This week, it was my wife’s Christian birthday. 24 years since Jesus changed her into a different person and rescued her from a life of, well, darkness.
I remember her baptism her at Mulluloo – very calm until she went under the water & then the sea seemed to rage. Both wearing our ‘Hungry for Jesus’ shirts, little did we know what was to come…
God would bring us together despite our incredible differences.
On paper, we really were the worst for each other: Virtually nothing in common, both set in our (unhealthy) ways, fiery and quite stubborn. Ok *very* stubborn, but I am trying to be nice!
It was easy to see the death and misery Jesus had rescued us from, so the zeal to share Him with others was exciting. But this ‘honeymoon’ period seemed so short, as we started to grapple with life without the crutch of substances.
Then, old family & relationship habits started to hound and with the addition of children and *vastly* different ideals the conflict rose.
Then there were my hurtful actions (and others) that affected so much – and my crazy ideas & goals.
Adding to this, the compounding grief of loss and my health issues, it is no exaggeration to say the valley has been deep. And long.
But through it all, I have seen:
– the faithfulness of Jesus who has held you, strengthened you and given you peace
– the monumental effort you have needed to continue and your resolve to turn to Him no matter what.
You could have run, you could have avoided, you could have taken the easy way out so many times. But each time, with what little strength you have had, you have turned to Him, touched (and clung to) His hem. And every time, you have experienced the grace and transformative power of our King – displaying HIs power in all our weakness. Encouraging & challenging us all to do the same.
I am grateful to Him who has called, chosen, rescued & continues to transform you.
I am thankful to you for all your effort in responding to Him despite the pain & difficulty.
Happy (Real) Birthday
I love you.
Thankyou.
and #thankYouJesus