature, I am not necessarily a trusting person. But, the Lord has been patient and shown His nature and intentions to me over and over (and over) again. It sounds weird to say that I am at peace giving up my own wishes and aspirations for my life. But, I trust God’s plan for me more than my own. As I have pursued The Lord and let Him into my heart, He brings out my deepest desires and truest passions. I find more joy in Him and His purpose for me than in my own selfish ambition. I have more peace in the Lord, a perfect planner, than in my fickle and inconsistent dreams.
3. He is faithful.
Unlike myself, God is not forgetful or fickle. He does not leave His loved ones to stumble through life on their own. God understands who we are at our core because He created us. He doesn’t get impatient with me when I wander aimlessly through life. He won’t let me wander off a (metaphorical) cliff. He rejoices when I ask questions in my confusion, instead of giving up, because He is then able to pick me up and teach me more about who He is for me.
4. He forgives, renews, and restores.
As the Lord has given me grace and repaired pieces of my life, He has taught me how to forgive and love others even when I feel let down. The world teaches us to be selfish and self-serving. Jesus teaches us joy, patience, and peace (…cue the other fruits of the spirit). Jesus loves me graciously and endlessly and forgives me without hesitation after I fail time and time again. I choose to follow God and learn from Him, instead of the harsh realities of this world. Life kinda sucks…actually, life really sucks a lot of the time. The Lord never promised that life would be easy. Even still, He interferes on our behalf and is joy and light to those who follow Him. He brings life to the emptiest of places. Even though He created us to live joyfully and wonderfully with Him in Heaven, there is still evil, and loneliness on Earth. This is why I cling to Him in the good times and bad times, because He loves me at all times.
5. He wants us to enjoy life.
God is a creator. He is a beautiful, creative artist and designer. He paints the sunsets and sculpts the mountains. God designed our intricate bodies and pours Himself into us. There is so much color and beauty and life around us, and I believe God made it for us to enjoy. God strongly advises us against worry and tells us not to fear. Stress is not something that God intended for our hearts. However, it can so easily consume my days. I love the orange, red, and yellow leaves in fall and the sun in the summer. I love when snow falls and covers the ground for the first time. I love the sound that rain makes, bright sunrises, and listening to music. I could write an endless list of the beautiful things that one day has to offer. God made the world for us to admire.
6. He chooses me.
I sin. Everyday. Without fail. But I pursue Jesus and He meets me exactly where I am. Everyday. Without fail. I love Jesus because He loves me. He has the best intentions for my heart and has the grandest plan for my life. Why would we worship a God who doesn’t cherish us? Jesus calls us to Him because He wants to love us and have a relationship with us. He chooses every single person on the face of the planet. The Lord doesn’t play favorites and He is jealous for our hearts. He is the love of my life, because He loves me perfectly. The decision to follow The Lord was the best decision I have ever made - and I make it day after day.
