To say that this was the most transforming year of my life would be an understatement. To even think that this past year was mundane would be silly. And to recognize that the next couple years will be even more life changing would be understandable.
Starting at the beginning of 2016, I was kind of in a dark place, depressed, and not as close with God as I should have been. However, that changed when I fasted and tried to seek out the Lord as much as possible. Although this did not get me in the exact closeness with God that I wanted, it brought me out of depression and into a glimpse of light. I was basically use to my daily routine: Wake up, go to boring school, come home, and do nothing but think about my future. I had not found too many close friends and I desired to live more freely with people that I could relate with.
Throughout every day I stayed quiet most of the time not wanting to talk to anyone, and to be honest I was not very fond of many people. It was hard to stay present and enjoy where I was because frankly I hated where I was in life. My outlet from the world was (and still is) hiking, being outdoors, and playing guitar and piano. My main spiritual support was/is my youth group.
That semester was a big growing experience for me as far as mentally and emotionally. But I wish to never go back to that dark place again.
When summer break hit I started going on more adventures and preparing more for the Guatemala mission trip. As many of you know, Guatemala was really when God caught my attention and taught me how to be more relational and loving towards the people He had created. (You can read more about that it my previous blog). He grew me in kindness and in other fruits of the spirit… which I was lacking a lot of. I came across a deeper connection with God and found different ways to spend time with The Father.
I wrote in my journal on November 28th about how people need to find their own flame, their own connection with God instead of merely abiding by a whole bunch of rules, “Many people abide by strict rules and religion when it comes to being a Christian. They think ‘I must read through the Bible every year and say a short prayer everyday. And if I do this and am saved, I will get to Heaven.'” All of these things are good and should be practiced daily, however, don’t let that be it. I was inspired by the song “help me find my own flame” by United Pursuit. A part of it goes “I don’t wanna find that I’m just dry bones.” So I continued writing in my journal and said, “I find many who are dry and are just very shallow in their relationship with God. It is because they don’t know about or have a connection to God. There are various different ways: the word and prayer, journaling, being outside, meditating, ATL’s (ask the Lord), worship, or even imagining oneself with Jesus. Just dig deep and find your own authentic way to be with The Lord in the midst of the crazy life around you.”`
So God has taught me a lot this year. He has definitely made me into a stronger person who is not as easily affected by the world as before. He has shown me the value of kindness and being the light and having supportive people around you. I have learned that there is no point in worrying about the future because God already has a plan and could change yours in .2 seconds. I have seen the provision that Abba has given me in every aspect of my life… especially the world race. Because why would God call you into something if there was no provision? I have realized that The Lord does not call the equipped but He equips the called. “May He equip you with all you need for doing His will. May He produce in you, through the power of Jesus Christ, every good thing that is pleasing to Him” (Hebrews 13:21). I have witnessed the healing of God and the affect that His people have on others. I felt Jesus’ movement and love. Now I would like to share it with others who have not experienced these things. He has called all of us to go in His Great Name and give others the opportunity know the creator of the universe.
“Start from the Ground, Grow in The Lord, Grab whats learned, Go minister, Give to His children.”
Much Love,
Christy McPherson.
“And now these three remain: faith, hope, and love. But the greatest of these is love” (1 Corinthians 13:13).
