I look back to 2020, a year of utter turmoil when our lives turned upside down.
I remember my mother giving me the ultimatum on whether I should evacuate my accommodation: “It is now or never, Jaeger.” Obediently, I listened to my mother’s advice as she sped over the M1 to pick me up and bring me back home.
During this time, I was away from God and had backslidden. Close to depression, my anxiety was at its worst and through my sin, I enabled the devil to have a foothold in my life.
The news became bleak, filled with misery, and many feared the unknown.
Each night, I cried out to God, repented, and, for the first time, I didn’t feel afraid. His presence and nearness reassured me that He loved me. His glory that filled my room was something I never felt before, and I knew I needed more each night.
Easter Sunday was the turning point for me; watching the crucifixion of Jesus again touched me enough to bring me to tears. All the pain and suffering endured for my sin. My mistakes and shame made me feel unworthy; Jesus came and granted me His mercy.
I was the prodigal coming back into His arms again.
I reflected on God’s faithfulness throughout my years of living. He was and is a constant in my life. He is closer than a brother.
El Roi is His name, a God who sees. He sees our sufferings and our pains, our hurts of yesterday. Despite my exposure to childhood trauma, separation, emotional abuse and grief. Jesus came ‘that we might have life, and that we might have it more abundantly‘ (John 10:10).
He is a God who is always with us, even when others fail.
Isaiah 41:10: “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
My Easter Redemption was just the beginning and the start of a new chapter in my life. Through His constant healing, He forever moulds me into the woman I am becoming.
I am not perfect. I am far from it, but only through the sacrifice of our Lord and our Savior am I truly redeemed.
I am assured I will see the people I have lost again because of His grace and salvation. I will enter His new kingdom, and my name shall be written in the Lamb’s book of Life.
Becoming a follower of Christ often involves bumps in the road. As drivers, we see this far too frequently. However, all these things are sent to try us, and I put on the whole armour of God (Ephesians 6:11) and hold onto His promises everlasting.
You may be reading this and reflecting on your own life.
Do you need to make your life right with God ?
Is there something missing?
You may feel that no one understands, but God hears the cries of your heart and is knocking at your door today.
You may not have experienced the love of a father like myself, but know this. He loves you and knew you from your mother’s womb (Jeremiah 1:5).
Does God truly love me?
“YES”
‘For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life‘ (John 3:16-17).
Only Jesus can fill that void you have deep inside,
Choose Him today:
Lord Jesus, for too long, I’ve kept you out of my life,
I know that I am a sinner and that I cannot save myself.
Forgive me, Lord, for all my sins,
No longer will I close the door when I hear you knocking.
By faith, I gratefully receive your gift of salvation,
I am ready to trust you as my Lord and Savior.
I leave my life in your hands, my dreams & ambitions,
I know you have good plans for me.
Thank you, Lord Jesus, for coming to earth.
I believe you are the Son of God who died on the cross for my sins and rose from the dead on the third day,
Thank you for bearing my sins and giving me the gift of eternal life.
I believe your words are true.
Come into my heart, Lord Jesus, and be my Savior.
Amen
Written By Jaeger. V
28/03/24