Thursday, March 11, 2010

Ready, Salt....Answer!

“In your hearts, set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.” 1 Peter 3:15 [emphasis added]

It was a typical day for me. I did school, ran some errands, and then began to get ready for work. The sounds of spring were in the air and the weather was warmer than it had been in weeks. I put my window down a bit as I drove breathing in the warm fresh air. There was feet of snow on the side of the road just beginning to melt, but I still enjoyed the scenery that clearly showed that winter was fading and spring was finally coming. More than ever, I was ready for spring. It had been a long winter that included a record-breaking snowfall and freezing temperatures. Spring was more than welcome to be on it’s way.

Upon pulling into work, I said a prayer for God to use me and that he would shine through me and that he would be seen in me. Just like my typical day, I did my typical work. Notices, processing, shelving, repairing, working at the desk - nothing abnormal for me at all. But then something that was a bit different did happen. I was sporting my Southeastern University shirt which has printed into the design, “Be Salt.” As I was checking out a patron, he noticed my shirt asked me what “be salt” meant.

So many thoughts when through my head at that moment, the foremost being that this was a chance I had been praying for. But then, I realized, how could I explain “be salt” to a non-Christian? This stumped me for a moment and I slowly explained what it meant to me and how in the Bible in Matthew 5 it says that,

“You are the salt of the earth. If the salt loses it’s flavor, how then can it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men. You are the light of the world, a city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do you light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lamp stand and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men that they will see your good works and praise your father in heaven.”

I went on to say how salt cleanses, and although it irritates the wound at first, it ultimately benefits you greatly in the end. Salt is pure. We are told to be salt and light in the world.

I grimaced inwardly at my poor explanation. The man looked at me trying to understand what I had said. He made a short reply about that being cool, and then took his books and left. As he walked out those doors I realized something, that I had lost a real chance to be salt and to be a light. And why? Because I wasn’t ready. I was not ready to give an answer.

After that day, I set out to ready myself and to arm myself with answers that I can give to anyone who asks. I came upon 2 Timothy 4 which says, “Preach the Word; be ready in season and out of season; correct, rebuke, and encourage - with great patience and careful instruction.”

We all need to be ready. Whether it is our time to go out or our time for staying where we are. We need to be ready to give an answer. We need to be prepared. How can you prepare yourself today? Are you ready?

~Brittany

Thursday, March 4, 2010

Faith that moves...

"I've seen dreams the move the mountains, hope that doesn't ever end even when the sky is falling. And I've seen miracles just happen. Silent prayers get answered, broken hearts become brand new. That's what faith can do..." - That's What Faith Can Do by Kutless.

That's what Faith Can Do - that song portrays so much. My faith is important to me. I relate with this song so much. I want my faith to be like that. I want my dreams to move mountains, I want to always hope and believe, even when things seem like they will never come to be. I've seen miracles, I want to see God move again and again. I want to see those silent prayers answered, and broken hearts become new. I want everyone to see what Faith can do.

Faith is a powerful thing. In Hebrews 11:1 it says: "Now faith is being sure of what we hope for, and certain of what we do not see."

Nothing in this life is certain. Nothing in this life is constant. Nothing except for one thing - Jesus. Jesus is the same, yesterday, today and forever. He is the only constant, the only certainty. That is why faith is so powerful, because it is standing fully on what is unmovable and unchanging. Faith is powerful because it is standing on the solid rock when all else is shifting sand. The power of faith is in God. Everlasting, never changing, and eternally existent. What in this life is there that you can hold to? What stability is there in this world. I am certain and sure that the only answer is Jesus. When you have faith - you know and believe that no matter what comes to pass, that God will always keep you.

"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to His purpose." Romans 8:28.

I know that no matter what happens, no matter what trials that come my way or what storms may come to pass that God will always be there and He will always see me through. I just have to trust him, believe in him, and have faith. My faith is my story. My relationship with Jesus Christ is the theme. And above all, God is writing my story. I know he has plans for me, and I can't wait to see what he will do through me. My life will be all to bring Him glory and it will be in his way and in His plans for me.

One of my favorite verses is in Jeremiah 29:11. It says, "For I know the plans I have for you' declares the Lord, 'plans to prosper you and not to harm you, to give you a future and a hope.'"

I don't know the plans that God has for me. There have been many times where I've gone to God not knowing which way to go or what decision to make and I'd pray, "Lord, would you please clue me in on your plans a little?" But it doesn't always work that way. I have to believe that when I trust God that He will help me make the right choice. I can't see the road a head of me. I am unsure of where I'm going in this life. But we are meant to walk by faith and not by sight.

I'm not your typical girl, but I am who God is making me to be. I'm shaped by his hands and as he shapes me, he is keeping the purpose that he has for me in mind. I had dreams of my own, but coming to God, my dreams changed. Admittedly part of me still wants those former dreams of mine, but God's dreams for me are so much better, and I know that it is in God's will that I'll be the happiest, and where my purpose will be fulfilled. I also know that the center of God's will is not a destination, it's a journey, and it is a journey that I will take all of my days.

I once dreamed of med-school and being a doctor. I had dreams of being able to help people and save lives that way. But it is so clear to me now that going into medicine is not where God wants me, even when there are still days that I want it. But no, God is calling me to minister. He is calling me to preach the gospel, bring freedom to the captives, and bring release to the prisoners. He has called me to comfort those who mourn, and to declare the year of the Lord's favor! (Isaiah 61:1-3)

Now I dream of ministry. I dream of ministering in a church, and to youth, teen girls and women. I dream of missions to Haiti and India. I dream of ministry with dance and with the arts. God has given me a heart for such things. And although I at times look back at my dream of being a doctor, I don't miss it, although I want it at times, I've recognized those times for what they are -- those times are pure selfishness in me. I wanted to be a doctor to help people yes, and to minister that way -- but also for my name to be known. With these new dreams God has given me, it is not about me, it is all about him. It is about how everything that I do and say glorify Him in every way. This life is my praise, my offering, my everything. God will speak through me, - He's promised me the words. God will go before me - He has already made my way. God will guide me - He is my light and my salvation. God will use me - He's had a purpose for me since before I was born.

You may by now be wondering who I am. I've said much and yet very little. I am servant of the Most High. I am a young woman of Faith. I am a daughter of the king of kings. I am a dreamer holding to God's dreams. I am a sinner redeemed by the blood that poured from Jesus as he hung on the cross, I am a warrior in the Lord's army (by the way we already win.). I am who God the Father calls me to be, but above all - I am His and my life is to bring him glory!

To God be the glory, honor and praise!

~Brittany (1 Peter 3:4)