A Glimpse of God’s Love

Tonight at work I got a glimpse of God’s unconditional love for us. For those who don’t know, I work for Family Resources as a Residential Counselor for kids who have behavioral problems.

It hit me around 8:00pm - The kids were in their rooms getting ready for bed and one of them knocked out. He asked if he could have a second snack. Since it was past lights out, we had to tell him no and we directed him back to his room. He became verbally aggressive and started pounding on his window. Within minutes he became even more escalated and started hitting and kicking the other staff I was working with and me as well. He ended up running out of the cottage. When he was brought back in, he was able to calm down and then asked me to tuck him in.

At that moment I understood how God can love us even when we disrespect Him or turn away from Him. One moment these kids are hitting and kicking me, and the next they are asking for a hug or to be tucked in. After seeing the innocence in their eyes and the love and acceptance they are seeking, I cannot help but hurt for them. This is similar to how we are with God. One minute we are showing disrespect to Him through our selfish choices and the next we are on our knees crawling back to Him, admitting our failures and inability to live life without Him. I can imagine how frustrating it must be for God to see us continually turn our backs on Him, but even so, He loves us with unconditional love.
“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” - John 3:16

“But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” - Romans 5:8

“But in all these things we overwhelmingly conquer through Him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord” - Romans 8:37-39

I pray that today you will have a better knowledge of God’s love for you and extend this love to others. Even when the road is long and bumpy, He is there every step of the way with His sleeves rolled up and ready to face the trials with you. May you firmly hold onto this Truth and know that you are loved with an EVERLASTING love! :)

God bless,
Shannon

“Beloved” – Tenth Avenue North
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6CUGTIWCFyo&feature=related

You Alone Can Rescue

“You Alone Can Rescue” – Matt Redman
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XfzJyuFzyVE

Who, oh Lord, could save themselves,
Their own soul could heal?
Our shame was deeper than the sea
Your grace is deeper still

Who, oh Lord, could save themselves,
Their own soul could heal?
Our shame was deeper than the sea
Your grace is deeper still

You alone can rescue, You alone can save
You alone can lift us from the grave
You came down to find us, led us out of death
To You alone belongs the highest praise

You, oh Lord, have made a way
The great divide You heal
For when our hearts were far away
Your love went further still
Yes, your love goes further still

You alone can rescue, You alone can save
You alone can lift us from the grave
You came down to find us, led us out of death
To You alone belongs the highest praise

We lift up our eyes, lift up our eyes
You’re the Giver of Life

You alone can rescue, You alone can save
You alone can lift us from the grave
You came down to find us, led us out of death
To You alone belongs the highest praise

I recently heard this song for the first time at my church a few Sundays ago. I was just blown away at the Truth this song speaks of. So often we try to live this life on our own, doing things our way and on our clock. But when we do this, we miss the greatest adventure of all - of living life God’s way and allowing Him to lead us to Eternity’s best!! :)

This summer I have had a few things happen to me where God has had to speak loud and clear that His will is so much better than mine and I need to step aside and trust Him. Whether it is future plans falling through with school, work disappointments, or setbacks in pursuing a particular ministry in church, He has continued to amaze me at the work He is doing in my life. It is just like Proverbs 3:5-6 reminds us, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. Seek His will in all you do and He will make your paths straight.” While I was busy making my own plans, God was kindly shaking His head and telling me to submit to His will for my life. When I finally acknowledged that He was not trying to ruin my plans, but bring me to even better ones that I couldn’t ever imagine, I was amazed beyond measure!!!

So I encourage us today to “lift up our eyes to the Giver of life” as the song says and trust Him with the results. I pray that we will stand firm as we follow the Lord and continue to praise Him through the storms.

May the Lord bless you and keep you in His loving arms.
<3 Shannon