Dear Younger Me (God Answers Prayer)
Dear Younger Me,
God answers prayer. Please don’t fail at remembering that. It may not be your biggest prayer that He answers right now, but He hears all the cries of your heart, even the ones you aren’t voicing as loud. And though it may be a smaller prayer that He answers, the fact that He answered is a big deal. It’s God working in your life. And what a joy that is. What peace and grace and graciousness are all wrapped up in God answering your prayer. So while you pray, remember His heart, His faithfulness, that He does answer prayer. He hears and He knows and He cares. And you can trust Him to hold all that’s on your heart.
Love,
Megan
Dear Younger Me,
Long for Heaven. This world has some beautiful blessings from God, but don’t allow those good things to become your life’s desire, because there’s a better life to come. I know you’re afraid of Heaven, that life will look different from what it does now. And, you’re selfish, which is silly, that you don’t want to spend all your time in Heaven glorifying God or trading the good things God gives you in this life for the indescribable glories of Heaven. But, I want you to remember the moments of worship praising God in His presence with His people, arms held high…so powerful you want to hold onto the awesomeness of those moments forever…and you feel feelings you don’t know how to describe other than feeling so free. If that is a taste of Heaven, then keep that in your heart so you press on, looking forward to an eternal life of living in that glory and glorifying God.
You can say you want Heaven because it’s perfect, and the perfectionist you are looks forward to when there is no more wrong, and no more sin to be contended with. But, Heaven is more than just a perfect place – it is where the throne of God is. Long for perfection, yes, but I hope you long for Heaven because glorifying God for eternity is the most wonderful way to live.
Love,
Megan
A chore as simple as emptying the trash requires a sort of humility—willingness to do the dirty work, stomach the odor, bear the burden. Doing so without complaint is even more noble!
In a small way, this pictures humble service—intentional sacrifice for the good of another. Most times, the cost does not benefit the giver in any way, causing us to be less inclined to give of ourselves.
I have found myself in that mindset before, and maybe you have too. That same admission makes the work of Jesus Christ that much more praiseworthy in my book! Philippians exalts Him for it.
“Christ Jesus … though He was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied Himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross” (verses 2:5-8).
That’s love if I’ve ever seen it! First John 4:9-10 tells us just as much.
“In this the love of God was made manifest among us, that God sent His only Son into the world, so that we might live through Him. In this is love, not that we have loved God but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins.”
Jesus was not only submissive but also willing. It was His joy and purpose to fulfill the will of the Father—even though it cost Him greatly.
This is in stark contrast to frail humanity. Admittedly, I can be unwilling to go out of my way to help someone else. As if I can’t interrupt my workflow or change my plans for another, when Jesus Christ moved heaven and earth to save me from my sins!
Romans 5 says that “Christ died for the ungodly … at the right time”—that is, “while we were still weak” (6). It goes on. “For one will scarcely die for a righteous person—though perhaps for a good person one would dare even to die—but God shows His love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”
Whereas I hardly consider bending over backwards for someone who could care less, my beautiful Savior did exactly that and so much more for each and every one of us sinners who rebelled against His name and scorned His glory.
God’s Provision: Titus 2:14 reports that our Savior Jesus Christ gave Himself for us to redeem and purify us. Similar words are found in 1 Timothy: “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners” (1:15). And again, “Christ Jesus … gave Himself as a ransom for all” (2:6). In the most humiliating act of all history, Christ incarnated Himself to die. In the most loving act of all time, He was crucified and resurrected so we could live.
Word of the Week: Life!
Abby
Dear Younger Me,
Procrastination is unfair. When you don’t do what you’re supposed to do, and others have to carry your weight for you, that’s not fair to them. There are necessary responsibilities that you have as a part of your life and activities, and I know they aren’t very fun. I hope you learn to embrace that, so you can own your responsibilities, and carry out your duties as a part of your team and family. Because when you’re thinking only about yourself, it’s easy to procrastinate your to-do list and think you can do things later. But when later comes, and you find yourself stuck because you can’t cover all your priorities, that’s when your laziness affects others who have to cover for what you can’t do. You know what it’s like to have to cover for others and how frustrating that is, so don’t put yourself in a position where others have to do that for you. Yes, remember that rest is good, and sometimes life is crazy and busy and you will need help from others to carry your workload when you really can’t do it all, but think about how your choices to put off your responsibilities may impact the people in your life.
Love,
Megan
I don’t have to be the one to tell you that time flies! You scroll through your camera roll or buy the next size clothing for your children and shake your head in disbelief.
One year ago, I spent time with dear friends in Ecuador. We lived with host families, studied Spanish, and served in a local church. We ate chicken’s feet, celebrated Carnival, and whitewater rafted down the Amazon River. Was that really one year ago?, I now muse.
For the past four months, the girls and I have been exchanging memories and sending pictures of what happened “one year ago today.” We laugh and cry all over again at what God allowed us to experience.
I’m sure you’ve also lived a special season, full of unforgettable memories that could never be recreated or replicated. You carry those thoughts and feelings with you as you walk into the next journey.
So too was my time abroad. I share it with those around me, and especially with those who lived it with me.
Now, one of our friends (a sibling, rather) from there is coming here for college. He visited last month, eager to try everything “American” and attend Olivet Nazarene University.
We took Isaí to Sky Zone, Portillo’s, and PJ’s Ice Cream. His eyes widened at the taste of chili cheese dog, and his cake shake filled him with enough sugar for a lifetime.
Naturally, this was notable for all of us. To be together again was a true privilege. The irony of roles reversed and full circle moments filled my heart with such love and gratitude, all I could do was repeatedly thank the Lord.
He gives good gifts to His children. I am the biggest sinner I know; God too, knows the depths of my heart … yet still chooses to heap not only abundant physical blessings, but endless spiritual riches, upon me in Christ. How could I even begin to describe that?
God’s Provision: The Christian life is one of striving and suffering. But not to be overlooked, in the midst of trial and tribulation, are God’s goodness and grace. He requires much, but also gives much. He demands all, and also provides all.
“He does not deal with us according to our sins, nor repay us according to our iniquities. For He knows our frame; He remembers that we are dust. But the steadfast love of the LORD is from everlasting to everlasting on those who fear Him, and His righteousness to children’s children, to those who keep His covenant and remember to do His commandments. The LORD has established His throne in the heavens, and His kingdom rules over all”
– Psalm 103:10, 14, 17-19
Word of the Week: Lavish. Both verb and adjective describe the extravagance of God’s nature. Regarding salvation and so much more, “See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!” (1 John 3:1, NIV).
Abby
Dear Younger Me,
Take care of your body. You know how important it is for you to get sleep, and really, how much you love sleep. When it’s tempting to stay up later (and sometimes, that is okay), remember the importance of your sleep to your health for the next day. Also, drink more water. This is something you will realize later in life that you really struggle to keep up with, but I hope you’ll learn that the discipline of drinking water is going to be so much better for your body. And even when you’re too tired to cook, don’t skimp on your food. Make a point to pack a good lunch, and maybe find some easy things you can whip up for breakfast and dinner when you’re in a pinch. The important thing is just making sure you are actually eating the nutrients your body needs. And, exercise is going to be a tough one later in your life, so I hope you’ll see the goodness it does for your body, and you’ll creatively find ways to incorporate exercise throughout the week. Keeping up with everything can feel like a lot to fight for, but God has given you your body, and your life, to steward, so care for it well that you may function at your best.
Love,
Megan
Three is a notable number. There are three points to a triangle, three feet in a yard, three leaves on a clover. We are entertained by three little pigs, three Musketeers, three Stooges. “Three” forms a triad of perfectly balanced elements, satisfying our need for equilibrium.
God’s Word also contains examples. One set of three I notice is the salvation process: Justification, sanctification, glorification.
In my journaling, three words came to mind: Ransomed, redeemed, and restored—representing for me the biblical concepts of justification, sanctification, and glorification.
First, God justifies. That is, He rectifies us to Himself by purchasing us with His Son’s blood. Ransomed. Then, God sanctifies. He reclaims possession of us by preparing us into His people. Redeemed. Finally, God glorifies, completing His perfect work by bringing us to dwell with Him forever. Restored.
From Genesis to Revelation, Scripture paints this beautiful picture.
Starting with Abraham, righteousness through faith “will be counted to us who believe in Him who raised from the dead Jesus our Lord, who was delivered up for our trespasses and raised for our justification” (Romans 4:24-25).
Consequently, “the God of peace Himself” purifies us thoroughly, so our “whole spirit and soul and body [are] kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ” (1 Thessalonians 5:23).
As He transfers His glory to us, He is further glorified:
“Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you blameless before the presence of His glory with great joy, to the only God, our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, dominion, and authority, before all time and now and forever. Amen.”
– Jude 1:24-25
First Corinthians 6 details the sinners we once were: sexually immoral, idolaters, adulterers, homosexuals, thieves, greedy, drunkards, revilers, swindlers … “But you were washed,” the passage continues. “You were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God” (9-11).
God’s Provision: The gospel message reveals God’s greatest provision of all. His only Son humbly incarnated Himself as Savior. Titus 2:11-14 says, “The grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for Himself a people for His own possession who are zealous for good works.”
In the breathtaking unfolding of a three-fold plan, God ransoms, redeems, and restores His wayward sons and daughters.
Word of the Week: Scapegoat. People from Bible times customarily released a goat into the wilderness, symbolically bearing and removing the sum of their sins. Now, Jesus is our Passover Lamb.
“And because of Him you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, righteousness and sanctification and redemption” – 1 Corinthians 1:30.
Abby
Dear Younger Me,
You are stronger than your thoughts. The junk that comes in your mind that tries to roll you doesn’t have to win. You know who you are in God, so keep choosing Him and focusing your mind back on the truth. How I wish you would just choose – every time – to remember how God sees you and that you would look at yourself through God’s eyes. I hope that you’ll someday see how choosing Truth and relying on the strength God gives will lead to progress and winning battles you’ve fought.
The Lord gives power, and He is your strength. Hold onto Psalm 28:7, “The Lord is my strength and my shield; in him my heart trusts, and I am helped; my heart exults, and with my song I give thanks to him.” Believe in Him and who He created you to be, finding all you need in Him.
Love,
Megan
Sometimes I am mistaken and must be set back on track. Maybe you’ve also had a moment like that?
It’s quite simple, really. We think something because of how we feel, what we observe, or how we’re taught. It may have to do with your worldview, job, or friend. I experience this “eye-opening” quite often, including last weekend.
Even though I know better, my mind was subconsciously functioning under the assumption that some jobs are more fruitful than others within the Kingdom of God.
I needed to be reminded that God uses anybody and everybody to accomplish His work. In fact, a baseball coach can honor Him as much as a pastor can. Of course, it looks different. Instead of sermons, he prepares game plans and delivers pep talks. In place of hospital visits, he might host team dinners. While he may or may not lead a Bible study, he disciples his players with his words, actions, and expectations. He teaches them life lessons, shows them what’s important, and backs them in the game.
God’s Provision: It’s no surprise that in God’s hands, everything has purpose. He is the author of all things.
“The LORD has made everything for its purpose,” Proverbs 16:4 says. “For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things. To Him be glory forever”! (Romans 11:36).
God has given each one of us a lot—an assignment to carry out during our days on earth—that will bring Him glory and advance the righteousness of His Kingdom.
I appreciate the way 1 Corinthians 7:17 articulates it.
“Only let each person lead the life that the Lord has assigned to him, and to which God has called him.”
Chapter 10:31 also tells us, “So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” We work heartily as for the Lord, not men, knowing we are serving the Lord Christ and will receive His inheritance as our reward (Colossians 3:23-24).
The Bible is full of men and women of faith (many times very little in quantity and practice) whom God appointed, equipped, and used to accomplish His purposes in every area. Moses, raised in a palace, fled to herd sheep in the desert and returned as leader of God’s nation. Ruth uprooted her entire life to provide for her mother-in-law and establish honor in her new town. Daniel found pleasure in serving God amidst pagan oppressors, rising in leadership because of his integrity and devotion to his Lord.
Even today, I am amazed at the people of God who wholeheartedly pour out their lives for Him wherever they are, in whatever capacity He has arranged for them.
Word of the Week: Well done. May we live in such a way to hear these words: “Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master” (Matthew 25:23).
Abby
Dear Younger Me,
There is joy in sacrifice. When you give of your time to help someone else, when you’d rather be somewhere else, choose not to let resentment win, because you have the opportunity to experience serving. Service doesn’t take much sacrifice when it’s on your own terms, and it fits in your timetable and your mood, but God doesn’t ask you to love and serve others only when it works out for you. He desires a heart that is willing to serve and love others when those opportunities arise, so may you have eyes always open for them. When you find yourself struggling through helping someone, or when your responsibilities to others are weighing a little more heavy than usual, remember to find joy in sacrifice.
Love,
Megan
