Everything

As I was flipping through the channels last week, I stopped on channel twenty three and American Idol was on.  A show that I haven't watched all year long; and yet, I found myself watching the first singer of the night.  He began his song and I realized that I recognized every single word.  It was a worship song that I've loved for years . . . and it was being sung on national television!

I know that God brought me to that channel that night.  I didn't watch any of the other contestants, I didn't watch any more of the episode at all, I just went to my computer and found the song to listen to.  The song then lead me straight here, to my blog.  A place I haven't visited in much too long.  Yet here I am: writing. 

Every time it happens, God's timing still surprises me.  He always gives us just what we need at the perfect moment to reveal Himself to us.  My life has been hectic lately to say the least.  And to be honest, I haven't made time to get right with Him.  Yet He still is ever-faithful.  He persistently calls out to me, pursues me. 

This year I've faced so many challenges.  I often found myself using the metaphor that "I'm drowning, just trying to keep my head above water."  I have faced pressures at work, conflict in my relationships, and a lack of patience at home.  It's like my wheels are turning, yet I'm getting nowhere. 

Still, no matter how crazy things get, how busy I feel, how desperate I am . . . He is there.  He extends me His hand at the exact moment I reach out for it. 

I barely recognized my need while God was already calling to me.  I know He's been calling me for a long time, He's known my needs and desires.  Even when I'm not willing to listen, He is calling for me to return to him. 

Isaiah 65:24 (NIV)  Before they call I will answer; while they are still speaking I will hear.

So...is God calling you today?  Is He reaching out to you?  Have you even stopped to listen?

Everything by Lifehouse   Find me here and speak to me.  I want to feel you, I need to hear you.  You are the light that's leading me to the place where I find peace again.  You are the strength that keeps me walking.  You are the hope that keeps me trusting.  You are the life to my soul.  You are my purpose; You're everything . . . You calm the storms and you give me rest.  You hold me in your hands; You won't let me fall.  You steal my heart and you take my breath away.  Would you take me in, take me deeper now?  And how can I stand here with you and not be moved by you?  Would you tell me how could it be any better than this?  Cause you're all I want, you're all I need.  You're everything, everything.

I don't know what you're going through, but I know that no matter what it is, He is there for you.  Just reach out and let Him hold you . . .

Always

We are constantly faced with circumstances that test our faith.  On of the most jarring of these is the loss of a family member.  Unfortunately, we all face this trial at some point in our lives; but it's particularly difficult when it comes unexpectedly.  My prayers go out to those who have lost someone close to them.

Isaiah 43:10 (NIV) "You are my witnesses," declares the LORD, "and my servant whom I have chosen, so that you may know and believe me and understand that I am he.  Before me no god was formed, nor will there be one after me. 

Even though it may feel like God is nowhere near you right now, have faith that He is right beside you. He is always with you. God has been there before this pain, He is with you now, and He will be there after the pain subsides. He never fails and He never leaves your side. Hold on to His promises to love and comfort you.

You may be crying out to God saying, "I need you.  Why did you leave me?  Why did you let this happen?" 

Things often seem unfair, but God has a larger plan.  One that we can't even begin to comprehend.  He knew long ago that you would be going through this pain and He's ready to hold you in His arms.  Hold on tightly to His promise and assurance that He will wrap his loving arms around you. 

This song is written from true stories of pain and loss. Let the words comfort you through your sorrow.  God is with you!

Always by Building 429   I was standing in the pour raining one dark November night, fighting off the bitter cold when she caught my eye.  Her face was torn and her eyes were filled.  Then to my surprise she pulled out a photograph and my heart just stopped inside.  She said "He would have been three today. I miss his smile, I miss his face."  What was I supposed to say?  But I believe always, always our Savior never fails.  Even when all hope is gone, God knows our pain and His promise remains.  He will be with you always.  He was living in a broken world dreaming of a home.  His heart was barely keeping pace when I found him all alone remembering the way he felt when his daddy said goodbye, fighting just to keep the tears and the anger locked inside.  He's barely holding on to faith, but deliverance is on its way.  'Cause I believe always, always our Savior never fails.  Even when all hope is gone, God knows our pain and His promise remains.  He will be with you always.  Friend, I don't know where you are and I don't know where you've been.  Maybe you're fighting for your life or just about to throw the towel in.  But if you're crying out for mercy, if there's no hope left at all, if you've given everything you've got and you're still about to fall - Well hold on!  He will be with you always.

Not only is God always there for you, He knows what you are feeling.  He knows what it feels like to be let down; we let Him down every day.  He knows what it is like to be lonely; we constantly turn away from Him.  And He knows what it's like to lose a loved one - after all, He graciously sent His son to die for you.  He gave up His loved one so that you could be His child today.