I'm new to this whole blogging thing, and it will definitely take some time to get used to--so bear with me y'all!
This blog wasn't created to step on toes, or to make anyone angry. This blog wasn't created on some kind of whim, and this blog definitely wasn't created without awkwardness. This is probably the biggest and boldest step I've ever taken in my faith, and I'm afraid that I'm being thrown into a pack of wolves. But if I've learned anything from the countless Bible studies, church services, and books that I've read, sharing one's faith with others is never easy, but if it glorifies God in anyway, then that's the way to go.
I've constantly been burdened by the fact that I never share God's perfect words with others, and when opportunity comes, I always (well, almost always) turn it down. The last Vertical I attended (it's put on by Valdosta State University's Fellowship of Christian Athletes [FCA] at 8pm every Wednesday in the Student Union) God put on my heart that I needed to reach out to others. My first thought was, "Dude, you are totally insane. Don't you realize who I am? I'm a people pleaser, and I definitely don't want to make someone angry by prodding into their life asking if they've heard anything about You." But the more I thought about it, the more I realized how stupid I sounded. God totally went through so much stuff for me, and I couldn't even do one little thing for Him in return? I mean, nothing I ever do will compare to the great things that God has done, but anything I can do to carry out His name is better than doing nothing at all. So, here I am, blogging to you.
I am a tiny being on this small earth in this gigantic galaxy, but I am one athlete in the hundreds at VSU. God has blessed me to get this far in my life, and has blessed me even more to give me the gift to run--something I thoroughly enjoy--and He blessed me even more to put me on such a wonderful cross country team surrounded by such wonderful people. For that, I am forever thankful.
I think it's fitting to have this blog titled "Faith Like a Mustard Seed" because we are people who have such little faith. We all struggle from time to time, and some struggles are greater than others. Sometimes our struggles seem like mountains or oceans, so big and so vast, and we're traveling up the mountain without the proper gear or we're crossing the ocean in a little rowboat. Oftentimes we forget that others are struggling just as much, and we only focus on ourselves and how we can help ourselves, not on the person who is sitting next to us crying out as loud as they can for help. But their words fall on deaf ears--our ears. The only person who hears all of our cries is God. Even when we don't think He's listening, He is. He hears every whisper of our hearts, and every word we dare not utter to the rest of the world.
"You don't have enough faith," Jesus told them. "I tell you the truth, if you had faith even as small as a mustard seed, you could say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there,' and it would move. Nothing would be impossible." -Matthew 17:20 NLT
"If you are facing a problem that seems as big and immovable as a mountain, turn your eyes from the mountain and look to Christ for more faith. Only then will you be able to overcome the obstacles that may stand in your way."
I know we all come from different walks of life, different faiths, different perspectives on things, but I know that we are all one in the same--we are human, and we all struggle. We long for others to accept us, we long for others to notice us, and we long for others to befriend us. We look to others close to us in time of need, and comfort those close to us who need it. Even if God hasn't touched your life yet, I'm sure your life has impacted others in a profound way. Maybe you're afraid to share to others what your struggling with, maybe you put up a front to disguise the hurt and pain you're feeling in your life--well, that's what this blog is for.
Whatever you're struggling with personally, or things you know that others are dealing with or going through, just leave a comment at the end of each blog that's posted. You don't have to leave your name, it can be totally anonymous. I'll pray over each one individually, and I know there will be others that will do the same.
Just remember you're not alone in the world, and everything you're going through or have been through has been felt before--maybe not by me personally, but the people around you, and most of all, by our great Savior.
This blog wasn't created to step on toes, or to make anyone angry. This blog wasn't created on some kind of whim, and this blog definitely wasn't created without awkwardness. This is probably the biggest and boldest step I've ever taken in my faith, and I'm afraid that I'm being thrown into a pack of wolves. But if I've learned anything from the countless Bible studies, church services, and books that I've read, sharing one's faith with others is never easy, but if it glorifies God in anyway, then that's the way to go.
I've constantly been burdened by the fact that I never share God's perfect words with others, and when opportunity comes, I always (well, almost always) turn it down. The last Vertical I attended (it's put on by Valdosta State University's Fellowship of Christian Athletes [FCA] at 8pm every Wednesday in the Student Union) God put on my heart that I needed to reach out to others. My first thought was, "Dude, you are totally insane. Don't you realize who I am? I'm a people pleaser, and I definitely don't want to make someone angry by prodding into their life asking if they've heard anything about You." But the more I thought about it, the more I realized how stupid I sounded. God totally went through so much stuff for me, and I couldn't even do one little thing for Him in return? I mean, nothing I ever do will compare to the great things that God has done, but anything I can do to carry out His name is better than doing nothing at all. So, here I am, blogging to you.
I am a tiny being on this small earth in this gigantic galaxy, but I am one athlete in the hundreds at VSU. God has blessed me to get this far in my life, and has blessed me even more to give me the gift to run--something I thoroughly enjoy--and He blessed me even more to put me on such a wonderful cross country team surrounded by such wonderful people. For that, I am forever thankful.
I think it's fitting to have this blog titled "Faith Like a Mustard Seed" because we are people who have such little faith. We all struggle from time to time, and some struggles are greater than others. Sometimes our struggles seem like mountains or oceans, so big and so vast, and we're traveling up the mountain without the proper gear or we're crossing the ocean in a little rowboat. Oftentimes we forget that others are struggling just as much, and we only focus on ourselves and how we can help ourselves, not on the person who is sitting next to us crying out as loud as they can for help. But their words fall on deaf ears--our ears. The only person who hears all of our cries is God. Even when we don't think He's listening, He is. He hears every whisper of our hearts, and every word we dare not utter to the rest of the world.
"You don't have enough faith," Jesus told them. "I tell you the truth, if you had faith even as small as a mustard seed, you could say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there,' and it would move. Nothing would be impossible." -Matthew 17:20 NLT
"If you are facing a problem that seems as big and immovable as a mountain, turn your eyes from the mountain and look to Christ for more faith. Only then will you be able to overcome the obstacles that may stand in your way."
I know we all come from different walks of life, different faiths, different perspectives on things, but I know that we are all one in the same--we are human, and we all struggle. We long for others to accept us, we long for others to notice us, and we long for others to befriend us. We look to others close to us in time of need, and comfort those close to us who need it. Even if God hasn't touched your life yet, I'm sure your life has impacted others in a profound way. Maybe you're afraid to share to others what your struggling with, maybe you put up a front to disguise the hurt and pain you're feeling in your life--well, that's what this blog is for.
Whatever you're struggling with personally, or things you know that others are dealing with or going through, just leave a comment at the end of each blog that's posted. You don't have to leave your name, it can be totally anonymous. I'll pray over each one individually, and I know there will be others that will do the same.
Just remember you're not alone in the world, and everything you're going through or have been through has been felt before--maybe not by me personally, but the people around you, and most of all, by our great Savior.
=)
ReplyDeleteLord,
ReplyDeleteYou are ALMIGHTY! You are Beginning and the End! You are all powerful, all knowing! You are love, you are grace and mercy! You are life!! You are my rock! You are my joy! You fulfill me to the utmost! For without you I am nothing!
I stand amazed in your presence! Holy is the Lord God Almighty!!
God, I ask in your name to change this campus! Flip it upside down for your sake, for your glory! Those that are desiring to change VSU's campus give them boldness in their walks with you! Light them on fire for you! Ignite a fire within their hearts to not be silent and to crave you! I pray that each day they wake, they have on the forefront of their minds, "who will I share the gospel with today?!" Give them opportunities! God, give them the boldness to do the impossible for You!! In your name, I ask that you would prepare them each day. Each day, fire them up!
For those that they will be trying to reach, I pray that you would begin to prepare their hearts, soften their hearts to the gospel! May they be receptive to what those who are going out sharing the gospel have to say! Change them O GOD!! For only you can!!!
Lord, I am so excited to watch each of these individuals be on fire for you! It brings joy to my heart! As I know it is so pleasing and glorifying to you! Push them Lord, push them to step out and take on the battlefield!! For once they do, they will experience the joy that you have to offer them!!! O, how exciting!!!!
I love you Lord, and am so grateful for your precious Son that took on the cross while I was still a sinner! I, so underserving have a relationship with you because of your Son!! I praise your name!!! Hands lifted high!!! Jumping up for you!!! I LOVE YOU!!!!
Push them O, God! Push them over the edge!!!
Please pray for our campus! As we approach the biggest movement of God that VSU has ever seen on campus I believe it is important that we devote much time and attention to prayer!
ReplyDeleteBeing new on campus, I am unfamiliar with people and places. I play football for the Blazers and I pray that God allows me to share my faith and beleifs with the team. I am a Christian (follower of God) and sometimes I might not be the light in this dark world but the Lord knows my heart and intentions. I pray that God gives me the ability and confidince to first be an example to the guys on the team and second share how God has changed my life!
ReplyDelete