Lately the thought of death has been on my mind so much. I know that may sound weird or depressing but actually in every sense they have been most wonderful thoughts. Since christmas everywhere I turn I'm hearing stories of people dying and coming back to life. Seeing the light of God or the darkness of Hell. The song called "Heaven Song" by Phil Wickham has been on repeat on my iTunes.
"I hear Your voice and I catch my breath
'Well done my child, enter in and rest'
Tears of joy roll down my cheek
It's beautiful beyond my wildest dreams"
And then these verses stood out to me a lot...
20 I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death. 21 For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. 22 If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me. Yet what shall I choose? I do not know! 23 I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far; 24 but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body. 25 Convinced of this, I know that I will remain, and I will continue with all of you for your progress and joy in the faith, 26 so that through my being with you again your boasting in Christ Jesus will abound on account of me.
-Philipians 1:20-26
It seems as though this time of year always gets people thinking a lot. Thinking hard about life, about their goals, and what the future holds. It's got me thinking the same way. I've been thinking about the purpose of life here on Earth. Why am I here? This life isn't just some place we exist for no reason. The reason we are here....is this...
18 Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
-Matthew 28:18-20
Thinking about the way God can use me just blows my mind. Even more so when I see the way he uses other people I know. I don't know where I'm going this year or how my life will impact others for the good and growth of His kingdom...but I really look forward to it happening. I have so much growing to do and I feel like I don't even know where to start...but my prayer for this year, for myself, is to grow as a woman in Christ more than ever before. I know that He has very special things for me to accomplish in His name and I am extremely excited about it. I really hope that my life will impact the people that I love that don't truly know Him, and others that I don't even know yet..."whether by life or by death"
So as we put to rest the old year and bring to life this new year, I pray that I will really allow God to mold me and change me into His image. That I will learn and grow in truth. <3
