Praise God for 2009,
As I look at 2009 and reflect on the year, I would say it is the year of “F’s”, family, forgiveness and faithfulness.
About two years ago, God was working on my heart because I began to notice people a little differently. You know those people, the ones who light up when they see you… The ones who are genuinely happy to hear about your day. You know the ones that seem to be bathed in God’s light and beauty. I wanted that! At that time I cried out to God, “I want to be like that. God, I want to love like you do. Why can’t I love like that….? Lord, I know you too…… I have been a Christian most of my life why am I not like that.” That is when my most recent learning journey began.
If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you.
-John 15:7
Then you will call upon Me and go and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart.
-Jeremiah 29:12-13
Shortly after that, I was given the opportunity to work with the high school at BCC. Wow, God really began to show me how to love through these young people. I learned so much. Not only from the bible study, but about loving these young adults. I was being blessed and I could feel this was just a taste of what could be…..
I believe that God was preparing me for hard work ahead. Because you see He knew that in order to truly love, you need to forgive. If you harbor bitterness, unforgiveness or harden you heart, it keeps you from God.
In June, my mother had a lung collapse. They drained it and found cancerous cells in the fluid. I knew what I needed to do. So I went back to Iowa for a month to care for her. We all have emotional garbage from our childhood. Some runs deeper than others…… I cried out to Him for strength and support during this emotional time, and he sent his angels and my BCC church family to protect and care for me. I had sisters here in our church family covering me in prayer. I know this because they prayed with me before I left and I could feel it each hour I was away from my hubby. A peace washed over me and each time I would receive a letter (there were over 50 letters sent) 2000 miles away, I would sob and know that He was with me. Through the love that was shown to me, I was strengthened and able to love on my mom and care for her.
So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
-Isaiah 41: 10
(This was one of the many verses sent to me.)
My church family sent me prayers, letters, scriptures, phone calls, books, scripture balls, candles, and Starbucks gift cards. But most of all they sent me love and encouragement when I needed it most.
My love and forgiveness journey is not over and I don’t think simple words can ever explain how God is growing me. So I just wanted my family of Beaverton Christian Church in this time of growth and trial, to know that God is alive and with us. We are the church and we are His family. If we are faithful He will strengthen us and uphold us in His righteous right hand.
Thank you Jesus!
Ginger Sullivan