If you’re reading this… I survived the hurricane
On a real note… we did survive hurricane Maria! The winds were wildly strong and the rain was so intense but we were blessed with amazing ministry hosts who have built safe places for us to stay. Thanks to that, I was able to sit and be in awe of the intensity of the storm without being scared – because God did not give us the spirit of fear! Thats what is so great about our God… our circumstances and feelings could never ever change Gods truth about us. This is a message that I have heard the Lord teaching me over and over again, but being on the World Race has really given me context . Being on the race and leaving everything that is familiar to you offers a lot of space for feelings like fear, loneliness and insecurity to rise up in you (my friends at college might be able to relate). While all of those feelings are real, there is a truth that is far greater than any feeling I could feel. That truth is Gods Word. “Gods Word is truer than anything I feel, truer than anything I experience, truer than any circumstance and truer than anything in this world.” Scripture confirms this:
“The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God stands forever.” (Isaiah 40:8)
“The word of the Lord abides forever.” (1 Peter 1:25)
“Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words shall not pass away.” (Matthew 24:35)
This all means that no matter how much my life changes, how much my circumstances change or how much my feelings may fluctuate, Gods Word will never change. Gods Word tells me that I am always loved, always worthy, always beautiful, and always wanted by Christ – so much so that he actually delights in us.
I am God’s child.
Galatians 3:26
I am Jesus’ friend.
John 15:15
I am a whole new person with a whole new life.
2 Corinthians 5:17
I am a place where God’s Spirit lives.
1 Corinthians 6:19
I am God’s Incredible work of art.
Ephesians 2:10
I am totally and completely forgiven.
1 John 1:9
I am created In God’s likeness.
Ephesians 4:24
I am spiritually alive.
Ephesians 2:5
I am a citizen of Heaven.
Philippians 3:20
I am God’s messenger to the world.
Acts 1:8
I am God’s disciple-maker.
Matthew 28:19
I am the salt of the earth.
Matthew 5:13
I am the light of the world.
Matthew 5:14
I am greatly loved.
Romans 5:8
It doesn’t come natural to believe Gods Word over our own feelings, so it is something we have to be conscious of. Most of the time when we fall into our negative feelings and circumstances we want God to save us from it without any effort on our part. But that is not how God works. If God made us and you have invited Christ into your heart, He promises that everything that happens to us is working for our good in making us more like Christ. (Romans 8:28-29) This includes trials, temptations, failures, false feelings and pressures. God allows these in our lives so that we have the opportunity to either trust our feelings or trust the truth of His Word. If we chose truth in the midst of trial, this in turn strengthens our faith
Rest easy in knowing that Gods truth about you can never change, be taken away or be outdone. It is always available and fulfilling when we chose it!
