Faithful

There is a song by Matt Redman called "Never Once." It goes like this:

 

Standing on this mountaintop
Looking just how far we’ve come
Knowing that for every step
You were with us

Kneeling on this battle ground
Seeing just how much You’ve done
Knowing every victory
Was Your power in us

Scars and struggles on the way
But with joy our hearts can say
Yes, our hearts can say

Never once did we ever walk alone
Never once did You leave us on our own
You are faithful, God, You are faithful

My story, my testimony, is a testament to God's faithfulness. Do you really think that coincidences like that would happen if it weren't for a higher power? An ultimate Creator? Let's look at some of them.

The presence of my grandma, my aunt, my cousin, my best friend in middle school all who brought me to church, who brought me to Christ. They all gave me a sense of hope that life can get better and that life is better when you follow God.

The ability to ignore the pain, a defense mechanism that was needed in those moments. Humans are blessed to be able to have defense mechanisms that protect them from feeling the full effects of pain in their everyday lives.

Providing me the cry of my heart, to be a part of a church family, to feel welcome and at home in a place where I knew I was loved. My youth group became that place for me. My youth director and leaders and peers became brothers, sisters, mentors, friends, fathers, and mothers to me. They loved me without needing to know my history. They didn't question my home life or where I came from. They didn't judge me and they wouldn't leave me.

Making trustworthy, true, genuine, loving, faithful friends at exactly the right time. I have never had truer friendships and I know beyond a shadow of a doubt that I will remain friends with these people my entire life. They won't leave me after awhile, they won't abandon me, and they won't choose other things over our friendship.

A place to stay when I needed it. A safe haven, a refuge, and a home where I belonged. I wasn't homeless. I was protected in this place. I still am...I live there when I'm not at school, 7 1/2 years later.

A family that was willing to become my family. Aimee's mom became my mom. She has shown me what it means to have a loving, unconditional, faithful mother who loves and cares for me. She has provided so much for me. She has become my true mom. And Aimee's siblings have become mine. I've learned life skills from them that I never would have learned anywhere else. I love them, I hurt with them, I rejoice with them, and I get excited for them. They are mine.

The things that I didn't mention: 

-People in my life who love me but are willing to call me out on the things I need to change.

-More friendships that have taught me about true friendship.

-Healing from my past and growing in forgiveness for those who have hurt me. It couldn't have happened without His help.

-Money, food, and a place to stay when I have needed it most.

-A school where I love to learn and continue to thrive.

What other evidence do you need that there is a God? Are these things still coincidence? There is a reason that I no longer doubt there is a God. My life is His testimony. He is a part of me and my life. He's been there all along. And it's all been Him. Without Him I wouldn't be where I am today. I wouldn't be able to have the joy, empathy, love, acceptance, patience, and trust that I do.

I told you in the last blog that I would come back to the father issue. If you had asked me in 9th grade what I thought a father was, it would be a lot different than my definition today. A father is someone who is intentional and makes time for his family and puts them above everything else (Mike). A father is someone who never gives up on you and sees your potential long before you see the potential in yourself (Eric). A father is someone who cares for you no matter what you do and is willing to joke and have fun, but also requires obedience (my grandpa). A father is someone who provides for you, who will take you back no matter what you do, who is faithful and strong and trustworthy, among so many other things (God).

Thank you, God. May my life continue to emanate your presence.