I'm not the friend that makes lunch plans, calls you up out of the blue on the phone, or texts for no reason at all. To be honest, if my girlfriends didn't set up this lunch date I would have been perfectly content eating a bologna sandwich at home. But there I was with my sweet friends being blessed and having a great time. I'm so thankful for the friendships God has blessed me with over the years.
Growing up I had two childhood friends that I spent my summers with riding the streets of Saginaw. Too many sweet memories to recall them all. I remember most jumping on the trampoline, swimming, bike rides, Train and Grain Days, tacos four for a dollar at Taco Casa, candy from Motts, and snow cones. Boy, that was the simple life.
In high school God blessed me with a circle of friends that I still think about often. Also many sweet memories to cherish. From bus rides to and from games, egg wars, nights on the trampoline, dances, and more. I'm so thankful they reached out to me. In those days, having a pager and talking on the phone was all the rage. Yet, I don't recall once having a phone call conversation with my friends. My sister made up for my lack of interest. Trust me. My mom had to get my sister her own phone line.
With these memories, it made me think of my most treasured friendship. Jesus. When I think back to my childhood and teenage years, I had an innocence. My relationship with Christ was so different then. My faith was different. It was so great. I hadn't really experienced the hurts of this world yet. I can honestly say when I was seventeen, me and Jesus were tight. I lived in His Word and dwelled in His presence daily. I was vulnerable, tenderhearted, anxious to enter the next season of my life.
At seventeen, I prayed for God to show me his will for my life. Go away for college? Stay home for college? I will need a job. Where should I work? I knew He had called me into full time ministry. But what ministry? As I was praying and waiting upon the Lord, I didn't wait idly. I got involved. When I was living for the moment, He put me where He had me for that season. A place I wouldn't have put myself; however, God equipped me and empowered me to do His will. More cherished memories and friendships were made.
One of my biggest struggles this past year was leaving a church family that I love so much. I know God was telling us to go, but I just wanted to hang on with all my might. I didn't understand why He wouldn't allow me to stay where I was to heal. Now I know. I was dead. He had to break the chains that were holding me down. He had to prepare me for a new season. I get that now.
Healing. I've been praying for healing in my marriage. There is nothing sweeter than attending church and feeling the spirit of God move. When I'm in my church surrounded by my brothers and sisters in Christ I'm encouraged by their friendships, prayers, and hugs. You hear people say, "God is moving in our church…" But, what does that mean? To me it means He is moving in His people. He's been moving in me this year. I can feel His spirit so strong when I enter my church. I believe it is because He is moving in His people there.
It's been a long time since I've been moved to hit the alter. But, this year, that is where I find myself. When I'm there I'm always joined by my sweet sisters in Christ praying for me. Yesterday was no different. God was speaking to me through our praise and worship; then the sermon. When it was alter time, the tears continued to flow as I made my way down. This day it was my pastor's wife and Sunday school teacher's wife that came down to pray with me. I was asked if there was anything I needed prayer for. I said, yes, my marriage. They embraced me and prayed.
As I was sharing with my friends today, I was trying to explain to them how I felt at this time. There were just no words. I didn't feel like it was two ladies holding me in prayer, but God himself. It was simply God's amazing love flowing through two willing vessels. When God's moving, He wakes up the dead. He brings healing and restoration. A dry well can produce tears.
All this time I had it all wrong. Instead of praying for healing in my marriage, I should have been praying for healing and complete restoration with my relationship with Christ. To be where I once was. Vulnerable, tenderhearted, living in His Word, and dwelling in His presence daily. I'm sure you can all think back to a time that you were one with God. Maybe you are there now. Oh, I just long to be there again.
As I enter this new season, I see that God wants me to be seventeen again.
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