[divine intervention]

Do things ever happen in your life where you wonder "why me?"
Do you ever question the timing of God's speaking to you?
Do you ever stop and think that He chose YOU to complete this task and not someone else?

As I make my way through the short book of the bible, Jonah, I am aware of something called the "divine intervention." I'm not even through my first week and the idea of interruption vs. divine intervention is embedded in my mind.

In the book of Jonah, Jonah is called by God to go forth into a city that he has grown to hate and give a message. Does he? No, not initially at least. Instead, Jonah runs from God. He runs from God. Have you ever run from God? Have you ever turned your back and decided that there were more important things than what God was telling you? We all have. And so did Jonah. We all hate to be interrupted right? It's really such an inconvenience when we are in the middle of something and then BAM someone asks us to do something and we (though we may not outwardly show it) all make a big deal about being taken from our current task. In the book I'm using to go through Jonah, the author presented an interesting equation that caught me off guard.

Insignificant person + Insignificant task = Interruption. 

Significant person + Significant task = Divine Intervention. 

As you read that you probably have some ideas of what it means. When I read this I immediately thought that if I make myself significant (which I am, I am a child of God) and I look at the task God has given me as significant (which it is, I mean He spoke it to me) then the response to the so called "interruption" can be seen as a "divine intervention." It's all in the way you look at it. 

"If you find yourself balking at God's instructions in your life it is an indication of the importance you place on God and His will." 

• That quote right there hit hard y'all. How many times do I put something (an earthly thing) in front of spending time with God? How many times do I make excuses to not spend time in the word because I'm "too busy" or "tired." It's a habit that has become a big deal. I really wanted to get back into reading everyday and digging in deeper to further my walk and faith in Christ but had no where to start. Jonah happened to be that perfect beginning. 

Jonah was called to a city called Nineveh. This was a city that his home town hated, yet he was called to minster to a group of people that he had grown up to dislike. A question arose in my study book that broke my heart and hit me like a ton of bricks. Conviction. 

 

           "Do you have a Nineveh assignment- something God is requiring of you right now that you do                  not want to do? What are your reasons for not wanting to do it?            

• So many times we shy away from things that we are called to do. The biggest thing in my life that I tend to run from is sharing my faith. I am one of the quietest and shyest people and would rather listen to someone talk than say anything myself. But wait, as a Christian that's not what I'm called to do. I'm called to go out and make disciples (Matthew 28:19-20). Talking to people about my faith and walk with Christ takes me so completely out of my comfort zone it's ridiculous, but you know what? Once you think of it as though you are about to have a new brother or sister in Christ whom you get to spend eternity with, it suddenly makes things a whole lot easier (trust me on this, I definitely know). 

"God's calling you means He has chosen you above anyone else."

No single person has the same calling as another. We are all called to do something that is specific to us and our talents given to us through Christ. It's crazy to think that every single person on the planet has a specific thing that God has called them to do and it all comes together to play a part in the grand scheme He has planned. 

Divine Intervention + Yielded Submission = ETERNAL SIGNIFICANCE. 

"God's call and your willingness to obey make you significant."

• Your story begins with God. Let me type that again. Your story begins with God. He commands our destiny and who we are. Once we submit and yield to what He is calling us to do, we will in turn find who we are in Him. We all have had a time (which is now for me) where we want to find out who we truly are, why we were placed where we were, and what our significance in the world is. Jonah (in the three days I've studied so far... I still have 7 weeks left) has shown me that if I can give myself fully to Christ to use for His will, I have done what I was placed on this earth to do. To make disciples of Christ. 

"Here's my heart Lord. 

 Here's my heart Lord. 

 Here's my heart Lord. 

 Speak what is true." 

let Him be known!

For an extra credit assignment in one of my classes I was required to read an excerpt from a book called Simply Christian by N. T. Wright. I have to say, the few chapters that I was required to read made me want to read the whole book. It's incredible. The idea that he presented really opened my eyes to how true the idea is.

Idea: we tend to hide our faith and keep it within us when we should be proclaiming it to those around us who are living in complete darkness without Christ. 

       (A little background): In the excerpt Wright talks about how there was once this dictator who ruled over a land that had an awful water supply and it was constantly getting polluted and dirty. One day he decided to do something about his land's water supply so that the people could have fresh water and not be so sick and miserable. He built a massive pipe system buried under concrete where the chemicals could be administered to the water unearth the city. Well, a few generations later the pipes exploded and the water from the spring came bursting up from the ground destroying everything in the city.
           
            After giving this imaginary situation, Wright goes on to say this: "We in the Western world are the citizens of that country. The dictator is the philosophy that has shaped our world for the past two or more centuries, making most people materialistic by default. And the water is what we today call 'spirituality,' the hidden spring that bubbles up within human hearts and human societies." 

                 I think that this is one of the best representations of our society today that I have ever come across. It really hits home because I think that it is so true. We as Christians today fail to spread the spring of life that flows through us with others, until one day something is said or done and it all just comes exploding out and no one really knows what to do. The media and society of today is the concrete in the situation. It is blocking us from letting the spring (God) flow from us and into other people's hearts. Why is it hindering us? Shouldn't we be better than that as Christians and still share our faith? Honestly yes, we should be better than that and still make Jesus known to others around us in all that we are and all that we do. But it's hard. Media tells us how we should act, how we should dress, and what we should think. We have to push past that though and step out of our comfort zone and let this life that flows through us be known to those that are walking in darkness.

          "Those who don't want their life, and their way of life, disrupted by anything 'religious' can enjoy driving along cornet roads, visiting concrete-based shopping malls, and living in concrete-floored house. Living as if the rumor of God had never existed" (N. T. Wright).

         I think that we as Christians are called to be ambassadors of Christ and to proclaim all that he is and all that he did, and has yet to do. This past year my faith and my assurance in my faith has really grown and sparked into something huge. I am no longer afraid of talking about my faith with others that may not know Christ and I am more confident in talking about my faith with my fellow believers.  We need to let our faith that is being hidden within us erupt outward to those who need to hear and see it. Especially in today's society and situation, I think that the beauty of Christ and his word needs to be explained and proclaimed from the highest mountain, from sea to sea.

          "Now at least it has happened: the hidden springs have erupted, the concrete foundation has burst open, and life can never be the same again" (N. T. Wright).

"So I shout out your name. 
From the rooftops I proclaim, 
That I am yours. 
I am yours. "  
(Rooftops- Jesus Culture)

As the end draws near.

"You are faithful. God you are faithful."

11 days. I have 11 days left of my freshman year of college. Where did time go? I feel like I have learned so much this past year; spiritually and knowledgeably. As I look back on this year and all that has happened I can't help but think about how much God has shown me and how much I truly have grown in my faith. As the end draws near and the final two weeks of school approach us, I can't help but think about the things God has revealed to me and rejoice in my new deeper understanding of Him and my faith.

Some beautiful truths I have learned over the past year:

• God is faithful. I have figured out over time that God is faithful. He will never leave us. He is by our side. He has us in his arms. I have learned that he is faithful to us if we are faithful unto him. If we consistently pray and seek to find God's understanding in our life, He will be faithful and show us where He plans to lead us. 
• God has a plan. I am a planner. I love to plan and think ahead and decide what the rest of my life is going to look like. I don't think it's a bad thing that I love to plan and think ahead but I also think I need to step back and let God take control. If you read in Jeremiah 29:11 it says, "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." We should have a hope in the Lord that He has a plan for us and He will guide us in whatever way he has set for us. 
• God is beyond all understanding. I'll be honest, I have tried so hard to try and understand God. I have tried to understand how He works and how He able to do what He does. Well guess what, you can't. You can't figure Him out. It's impossible. God is omniscient, meaning He understands everything. He IS everything. There is no way that we as humans can possibly even begin to understand how it is possible that He can know everything and understand all that happens in the world. It blows my mind. 
• God is the ultimate source of joy. I have discovered that in those times when I am upset, mad, confused, sad, stressed, whatever, that spending some time in God's word can change my whole outlook on the situation. It can bring me so much joy when things are revealed to me in the times I need to hear it the most. Go in with the attitude that in whatever situation you are in, God is going to show you something marvelous, that He is going to do something through you in the times when you think that you are to your breaking point. 

Never fear the future because, although you have no idea what it holds, God is waiting for you there. 

"For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us." (Romans 8:18)

As my first year of college comes to an end I see how much I have grown spiritually and I pray that through my growth and new understanding I am able to be a better light to those who walk in darkness around me. In Matthew 5:14 it says, "You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden." 

Timing is Everything.

You know those moments where something just really hits you and you think "whoa. what exactly is God trying to say to me?" That's been me lately. For the past few weeks I've been swamped with things to do and God has revealed so much to me. His timing is impeccable. It's incredible. Indescribable. It's something that blows me away every time.

The other day, my friend and I went to see the movie God's Not Dead. Wow, I have no words to describe how incredible it was. I learned so many things from this movie. More than I have time to talk about. One thing really hit me hard though, because it corresponds with my life perfectly.

"When the timing is right, somehow you'll know.
When no body stands, stand on your own."
(Hold You Up by Shane Harper)

I've been told that if we put everything in God's hands that in time and when the time is right he will reveal to us what He wants. I honestly had a hard time believing that things happened in time at a perfect time. Well now I do. I definitely believe. I have completely just given myself to him. I'm not planning my life anymore. I'm not worrying about every little detail of my future. I'm putting it all in his hands. And you know what? It's been incredible. It's been worth it. It's changed my life. It's changed my outlook on life. Things have happened to me lately and people have come into my life that have really blessed me and at the exact time that I needed these things/people.

The people that God has put in my life this year have really impacted my life in ways I didn't think existed. I'm so excited to see where the Lord leads and takes these relationships with the friends I have made here in college and the ones he is strengthening.

• Taylor- Goodness, where do I even begin? You have blessed me in so many ways. We became friends because of the strangest things, in the strangest way. I honestly don't know what I would do without you. You bring so much laughter and joy into my life! I'm thankful that we can talk about anything and everything with each other and that we are going to be able to room together next year. I see God in you. I see him in the way you talk. The way you worship. The way you go about handling situations. The love you have for people and the want you have for them to know Christ inspires me so much. I pray daily that you grow in your faith and that He speaks to you and presents you with opportunities to witness. 
• Rachel- You're one of my best friends. I love you dearly. I'm so thankful God put you in my life because I know that I would not have survived senior year without you. I actually don't think I would have made it through my first year of college without you. I know that we are 2.5 hours away from each other but that never seems to be a stopper for us. We still make each other laugh. We are still there for each other. And we still send each other letters. I pray that through everything that you are going through that God reveals himself to you and shows you that He is always with you. That he will never ever leave you. Give all you have to him and you will be amazed at how much weight is lifted off your shoulders. I love you girl. 
• Logan- Oh my, I don't know where to begin with you either. You have blessed me more than you know. Honestly. You have no idea. The fact that I can talk to you about anything and everything is something I treasure, but even more than that, your words of wisdom are beyond anything I know. You are so wise and true in what you say. It's amazing to listen to you talk about God and what you've learned or what he's said to you. You radiate him in all you do. I see him through everything you do. Your personality just shines for him and it definitely shows that you live your life wholly and truly for the Lord. You've inspired me to do the same. 

I am so thankful for what the Lord is doing in my life. I can't tell you how much giving my life to Christ has made an impact on me. Being faithful to the Lord is truly something that cannot be beat. 

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths." (Proverbs 3:5-6) 

Major Change!

This past week has been absolutely unbelievable. I cannot express how much I have seen God work through me and through those around me. So many things have happened this past week that have just fully radiated how awesome my God is. (I'm getting goose bumps as I type about this!)

So the title of this blog entry is "Major Change," there are two reasons for that: 

     1. I changed my major this past week. 

     2. I have seen Christ majorly change me. 

1. Major Change #1 

     - This past week (as I mentioned in my last blog) I was called to change my major to work in the Communication Disorders field. Well, I officially made the change on Thursday. I am now a Communication Disorders major specializing in Speech Pathology. My excitement to be in this field is something that really cannot be expressed. 

     - I am someone who absolutely loves to listen to people. Like listening to someone just talk about their life and tell me everything that is going on is something that I could do all day everyday. No hesitation, no regrets. I would spend hours just sitting and listening to people talk about stupid things. I'm also the type of person that loves to watch people grow. Whether it be watching someone physically grow up or watching them grow spiritually or mentally, it just gives me so much joy to see that someone can grow and I can actually watch this process and progress.

2. Major Change #2
     - I have seen a major change in my life since I have been in college. I've been a believer since I was 7, and have grown up in the church and seen God work through people but I have never really  expected him to work through me I guess. He definitely has and still is!
     - When I first started thinking about going to college I wanted to go to TCU, more than anything. That is where I knew I belonged and would end up going. Well hey, looky here, I'm a wildcat at ACU! I only applied to ACU out of force, and got in with a huge scholarship. I thought to myself "okay God, take me where you want." I was so nervous because I didn't know anyone and I was scared I wouldn't make friends. Well, I have made two of my best friends here and they have blessed me more than you can ever imagine.
     - Ever since middle school I have been talking about how I want to be a nurse and then eventually a nurse anesthetist. Like I've pictured myself doing that since 7th grade y'all. Well, Thursday I officially changed my major! God spoke to me, and he spoke loudly. I was called to go into Communication Disorders- Speech Pathology and work with autistic kids/adults. The tug on my heart was something that I have NEVER felt before. I can't even explain it. As I sat and prayed about what I needed to do, I could literally feel God pulling me towards the Speech Path direction and leading me down a road I never knew existed.
      - I have felt God work in my more here in college than I ever have in my whole life. I don't know if it is because I am finally giving all I am to him and letting him determine who I am and how I am going to glorify him with my life or what but it is the absolute best feeling in the world.

Something that has stuck with me is what Logan told me last night (he has no idea I'm putting this in here) but what he said keeps playing in my head. Here it goes:
     "I don't know if I was just blind or stupid in high school, but I feel God working in me so much more in college than I ever did there." I cannot tell you how true this is for me as well. I have never felt God like I have since I've been in college. Logan, you are so full of wisdom and the way you give advice and just talk about the Lord radiates and shows your love for him like no other. When you talk I see God in you. In all that you do. I am beyond blessed to know you and been given the opportunity to get to know you so well. You really are such a blessing to me! 

In my life, especially this week with all that has been going on I have found music to be such an incredible thing and it has really given me so much and impacted me more than I thought possible. I've posted some lyrics from some of the songs that have really been my "rock" this week. I hope you know these songs and can relate to how they make me feel! :)

"Oh that rugged cross, my salvation. Where your blood poured out over me. Now my soul cries out hallelujah, praise and honor unto thee." - Man of Sorrows

"Jesus I sing for all that you've done for me. Worthy is the lamb who was slain. Worthy is the king who conquered the grave." - This is Amazing Grace

"Lifted up, He defeated the grave. Raised to life, our God is able. In his name, we over come. For the Lord our God is able." -God is Able

The Call.

Today has been a special day.

In my development psychology class we had a disabled couple come and talk to us. The husband has autism and the wife has a brain injury from a car accident years ago. They have been married for almost 14 years and are so in love with each other. Their love literally radiates from them as they talk to each other and the looks they give each other. Bertha (the wife) said "A lady years ago made a hugging machine to fill a void, I married one." My heart has been racing ever since they began taking about themselves and their life together.

I have always had a special trait in which I am very patient and willing to listen to anyone about anything. I would rather sit there and listen to someone tell me about their problems than go and talk about mine. I never get upset when having to wait for something or get irritably impatient quickly.

There is a reason I have said all this. Today I felt a call. Today while listening to this beautiful couple speak about their life, I felt a tug.
          - I am currently enrolled in ACU as a nursing major. Today I felt the tug and call to change my major. (You're probably asking, "to what?") Well, I'm thinking about changing to Communication Disorders and heading towards Speech Pathology. I just have such a heart towards working with disabled people. Whether it be children or adults, it just makes me happy listening to them and hearing about everything that they know.

I have never really been one to change my mind. I decide on something and I stick to it. I don't change my mind. Well now I'm considering that I chose the wrong major, that I chose nursing because the type of nursing I wanted to do paid well. I would make so much money. So? Money doesn't matter to me. Money isn't something that I want to have. I just want to do something that I love and do something that glorifies God as I do it. So is he opening a new door for me? One that I can use the abilities (listening and patience) He gave me to glorify him.  Sure, I can't see myself working in an office or anything like that but I could definitely see myself working with people with a  disability that hinders their speech. I really feel like this is something that God is leading me towards.

I have told several of my friends about my thoughts and asked their opinions on what I should do or if they could see me doing what I am thinking about doing. They all said yes. Two of my best friends that are so dear to me have given me incredible words of encouragement that have brought me to tears today. These bible verses and words really hit home and made me think.

"The Lord will keep you from all evil; he will keep your life. The Lord will keep your going out and your coming in form this time forth and forevermore." (Psalm 121:8)

"Be still and know that I am God. I will be exalted  among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth." (Psalm 46:10)

"Take head to the ministry which you have received in the Lord, that you may fulfill it." (Colossians 4:17)

I am so thankful to have been given such amazing friends that will be by my side no matter what. God has been working through us in magnificent ways and I can't wait to see where he take us next year together! I have finally completely given up my life to the Lord and trust in him that if I am a called to go into Speech Path that he will guide me and make me into the person he has called me to be. I give all I am to him.

PRAYER

What is the purpose of prayer?
Why do I pray?
When should I pray?
How should I pray?

For me, these are all questions I ask myself when the topic of prayer comes up. There really is no specific answer to any of these questions but yet then again there is. There are so many ways to do all these things. So I'm going to go through all these questions and answer them based solely on what I do and how I take different pieces of scripture to determine what I should do! I hope all who read this get something out of it and become more eager to pray more often!

1. What is the purpose of prayer?
- The purpose of prayer is to have a personal relationship with Christ. Think about it. How do you make relationships with others? You talk to them. Same with God, you talk to him so that you can further and develop your relationship with him.
- "I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace." (Ephesians 4:1-3)
      -This verse shows that we are supposed to walk in God no matter where we go or what we do. We have to show our relationship with him in all things. We are walking testimonies of him. The purpose of praying other than furthering our relationship is to pray for those that maybe we don't like or are bitter towards. Pray for them. Pray that God works in your heart to soften it and let you forgive this person for all the wrong they've done you.

2. Why do I pray?
- This is really similar to the question, "what is the purpose of prayer" but I think I can add some to it.
- I, personally, pray because I seek a deep and meaningful relationship with Christ. I want to be one with him and for Him to be seen through me and all that I do.
- One of my biggest struggles is with worrying about what is going to happen next in my life, I constantly pray about this because I just want some peace. I want to not worry about, where I'm living next year, what classes I'm going to take, or even just the little things like what I'm wearing tomorrow and what homework I have to do for tomorrow. Peace.
- Forgiveness is also a HUGE thing for me, if someone does something bad to me, I tend to remember it forever and will never let it go. I pray for forgiveness and that I can learn to see that these people who may have hurt me in the past are also brothers and sisters in Christ and that I should love everyone equally and that we all make mistakes. We're all sinners.
- "Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble." (Matthew 6:34)

3. When should I pray?
- Pray at any time of the day! There is no right and no wrong time to pray.
- Pray should be a constant part of a Christian's life.
- Yes, we should pray in church when the pastor gives us that time and pray with him or the leaders when the congregation as a whole prays.
- I tend to find myself praying and just simply talking to God while I walk from class to class here at school. Times when you are alone and can just talk to him are the absolute best times to me. I feel such an overwhelming peace and sense of reassurance when I pray.
- In my day to day activities, I tend to get really stressed out and all, so I sit down in my room after class and open my bible to a place that maybe I haven't read before or to a place that I know has a message I could really hear right then. I spend sometime just reading and writing down my thoughts, but then most of my time is devoted to praying about what I just read and how it can be used in my life specifically.
- "Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer." (Romans 12:12)

4. How should I pray?
- Once again there really is no right answer for this question. It really just depends on the person and how you are able to really become one with Christ.
- For me it's reading, taking notes, and praying.
- For some, maybe painting, or drawing, or writing a poem is how they are able to connect and express their feelings and thoughts to God.
- The only thing I'll say is a must for praying to God, is to simply just let it all out. Talk to him. He's your father. Tell him about your day, tell him things that you need help with, ask him to work through you and fix these things that you struggle with, and finally pray for your friends, your family and the people that maybe you just can't stand. God will work in you in amazing ways that you never even thought of.
- "And whenever you stand praying, forgive, if you have anything against anyone, so that your Father also who is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses." (Mark 11:25)

Prayer is such an important part of a Christian's life that it is so important to me that people understand that talking to God can change everything and can be so beneficial in their faith. Getting to know God and letting him take control of your life is the best thing that you can do for yourself, because he knows the master plan and has your whole life worked out.

I pray that each of you who took the time to read this prayer blog that you begin a prayer regimen and try to pray when you can. It really helps. And if you are like me and hate praying in front of people, praying to God alone and out loud (alone) will give you so much confidence so that when you are asked to pray in a group of people, it won't seem as intimidating.

"Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age." (Matthew 28:19-20)