I know I've been planning on writing about a million different things. My drafts are never ending and all over the place. Because I start writing about what I want to write about rather than what God wants me to write about. And I have been trying to be super in tune with God's plan for this blog, rather than mine.
I went to a conference this last weekend called converge and learned a lot. It was also kind of a reset, refresh, and kick in the butt to be bold, courageous, and obedient in what the Lord is telling me to do.
So that's what I am doing. I am switching gears to talk about something that has always been circling around in my head. When I started my blog my first goal was for you to get to know me so that you would want to read what I had to say and take it to your heart because you knew me or knew of me. Second, and the most important, I wanted to share my testimony and share Jesus with you. All of which I have done. I've talked about living life as a christian, struggles I have faced, and things I have worked through.
But, I feel I have been speaking in a way that might only resonate with people who are currently walking with the Lord and going to church. And I feel God telling me to do my best to speak to those who haven't given their lives to the Lord and those who are on the fence about it.
Back to the conference. Tom Crandall was the guest speaker. And I really enjoyed the way he spoke and preached. He didn't have slide after slide of scripture from the old testament that no teenager or middle schooler would understand. (Not saying this is bad, but when you're trying to reach middle schoolers who don't know Jesus, to me it isn't the most effective way) He didn't speak in a way that was condemning. And he didn't shove points of action down our throats in a do it or else fashion. He was very real, genuine, practical, and loving. He shared his testimony, which was relatable, raw, and simple. He shared stories about the worldly things he had done that most of us in the room have probably thought about or done. And I truly believe that's the best way to share Jesus with someone. Like seriously, that's why we are told to share our testimony. Think about it, I've gone to church my whole life, know Jesus, and his simple sessions where he was mostly speaking from his heart literally changed my life.
I think the best way to open this up is to be honest and say, I don't know many bible stories, I've never read the whole bible, obviously I sin, and my prayer life isn't that amazing. I've cussed, I've lusted, I've lied, I've hated people, I've disobeyed my parents and a lot of other things. I've messed up over and over and over again. But, Jesus still wants me.
No matter where you're at. Whether
You smoke or sleep around or you're addicted to drugs or alcohol, or your vocabulary is 99% swearing, or you're addicted to porn or some type of sexual sin, or you cheated on your ex, or you've been to jail, or got expelled from school, or snuck out, or your whole identity is disrespecting your parents. Even if you've denied God over and over again.
HE WANTS YOU. And I'm gonna say it again. HE WANTS YOU.
There's this idea in a lot of peoples' heads that you have to be at a "certain level of holiness" to come to Jesus. I've heard a lot of people say "Oh I'll give my life to the Lord, once I stop drinking" or once I stop sleeping around or once I deal with my anxiety. And that mindset is so so so so wrong.
God knows we're broken. God knows we have issues. And he knows you and acknowledges you in your brokenness. He doesn't want people who think they're perfect. That's actually exactly what he doesn't want. Luke 5:31 actually says "those who are healthy have no need for a physician, but those who are sick do. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repent."
"The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit." Psalm 34:18
"The God of the universe cares about you. He sees the pain you're experiencing, and He cares about the condition of your heart." - Tracie Braylock
Here's the thing. You're procrastinating to give yourself an opportunity to be worthy of God's love. No one is worthy of God's love. God's love has nothing to do with you. If we had to earn God's love, we'd all miss the mark. Every single one of us. Because we are all sinners.
"But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us." Romans 5:8
God is longing for a relationship with you. Whether you are seeking the Lord or not, he has been seeking you your whole life. He's been knocking on your door patiently waiting and hoping for you to open the door and invite him in.
"Look! I stand at the doors and knock. If you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in, and we will share a meal together as friends." Revelation 3:20
How crazy is that? The creator of the universe is seeking to have a relationship with you.
The world paints a picture of God that is completely incorrect. They show him as a big guy in the sky waiting to strike you with lighting if you make any mistake. Which is so incredibly incorrect. And it's pretty obvious it's incorrect, because if it was true we would all be dead. God is the most forgiving person, it's just who he is. As it says in John 3:16, God sent his one and only perfect son, to die for you and to die for me.
You can't live with constant regret of your sin. You can't let your sin hold you back from moving into a relationship with God. When you confess with your mouth that He is your Lord and accept Jesus into your heart, you are a child of the one true king. Which means you are made new, the old you is gone. All the bad and good are gone. You died to your old self. And now you're the new _______ (insert your name here.) Your sins are then forgiven. God is within you. And you made the best decision of your life.
You might then try to argue the point that God can't use you. Sweetie he can. You're never too broken or too far gone. Jesus ate with prostitutes, Peter in the Bible denied Jesus three times and God still loved him, and he forgave murderers. You're not too far gone. God will use you in more ways than you can imagine.
- He'll use your musical skills, even if you've slept with thirty seven guys.
- He'll use your social media platform, even if you used to send nudes.
- He'll use your work to share his Love with people.
- He'll use your pain and heartaches to help people who are going through similar things.
God will use you where he needs you. He already knows where you are gonna be used. He already knows who's lives you're gonna change. You're his plan A. He needs you. And He wants you. He's waiting for you.
God's plan for your life is so amazing. Better than any life you have going for you right now. Jeremiah 29:11 says "For I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you and not harm you, he plans to give you hope and a future." Psalm 33:11 says "The plans of the Lord stand firm forever, the purposes of His heart through all generations." And Jeremiah 1:5 says "Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you; I appointed you a prophet to the nations."
I have never talked to anyone who has regretted giving their lives to the Lord. Not saying there hasn't been anyone who has. But, God wants to love on you, provide for you, and care about you. He wants to be there for you when no one else is. He wants to guide you through life and coach you to victory.
So, if you have ever thought about giving your life to the Lord. Take the step, be bold, and do it. Yes, do it right now.
A simple prayer you can pray is- "God I need you. Thank you for sending your one and only son to die on the cross for me. I give you my life and receive you as my Lord and savior." It's not a magic prayer but it's a gesture to show you are ready for it!
If you decide to make the decision, reach out to someone. Reach out to me!!
I love you! And I'm proud of you, no matter where you're at.
Love, Maddie (:
Love you, Maddie ❤🔥❤🔥❤🔥❤🔥❤