Wednesday, March 31, 2010

COMPLETE JOY


Today’s blog is simply about the feeling of complete and utter joy! There is no greater experience of joy than that of a prayer being answered. Especially, when it’s a prayer for someone else whom you love dearly. I think I now know the joy that the prodigal son’s father felt when his son found his way back home. No wonder he wanted to throw a party and dress his son in the finest robe. What an occasion to celebrate!
Luke 15:21-24 "The son said to him, 'Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son. "But the father said to his servants, 'Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let's have a feast and celebrate. For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.' So they began to celebrate.
A similar version of this story happened to my younger brother Derek. He was lost and now he’s found. Praise God! I asked my brother’s permission to share a little bit of his testimony in my blog. I’ve been so overjoyed that I can’t contain myself. I shared his story with my close circle of friends, who know Derek, and have often kept him in their prayers. His testimony has already been such an encouragement and blessing to many others. That’s just the way God works, isn’t it? Romans 8:28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.

I have two brother’s, an older and younger.
We all grew up going to church. Derek use to play guitar on the worship team, and wrote such beautiful songs to the Lord. After high school, Derek got off the path of God’s will for his life, when his dream of being a professional baseball player was shattered. He was truly a gifted player, but it just wasn’t his time yet. He decided to live life his way and walked away from God. His life since then has never gone quite right. It was one struggle after another. At times there would be a slight glimmer of hope, but there was always some obstacle getting in the way, or another challenge to face. One thing that I know from my own experience, is when you are outside the will of God, you will never have the strength to overcome those battles on your own. Life is tough without the Lord, but when you’ve known the Lord and then walked away, it’s even tougher!

God gave us choice, so He will always allow us to make our own choices, even if we choose to do things the hard way and go through those struggles without Him, but He has never left our side. We are the ones who choose to leave Him. Hebrews 13:5 I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. The good news is that He will never let us crash and burn. Yes, sometimes we have to get to our lowest point in life, and that might look pretty ugly for some. We have to be so broken down before we will look up. Jesus is our Shepard and he will never let one of His sheep go. He may have to break our legs and carry us over His shoulders, but that just shows how much He loves us. In Derek’s life, that is basically what happened to him. Literally, he was so physically broken down, and it was in that place where he finally heard God’s voice. He had that personal encounter with God that changed his life forever. All those walls he had built-up came tumbling down. God set him free and buried his past! Derek surrendered all of himself, humbled himself before God and was able to recognized how much God truly loves him. When you’ve experienced that and really know how much God loves you, and the price He paid for me a sinner, there is no turning back. I can attest to that! Derek said he will never forget February 19, 2010 the day he rededicated his life to Jesus, and the word that God gave him. Romans 12:2 Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.

When my brother shared what happened, my mother and I could see the change in him. When he spoke about his experience, he couldn’t hold back the tears. I knew God really touched him and transformed his life. Now, I look at my brother and see a new man with a heart filled with joy and the peace that passes all understanding. I posted the photo above of Derek because it captures the joy that only comes from knowing Jesus as your personal Lord and savior and friend. I’m so happy to see my little brother smiling again. As I’m writing this, my heart is just bubbling inside and of course tears running down my cheeks. If you only knew the journey it’s been. You can only imagine the joy my mother felt. A mom, who’s been praying for the past 16 years for her son, has now seen it become a reality. I will never know the pain a parent must go through watching their children suffer. I’m just the sister and I know how much it broke my heart to see my brother struggle. I just want to encourage those who are still praying for a loved one, to not give up hope. It’s never too late. God hears your prayers and even when it may seem like nothing is changing in that person’s life, most likely getting worse, just know that God is working on the inside. He is in control and knows exactly how much they can endure. God will never give us more than we can handle. I love that scripture that says, speak that which is not, as though it is. God has heard your prayers, now start thanking Him and proclaiming, “it is done!” _and get your party hats ready to celebrate!

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.