“For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.” Jeremiah 29:11 NKJV. This profound scripture in Jeremiah has been a staple and strong foundation in my renewed walk with God and his son Jesus Christ. Although knowing this scripture was the easy part but taking it to heart with bold faith well that’s been an ongoing journey up until this point of my life. Several times in my upbringing I dealt with some sort of self-worth, abandonment, self-dependence and pride. I relied solely on my free will and at times was very far from God, even while being a worship leader for many years. I built this stigma that I didn’t need anything, anyone or any God. I’d soon find out through a revelation from God himself that that was far from the truth. I needed God and I needed God more than he needed me.

  I come to testify that although I was not willing to meet God where he was at, he was always willing, able and available to meet me where I was at. The only thing that was missing was myself acting on what James 4:8 NKJV says, “Draw near to God and He will draw near to you.” God never stopped pursuing me and will never stop pursuing you or his children. He’ll wait to greet you whenever you’re ready like the prodigal son/daughter that we are. I would even take it a step further to say that we are very well the lost sheep that desperately needs to hear the voice of the shepherd, the shepherd being Jesus Christ. God’s pursuit to capture his lost children is always ongoing and never changing. God so desperately seeks to have a relationship with his children, especially us men.

    Men, it’s time we take a stand and say no more and exemplify what scripture says in Joshua “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9 NKJV and to also rely on Christ with the following passage, “For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” Matthew 11:30 NKJV. We must allow God to destroy our pride for us to rely on his son Jesus Christ to help us carry our yoke and place all burdens onto him. We were never meant to carry the whole load by ourselves, but to allow Christ to help us with it. The true love that God exemplified to us was by sending his only son to die a brutal death for us on that rugged cross, and by doing so he shed his blood to restore, redeem, and save us by the grace of God. “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” John 3:16 NKJV

 My prayer as I close is this, Father God, I pray that you would replace all the broken hearts today and replace it with your heart not only that they would match your will but would also experience your everlasting love for them. Father God, I know we live in a broken world, but even in that we must know that you’ve said in your word you would never leave us nor forsake us. You’ve also told us that there is hope, peace and love through your son who is our Savior Jesus Christ. Father God, may you use these words to speak life into your children and that they see your love, mercy, and compassion through this testimony.