Jesus Gives Hope

   God is able. There is absolutely nothing He can't do. He is almighty and powerful. He is full of wonder and glory. I am in awe of You, Lord.

   When every hope seems to be lost, God steps in and saves. He never leaves us. It says in Hebrews 13:5, "For He Himself has said, 'I will never leave you nor forsake you.'" We are never forgotten or left behind by God. Even when everyone else has turned away form you, Jesus stays right next to you. He is holding your hand, keeping you safe. He sustains us all the way.

   Once, I felt so abandoned. I felt like everybody I love had left me. I felt trapped and alone. But, it was during these interminably long two and a half weeks that I felt the presence of God. Every night I'd sit on that uncomfortable bed and read His Word. His Word is what gave me hope for the rough days to come. Having people watch my every move gave me an advantage to be an example. Maybe I could show others how Jesus comforted me. We're all suffering the same, so why not share the hope and faith I have in Jesus Christ my Lord and Savior.

   This past year, I've come closer to Jesus than ever. I've felt the cold grasp of death try to pull me in. I've heard the Lord's gentle whisper. I've been saved from the darkness. Now, looking back, I can see the enemy frustrated and enraged. The enemy is furious because I "just wouldn't die". The enemy has tried nearly everything to destroy me. He wouldn't give up, and he certainly won't stop now. I know that he'll persistently try to discourage me, but I have Jesus.

   When I turn my eyes to the Lord I can't be tangled up in the worries of today. I need to realize that He's taken care of everything. Every time the enemy tries to frighten me, the best thing I can do is give it to God. Give your troubles to God, and you will feel so free.

   "But those who wait on the Lord Shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, They shall run and not be weary, They shall walk and not faint." (Isaiah 40:31)

   -The Introverted Evangelist

A Haiku Just For You

   But first, a verse I emailed to myself from my bible app at 2AM this morning. Yes, I really did send this verse to myself at two in the morning. I'm not exactly sure how, but I did.

   "My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When shall I come and appear before God?" (Psalms 42:2)

   I actually sent myself two verses, the other being Hebrews 12:1, "Therefore we also, since we are surround by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us," But that's beside the point.

   Now for the haiku I had promised. It may be a little silly, but I really feel like this haiku wasn't just intended for me. I think the Lord wanted me to share this with all of you. So here it is:

I have been made new,

What satan says is not true,

Jesus, I love You!

   Short, but meaningful and so very true! Everything the enemy says is a big lie. It is written in John 10:10, "The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly."

   Now go and live. Live abundantly and freely. You have been released from the bondages of sin. Sin has zero hold on you! The enemy has no authority whatsoever! Tell him that. Put the enemy in his place. Tell him who you are. You are a child of God. You are righteousness. There is a place for you in heaven, and he can't take that away from you. He knows that, and it infuriates him. He so desperately wants to discourage you and make you miserable. Don't give him that satisfaction. Declare your freedom in Jesus Christ!

   "For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him." (2 Corinthians 5:21)

   -The Poetic Evangelist

My Everything

   Lord, You are my everything. You are my hope and strength. You are my morning and my night. You are the Healer of my hurt. You are the Savior of my life. You have made me new. You have given me joy and purpose.
   I am constantly in awe of you, God. You're beautiful. You're more than I can even imagine. You are the Creator of the universe. You are the wellspring of life and peace. There is nothing you cannot do. Your power is made perfect in our weaknesses. I have plenty of weakness, but I am glad, because through them others will see You, Lord.
   "And He said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore most gladly I will boast my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me." (2 Corinthians 12:9)
   I pray Your power rest upon me, God. I want others to see what You do. Come in me. I want to be known for knowing and loving You. You are my Teacher, so teach me to be more like You. Help me to love the way You love.
   I will not be silent about Your wondrous ways. There is no other way to explain how I was saved, but through You, Jesus. You took my broken life and raised me up. Thank You for rescuing me. I will praise You forevermore. I will testify to Your glories. You reign, Lord, and all will soon see.
   "Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in Heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father." (Philippians 2:9-10)
   You are Father to the fatherless, Peace to the restless, and Hope to the hopeless. For You, God, are the One true living King of all kings. Let Your glory shine before all men, so that they will come to know You. You are the Great I Am. Nothing else maters, but You, Lord. I will live for You, and only You. Help me to keep my focus on You, because when my focus is on You, nothing can make me anxious. I know You are my Provider, and You won't let harm come to me. I put my faith in You, God.

   -The Introverted Evangelist