Words honestly can't describe the joy that fills my heart. I serve a God of miracles. A God of second (and third, fourth, fifth, sixth, and on) chances. A God who doesn't give up on even the vilest sinner. A God who is willing to wash clean whoever comes to Him. A God of mercy, grace, and peace. A God who cries when I cry and rejoices when I rejoice. A God who has walked beside me through every moment of my life, and carried me through the worst. Whenever I have broken down in tears of pain and sorrow, He was right there, embracing me. He has held me, my family, and so many others I know together when we thought we would fall into pieces.
I'll be honest. Sometimes, it is really, really hard to remember that God is there. That He cares. That He has the best in mind. But believing in God isn't what makes Him exist. Whether or not we feel like He is there or loves us, He continues doing so. He continues to exist, just as He always has. Since before time even existed. He continues to love us as only He can. He continues to pour grace and mercy onto our sinful selves. He never gives up. He keeps working on. Even when one of us completely, fully, and outrightly rejects Him.
Never.
For months, my prayers have often centered around someone who has a special place in my heart. He was my first best friend, we've been tight since we were tiny. Sure, there have been spans of time where we were at odds, where we didn't get along. But I love him all the same. We all make mistakes. We're all sinners. He's my not-so-little-anymore brother. And I love him so much. He has made me cry more than once. And today, I cry the happiest of tears for him. Because not only is he my brother by blood, he is my brother in Christ.
Friends, prayer works. God is real. He is listening. Always. He knows your pain and sorrow. He knows your joy and triumph. He cares for you. He cares for the lost. The broken. The hurting. He has His arms wrapped around you. He is whispering to you. "Wait, my child. Wait. Better days are coming. Wait on Me. Serve Me, worship Me and love Me. I am working everything for the best. And I love you."
Lean on God. He will give you peace, hope, and joy. He is your rock. Your fortress. Your mainstay. Your present help in time of trouble.
When it feels like God has forgotten you, please remember that He hasn't. He knows your suffering, your pain. He sees the hurt you hold inside. He longs for the lost to come to Him even more than you do. Don't stop praying. Don't stop having faith. We may not always see what God is doing, but we can know that He is doing something amazing.
If someone close to you is lost, or has strayed away from God don't give up on them. God never once gave up on you or that person. And He has no intentions of doing so.
For we walk by faith, not by sight
2 Corinthians 5:7
