"The Chase"

With Christmas so close, things were bound to become a little chaotic. So, today I took a personal trip to my local Christian bookstore for some "me time". I thought I'd finish some last minute shopping, but God had a different idea. As I scanned the books (half of which I've already read) one stood out to me. It was The Chase by Kyle and Kelsey Kupecky. I don't know how to explain why it popped out to me amongst hundreds of titles, but I picked it up and started to read. Now, I always know a book is brilliant when I cry after the foreword...and this was just the case.

The question that the book poses is who am I chasing? Is it Christ...or the world that has consumed me for so long? When I really think about my answer, my heart breaks. I strive everyday to live a life that reflects and glorifies God, but I am constantly fighting the temptation to follow the call of the world.

The book quotes Proverbs 3:5-6 from the Message translation...and it hit me in a way that I did not expect.
"Trust God from the bottom of your heart; don't try to figure out everything on your own. Listen for God's voice in everything you do, everywhere you go; he's the one who will keep you on track."
This verse speaks to me because I know that no matter what the world has to offer, God is always greater...and His plan is so much better than anything that I could ever imagine or think up on my own.

My heart belongs to God, because He loves me in a way that nothing and no one in or of this world can, or will, ever fulfill or match.

My God is greater than everything, so I will trust Him in ALL things.

I will chase God with all my heart. After all, He already pursues me with unconditional love and grace that covers all sin.

What I am...

So often, we let the world define us...but that is not who we are.
Think of when you first heard the call of the gospel...now read this.

1 Corinthians 1:26-31 NIV
"Brothers and sisters, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth. But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. God chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things—and the things that are not—to nullify the things that are, so that no one may boast before him. It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God—that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption. Therefore, as it is written: 'Let the one who boasts boast in the Lord.' "

God didn't choose you or me because we were, are, or ever will be perfect. He chose to save out of love...pure love. Love that doesn't boast, doesn't envy, and isn't proud. He chose you and me because His love for us is so great that our past, present and future sins are covered by the blood that Christ shed at Calvary. 

Who I am is defined by this perfect standard of love in Christ alone.

I am a daughter of the King and you, my dear friend, are His beloved child in a way that no man can ever comprehend. What I am is not defined by my past or what lies ahead, but only in Christ alone...and how I glorify Him.

So, may I boast forever in the Lord. For His holiness, righteousness, and redemption are the only standards that will define me. I am His.