Waves of Grace

As I look out my window on to the skyline of Chicago, I am reminded of a picture. A picture that was taken over the summer. It's a picture of me in the corner looking down a pier into the ocean and you can see the waves get bigger as you look further out into the ocean. I find it so symbolic of God's love for us in Jesus Christ.

As we follow our call to follow Jesus Christ no matter what, His grace is like waves in a ocean. As we go deeper with Him, the waves of God's grace get bigger and bigger. We just need to have the faith to take those steps. It's scary not knowing where God might take us, or what He may show us. When God takes us to places (here in this world or in our hearts) where we don't want to go, we must trust Him and cling to Him with everything we have, and follow God.

We must remember that the only reason we are here is to bring God glory so our joy in Him may be complete. (John 16:23-24) I was reminded of this, this week after I moved to Chicago. I was sitting on on my bed crying because I was missing everyone from home and I started praying. It hit me like a tons a bricks that the only reason I am in Chicago is because of God. He put everything together for me to be here. I find that so humbling and I've found so much joy and peace.

Before classes start, I've been exploring Hyde Park and downtown Chicago. I still can't get over that I live here! I learned last night that if you want to come see me, you can stay with me for a few nights or stay in guest housing. I miss everyone so much and I hope you can come visit. I'd love you show you around.

Chicago

As I get really for my move to Chicago for semiary and start thinking of how things are coming together, it reminds me of God's love and His faithfullness. I was looking at my past pictures from college and the past two year (yes, I do that from time to time), and to see how God as woven together my life to this very moment is mind blowing! If these things haven't happened in my life, good or bad, I wouldn't be writing this or moving to Chicago! Our minds are so small, we don't have the capacity to know how good and wonderful God is!

We get to see a glimpse of His love and greatness through His Son Jesus Christ who died on a cross, taking all the world's sin, the wrath of God, and then three days later rose from the dead by the power of God conquering sin, death, giving true life and true freedom! Embracing Jesus Christ and following Him is nothing like anything this world can offer and is the best life you could ever live.

As I look on to my future, I wonder what is in God's plan for me in Chicago. How is He going to use me? What is He going to show me or what great things will I get to see Him do through other people? As I sit and think of what anything that could be, I find it humbling and a true peace inside.

I am really going to miss everyone so much! This the first time in my life where I may not come back to Michigan. In the past, when I went to Florida for 8 months and England for 4 months I knew I was coming back. I'm going to trust God and follow His call on my life where ever He may take me. Please come visit me in Chicago! I hear it's an awesome city. ;-)

Thank you for being my friends. I love you!