Romanced

In a world where a million different things fight for my attention, the God of the universe brings me joys that no one else could ever provide.

I am romanced. God has fought for my attention; He has given me friends to express inexplicable joy to; He has sent lightning blazing across the night sky that causes my heart to race. He has shown me victory in love, and hope in what seems like defeat.

There is a chapter in a book I'm reading about how God seeks to romance us in ways that are individual and personal. He awakens our spirits in ways no human ever could. My prayer has been for the past few weeks that God would romance me, and open my eyes to see His love. And He has.

It started last Thursday as I was driving home during a storm. It was late at night and I'd called a friend to help me stay awake. But I didn't need that. God quickly showed me that I needed to hang up the phone, that He was giving me what I'd asked for. I watched as silver bolts of lightning wove their way across the sky. And I could only stare in awe and worship in wonder.

This past weekend I watched as God softened a friend's heart. I watched as He protected and provided and sustained as only He can do. I rejoiced in the Lord and the little victories. I also watched as satan fought for the same heart. I watched as the same heart put up defenses just days later. But I rejoice in the same God who fought for me, who in His timing captivated my heart to such a point that I will never, ever be able to turn from His love. I trust that He is doing the same for my friend.

On June 13th, I celebrated my third year of my walk with Christ. It's been the greatest joy of my life. There have been days where it seemed easier to turn away. But my God always, always, comes through. In His arms I have found purpose and worth and love and peace and healing. I look foward to not only three more years but a lifetime of living in Him.

This week I have felt peace in walks with friends. I have found hope in the way Christ is working in those older than me; who still struggle, but who have found a life and calling and purpose in the Lord. My heart has soared as things I've been thinking and feeling have been finally put to words, to the glory of God. I have been blessed with wonderful mentors who love me and are more than willing to pour their wisdom into me.

And tonight, the Lover of my soul called once again to me in the night sky. Storms are scary to some, but fascinating to me. I've always loved them. But just recently I realized that they are God's way of grabbing my attention. As I was driving home from church, I began to think about the Church and religion and how frustrated I'm getting. I'm tired of theology. I just want to know Jesus. I began to pray, and halfway through that statement, lightning lit up the sky, branching off like silver veins and cutting off my words. And I started laughing. I was filled with pure joy at the beauty of God, at His way of telling me that He just wants to know me, too. And all I could say was, "I love you, too." The storm continued to roll in, and I decided to stop to watch it. There's this hill in my neighborhood that looks over some trees and gives a really good view of the sky. So I drove there. When it comes to God, I'm never disappointed. I parked my car on the hill and got out. I stood in awe as flashes of light illuminated the clouds. Some were behind the clouds, creating flashes as if someone had turned on a lamp behind a curtained window. At other times the lightning would spread out like a spider's webb above me. I was totally in awe and a little scared that I'd get struck. But no. It was pure beauty. And purely God. I am so awestruck at His glory!!! I don't deserve to see it, and yet He reveals it in EVERYTHING to His children.

I'm constantly amazed at what God will do just to draw our hearts to Him. And it makes me fall all the more in love with Him. Needless to say, I never knew when this journey started that I'd love Him this much. And that's only three years in! I have all of eternity!! :) I am completely and totally romanced by a seriously ridiculous God, and I wouldn't have life any other way!