New Life…

9-33am

When this date rolls around, it’s difficult for me to not get emotional. As the years go by and I arrive at 17th July, it’s just that I am still here and although I have maybe not been faithful, God has been faithful. Although I have not been loving to others, God has been loving towards me. I may have wanted to give up, but God has not. New life is a beautiful thing…

No, it’s not my birthday. But it was 34 years ago today, that I quietly bowed my head and asked Jesus to come into my heart and take over my life. It was a strange thing to pray. “Ask Jesus into your heart,”  they said. “Why? How?” It’s a strange thing to do. I didn’t ask my best friend at the time into my heart. I have never asked Mike into my heart. Why would I ask Jesus into my heart? I think the answer is that He’s the only one that can actually get into my heart …. and my soul and my head. That’s what God does.

I am awestruck at how such a short prayer, such a seemingly insignificant moment in time can result in such massive consequences. It was a game changer in my life. It was a tiny step of faith and acknowledgement. Acknowledgement of God in life is more important than we know. “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In ALL your ways ACKNOWLEDGE Him and He will make your paths straight.”  Somehow, those ‘role off your tongue’ words from Proverbs 3 have rung true throughout the last 34 years. As I acknowledged then and continue to acknowledge today, I keep seeing my path being organised in a straight and orderly way.

Does it mean I’ve never had problems, difficulties, sadness and tragedy? No. It does mean that God goes before me and makes the rough places smooth and helps me on my way, carrying me, if necessary!

And so I find myself 34 years after bowing my head to ask Jesus into my heart and to take over my life, more grateful than before. More humbled by His persistence, by His hand of direction, by His faithfulness. He will not let me go.

“I am totally abandoned, wrecked at your feet I am smitten by forgiveness, broken and complete. Help me die to my ambitions and my self erected pride. Help me live out on this altar til in You I’m crucified.”

Totally Abandoned by Bill Drake

God bless you.

Another wonderful day, to be in His Grip.

Helga xx 🙂