Written by Preston Lindsey
I was raised in a small independent no-denominational church in the middle of nowhere Tennessee. I really can't remember a time when we weren't in church. My grandfather on my mom's side was our pastor, and my role model. I wanted nothing more than to be just like him. I would always tell people that when I grew up, I wanted to be a preacher and have a fat belly just like him. It was always my calling, I guess. In July of 2010 I was on a camping trip with my mom and stepdad and both of their parents. On the last day my pawpaw and nanny left so he could preach at the church the next day. I decided to go home with my other grandparents. The next day at around 3pm the phone rang. I could hear the pain in my mom's voice as she spoke to my granddad. The next thing I knew we were making the 20-minute drive to the hospital. We parked in the parking garage and began the longest walk I can remember. At 15 years old my whole life was about to come crashing down. My mom met me about halfway down the hall in tears. My pawpaw had suffered a massive stroke while eating lunch and there was nothing the doctors could do. I remember being in the room as they unplugged him ventilator. My mentor, my pastor, and my best friend was gone.
I know that was a log sad story, but the reason I wanted to share it is because it’s the day God got a hold of my heart. I had been living a life of sin. A lie to my family. A lie to myself. That day was the loneliest and scared I have ever been. But God gave me peace. I grabbed a bible in the waiting room and cried out to God. I told Him how it wasn't fair. That I needed Him to give my pawpaw back. God spoke to me and said "Son, I Love You." That is what I needed. The reason I wanted pawpaw was partially because I thought if he prayed with me God would forgive me. I thought I needed him to get close to God. But that day God looked down on me and told me he loves me despite what I had done. That day I realized that I was the reason Jesus came and died the most unjustified and painful death ever seen. It was for me! God loves me! Even when I don't deserve it! He cares for me! My life has been far from easy since that day. I have had many days that my struggles seemed to come in tidal waves, but one thing remains true in my heart. God loves me! And God loves you too. You are special to him. You are worth it. So on those days when the world tells you that you are not good enough, not pretty enough, not worthy enough, or not strong enough just remember that God chose you (just as you are) to send Jesus to par the ultimate sacrifice so that He can have an everlasting relationship with you.
Pray with me!
God, Father
I know that I am unworthy of your love, I know that I am not good enough. But I come to you now with a humble heart. God, I need you! Please forgive me for all my failures. Help me Lord to walk with you every day. Guard my mind and focus my eyes on you. I surrender my life to you today.
Amen!
Roman 5:8 But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
1 John 4:16 And we have known and believed the love that God has for us. God is love, and he who abides in love abides in God, and God in him.
Luke 1:78-79 Because of the tender mercy of our God, whereby the sunrise shall visit us from on high, to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide or feet into the way of peace.
Comentarios