Then and Now
It is quite funny to look back at pictures of my younger days. I get quite a chuckle at how I looked back then. I also realize that my body was quite a bit younger back then. It’s kind of weird getting old, because in my mind, I can still do some of the things I used to do, but when I try, I realize that my mind is younger than my body.
I sometimes reflect on my spiritual journey and realize that I am much more connected to the Lord now than at other times in my life. Early on, I lived off the faith of my parents. When I realized that my faith was my own, I began to grow on my own. I must confess that there were times that I was “going through the motions” of my faith because my faith was struggling to make sense of life that was coming quickly at me. Paul had a word for people just like me. Check this out…
4 But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, 5 made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved. 6 And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, 7 in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus. 8 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— 9 not by works, so that no one can boast. 10 For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. (Galatians 2:4-9 NIV)
I think it is healthy to take a look back at the history of my faith journey. I have had my share of struggles and trouble. I can so see the hand of God in times of deep pain and struggle. I can also see His hand in times of absolute joy and gladness. There are times in my journey when I ignored Him. There are times when I felt really near to Him. I think life has ebb and flow – ups and downs. The times when I’ve been down are times when He rescued me or came near. He will be with me no matter what my attitude or my feelings are like. God is not fickle – He is FAITHFUL! As I take an honest look back, I’m not so faithful, but I’m still running to Him most every day. If not running to Him, I’m running toward Him! I simply don’t know a love like His. His love, His mercy and His grace are truly remarkable and amazing! I want to live strong and finish strong pursuing His heart!
Pressing On! Dwayne