Encouraging Thoughts

"Therefore we also, since we are surrounded 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, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him, endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God."
Hebrews 12:1-2

Lately, the Lord has been encouraging me to think about the life I had before I truly met Him. Sometimes people are blessed to grow up in a home with parents that love Jesus and are constantly around fellowship that causes them to hunger for more of God. For myself, this was not the case. Growing up, I knew I had a Creator, but never a Savior. Reflecting to younger parts of my childhood, I remember praying every single night. I never had anyone sit me down and say, "Julia this is how you pray. Julia, this is how you intercede for people. Julia, this is how you give God glory."But yet, I still had some kind of push in my spirit telling me how to do these things on my own at as little as 6 years old. I could recite for you the same prayer I said every night before falling asleep; I couldn't tell you how many times I attempted to conquer Genesis. But no matter how silly my prayers were, I knew God was always listening to me. And no matter how many times I failed to remain dedicated to reading scripture, I knew I had to keep trying again and again until I understood what I was reading.

I can't get over how incredible that is. That even when we aren't seeking Jesus, He still finds a way to meet with us. Whether it was childlike prayers, or a yearning to read Scripture (even though I had no clue what half of it meant) I can honestly say that God was with me. We all have struggles in life, and experiences we probably wish we didn't have to deal with. But after seeing how much Jesus loves us, and His passion to still seek after us during those tough times, I can't dedicate my life to anything else. I literally cannot deny the work I have seen the Lord do in my life. I would be a fool to think anything else was even close to being worthy of my efforts and my desires.

It's not always super awesome to think about the past; it can stir up some hurtful things . But thank you Jesus for renewal, and for provision apart from that past!

Funky Life

Sometimes I feel as though every ounce of energy in my entire body has just been flushed away, and there's no legitimate way to get it back. And this energy drain could be from everyday life stuff, so there is no escaping it. But there is no excuse to remain in this funk. I know that when we pray and ask, and nothing happens, and we continue to pray and still nothing happens, yet we still choose to pray and ask God, He receives so much glory for His faithful servants. I can't imagine how joyful God is that His people abide in Him even when we don't see what all is happening around us.

I know that out of everyone in this world, God always listens to me. Even if I feel far away from Him, He still listens. And I know that He wants what is best for me, even when I don't understand. Thank you Lord for always being attentive.