Over lunch my friend and I were having a discussion of things. Nothing earth shattering, nothing life changing, just things. And she asked if there was a reason I choose to believe in Jesus.
I could think of lots of reasons.
That simple question made me think back to all the events of my life.
My childhood was filled with the usual.
But, let’s go back, to before I could recall the events in my life----when I was too little.
My mother told me I had almost died at birth. I didn’t want to come out and then I had a problem with that first breath. At the age of 2 or 3 I was swept into the lake by a wave and nearly drown. I just remember being afraid of water for years! And I hear that my legs were so twisted they weren’t sure I’d walk without braces on them.
I remember pretty much from then on. I remember the thrill of conquering the two wheeler and the scraped knees that went with it. I remember my first kiss. I was in the first grade. I thought I was going to get cooties and die. I retaliated by biting him so hard he had to get stitches.
Then on we go to those wonderful high school days and the excitement of the first gym day, dances, football games, learning to drive and proms. Of course I also recall appendicitis and having surgery on one of my knees.
After graduating high school there was college and raising a family.
There were hard times, too. Life wasn’t so kind to me.
I had a terrible first marriage which I followed by terrible second marriage. Friends and relatives died or left me . I even lost everything material to me because I lost my job and my livelihood.
Then, I found Jesus.
Suddenly, everything made sense. All the pain I had suffered was okay. All the wonderful times were more wonderful.
Why?
Because I never went through it alone! None of it. He was right there all the time.
He was there for me with every tear I cried, every scraped knee and every joy, too.
You see, even when I didn’t believe in Him He believed in me.
I don’t need a college degree or a “perfect” marriage or a good job or anything to look good in His eyes.
He loves me just the way I am. And He’ll forever be with me.
He held me in His arms every time I needed. He held me in His hands and watched over me.
And it’s not over yet. There’s still scraped knees and tears ahead.
How do I know?
I know because I still have financial problems. I know because I’m human and I hurt sometimes.
I know because He was right there all my life and He promised to always be there.
Things aren’t real rosy in my life right now. It could use a whole lot of improvement but things are getting better. He’s right there.
I have gotten through really rough times with some pretty wonderful things thrown in them. Those wonderful moments were pure miracle, nothing I could have accomplished on my own. He did that for me.
He has done lots for me.
The poem “Footprints” says it so much better than I ever could. He carried me when things got so bad I couldn’t get there alone and He was with me when I had the best of times.
Jesus is my best friend. He only wants the best that life can give to me. He’s someone I can always count on to be there. Always. No matter what’s happening. He’s never too busy or doesn’t feel like helping. When I reach out, He’s there with the lifeline.
I love my Jesus so much. I believe in Him.
And He loves and believes in me.
“...See I will not forget you....I have carved you on the palm of my hand...”
Isaiah 49:15
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