“Truly I tell you, if anyone says to this mountain, ‘Go, throw yourself into the sea,’ and does not doubt in their heart but believes that what they say will happen, it will be done for them. Mark 11:23 NV
I remember growing up, when I did something really wrong or messed up really bad, I remember that sinking feeling, because I knew when my Dad found out, it would be bad. I also remember when my back was against the wall and I didn’t know which way to go, I could always go to my parents, and they would help me. I remember feeling so heavy with worry and anxiety, not knowing what I would do. I would think to myself, “If I can just get to Mom and Dad, they will know what to do and they will help me.” Once we had that meeting, more times than not, I remember walking away; that feeling of utter relief and jubilation because this was not my problem any longer. I had gone to my parents and I had pleaded my case or my problem and sometimes it would work out so that I didn’t have to carry that burden any longer. My Dad would say, “Ok, son, I understand, I’ll take care of it for you.” I could just feel the weight and heaviness leave me!
Now my parents weren’t created to solve all my problems. Sometimes, they would say, “You need to figure this one out on your own.” It’s all part of growing up, but I still had that peace, that if I truly needed them, they would be front and center at a moment’s notice. This reminds me of how God works for us as His children.
The world will tell you that prayer and going to church is a big waste of time. The world will tell you and Satan will lie to you and tell you that God doesn’t listen to everyone’s prayers and He sure doesn’t talk to you. I’m here to tell you that could not be further from the truth.
I grew up in church. When I say, I grew up in church, I mean, we were there every time the Pastor unlocked the doors. I would not change it for the world. What a foundation I have today to stand on. Sadly, that is a foundation that a lot of people don’t understand or have. But with God, nothing is impossible and with God, it’s never too late! I was taught at a very young age that God will help you; God will listen to you; God will talk to you.
I’m ashamed to admit it, but there have been times in my life, that I really wondered if it was really true! Maybe you are there right now and you’ve been struggling hard. I understand what that is like.
I have another confession to make; even in my mature walk with God, there have been times that I have looked up and asked, “Are you really there God?” If you are there right now in that place, I hope what I’m about to tell you, will encourage you. But first you have to know, that if you feel that God is 10,000 miles away, it’s not because He moved. When I couldn’t feel God, He didn’t move away from me, I had moved away from Him. When I chose to get closer to God and I knelt down on my knees and I cried out to Him, all I had to do is make that first step His way and he came the other 999.
Little by little as my faith in God grew, as I spent more time with Him, I felt Him stronger and stronger in my life.
But there was one thing He kept asking of me and I was so hard headed, I would ignore Him and evade the question. He would ask me repeatedly, “Will you give me everything in your life?” There were things I just was not willing to let go of! I just did not feel like I could. Then about 3 years ago, my Pastor was preaching one Sunday morning about going all in for God. I felt like I was the only person He was talking to. That morning I made a commitment to God that for the rest of my life, I would be “All IN” for Him.
God immediately began showing me things that I needed to lay to the side and get rid of. As He revealed, I let them go. Some of it was difficult, but all of it was so worth it. It’s a daily walk and each morning I just look up at God and I ask Him to forgive me and I thank Him for His Grace and I tell him, “I’m all yours today Lord. I cannot do one thing without you. Help me, guide me, and direct me.
Has it been an easy road? No! Has He just automatically and magically made all of my troubles go away? No…. What He has done, is been right by my side, more faithful than a brother or a friend.
A few months ago, for the first time in my life, I was literally scared out of my mind. I was facing the most difficult obstacle I had ever faced. It was a mountain that I could not see over, climb or walk around. It was unavoidable and it was going to crush me. I think I literally knew how Moses felt when he faced the Red Sea and Pharaoh was closing in behind him or how David felt when Goliath was laughing at him and telling him how he was about to kill him.
In that moment, I did the only thing I knew to do. I fell on my face before God and cried. I remember exactly what I prayed; I said, “God I cannot do this! Only you can do this. I give it all to you. I give you this and I give you that!” I laid it all out there.
I went back to my childhood when I was 10 and I pleaded my case to my Dad, my spiritual Dad. I laid it at His feet and I walked away with my hands above my head, praising God for taking it from me and completely being in control of every detail. I have worked hard to do my part, but along the way, I have watched that entire mountain crumble; I have watched the Red Sea part and God make a way for me! It has been incredibly God! Amazing doesn’t touch it… Just God.
So, please allow me to encourage you, that whatever your mountain is, it doesn’t matter; God is bigger. Call out to Him. Take the first step. He will come the other 999 and I promise you, He will show you the way. This is His promise to us. He never changes and He always keeps Him promises. Do something to make a difference in someone’s life today.
I am honored and blessed to share my relationship with God with you. Please do the same for our readers. You are encouraged to send Downhome your thoughts and comments and how your church and brethren are making a difference in people’s lives.
