Men that lead and live out the heart of Christ are rare. Men that are spiritually strong and lead are rare breed these days. Men that challenge those around them to go deeper, be stronger, and follow Christ's example are on the verge of extinction.
There's something that draws me to people that can, just by example, drive me to be a better Christ-follower. I found that in the man I am engaged to marry. Yet, I watch women day after day settle because they are lonely. Settle because they are financially needy. Settle because they want a male influence for their children. Settle because they are insecure and think they are "less" without a man. Settle because they are impatient. Settle because they believe that what they have, although mediocre, is the best they'll find. Settle because the really don't believe Godly men are still out there. Settle because they tire of waiting on God. It breaks my heart.
I know SEVERAL engaged ladies right now. I know one who is engaged on the rebound just weeks after crying her heart out over the last guy. I know one who can barely utter the words that she LOVES her fiance. I know one who has been living with her boyfriend for years and just figured they ought to get married for their children's sake. I know a couple (that's two, and mine is one of them) truly joyful, God-blessed engagements; glaring exceptions.
Waiting is one of the hardest things in life. I am not good at it. Being lonely is very painful thing. I am not good at that one either. After making some really unwise relational choices in my life and living with the consequences I decided to lay those at the foot of the cross. I decided to go out and live my life. I stopped waiting. I stopped feeling alone. I invested my heart and my life into the things of God. I allowed God to breathe life into me and not look for it anywhere else. He did not let me down. He filled my life with His work and His love. I was able to cut those ties to the past, to heartbreak, to waiting, to being lonely and decided to simply trust in the moment He had me in. Each moment of the day, I trusted in Him.
Then...I met Jimmy (much time had passed by the way). He was volunteering at the church where I work. I had a flat tire. He introduced himself, helped me with the tire (in the HEAT of August, dripping sweat) and did so with a smile on his face and one that radiated from his heart. He was different. I could tell immediately. He gladly served me when I was having a challenging day. He did so with a heart I could FEEL. It made an impact. His Christ-like heart made an impact that I couldn't shake.
From that day on, we've been "as thick as thieves" to use a quote my dad uses a lot. He has taught me so much me in so many areas of my life. He's inspired me in ways I never expected. He challenges me without saying a word, to live my life in a way I never have before. His heart, his generosity, his obedience to God, astound me. He is what I wanted but didn't have until I let God consume me and my life. God wants to be first. God IS TO BE FIRST. Until I placed Him in that position I was not ready for any additions to my life. If I had settled (and I could have) I would have missed out on SO much. I would have missed out on a man that leads me to grow even closer to the God that brought us together. I would have missed out on the REAL deal. But we have to determine if we can sacrifice it all and take the leap of faith that God will provide what we NEED, by laying it ALL at His feet, not expecting ANYTHING else in return, but to be filled by Him. We have to be willing to let go and let God fill our lives instead of taking control and filling our own lives.
What God can and will do with your life is nothing short of phenomenal. But it will only be that if you surrender all of your life to Him. He will fill it up with all that you need. It may be a "Jimmy". It may be something totally different. But whatever He fills your life with, it will draw you closer to Him and it will be better than you ever dreamed. We miss out on the BEST things when we settle. Wait on the Lord with joy and anticipation. He will BRING IT!!! IF you don't give up and settle. HE WILL BRING IT!!!
1 comment:
It's rare, but it has happened today, I AM struck dumb, almost without words. For me, having a front row seat for ALL (good and bad) of it has sometimes been scary, sometime exhausting, sometimes exhilarating, but always REAL. This blog stand as a testament of what God is willing and able to do in everyone's life, even more, what He wants to do.
I am so proud of you, so happy that God is blessing you, Jimmy, Gracyn, and Luke. Keep telling others what He has done in your life, it will make a difference in the lives of others. As I told Jimmy; I do not believe in luck, I only believe in the providence of God. "All things work together for good to those who love the Lord." It really is that simple.
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