Walking With Him Through My Life

'Jesus was a simple man.' That is how Ron described Him when we were 17 and had just begun dating. We were sitting in his mom's chair, oh so comfortable chair. It was 1 of our first dates and we were sharing our faith with each other. I had been raised a First Southern Baptist with all the hateful, ugly views of God. My church experiences had convinced me that not only was I never going to be good enough for God, but that our pastor hated every single person sitting in the pews of his church. It was hard to be excited to go to church in that atmosphere. After every service I felt depressed and literally tongue lashed. The only tender part of my church experience was my sweet, kind Sunday school teacher. She valued her students and built us up before we went to the sanctuary to be beat down.

Ron's description of God was so much more appealing to me. He described a God who loved me  enough to walk through my life with me no matter how many times I stumble. A God who sent His son to make it possible for me to have life. Then Ron shared his belief that Jesus was a simple man. A man who was quite simply our glimpse at a loving, accepting heavenly Father. Jesus was humble as He walked among men who were not perfect but chose to believe and follow Him. His request from us is simple: ABC Admit that we have sinned and are not perfect, Believe He is the Way, the Truth, and the Light, and Commit your life to Him.

It is simple and yet the most important step anyone takes in life. Not only does our eternity depend on it, our lives are enriched beyond measure. For me, life has not been easier because of my faith and relationship with Christ. What has been amazing is that although there have been extreme hardships in my life, I have never had to walk through any of my tragedies alone. God has been right there carrying me through and gifting me with a million blessings along the journey.

I could write the laundry list of life's trials I have endured, but all of us go through heartaches in life and it is not about how big or small or pains are. It is about allowing God to see us through the highs and lows of life. We thank Him for all the blessings and pray for His support when life throws us a curve ball. If we lose focus, He is always there waiting for us to allow Him back by our side.

So, I thank God for Ron and his simple faith. I thank him for exposing me to my loving, accepting God who wants a relationship with imperfect, little ole me.

In Him,
Joyful
9-20-2010