My Love Journey

In February, 2007, I experienced devastation that became the darkest time of my life.  It was so devastating to me that I didn’t know how to breathe at times!  I totally had to depend on God to get me through every day.  But what I can tell you today is that God is faithful!

Being raised in church all of my life, I didn’t know anything else to do other than run to God!  He is my Refuge, my Safe Haven, my Shelter, my Everything!  I know that real joy and peace is only found in Him.

As I began to lock myself in with God and stay in His Word and prayer, He challenged me in a way that I have never experienced before.  He called me into a prayer and fasting and had me to read 1 Corinthians 13 for a specific amount of time and in a certain version of the Bible.  The instruction on the scripture reading was the challenge.  Of course I was obedient to God, but little did I know the impact it would have on me.  Sometimes we look at others and want God to change them, but when God starts changing – He starts with you.   I desired great change in others around me, but God started with me!

I would read this passage of scripture multiple times a day.  Every day that I would read this, God would show me something different.  I would read words that would just seem to jump off the page at me and I would get a greater revelation of the meaning and how that was to be applied to my life.  It was like a light bulb came on and I seen things in a whole new light.

In all of this, God was bringing change to me and also preparing me to forgive.  You see, the Bible is very plain concerning forgiveness.  Mark 11:26 says “But if ye do not forgive, neither will your Father which is in heaven forgive your trespasses.” That is pretty plain and to the point.  We are commanded by God to love and forgive one another.  John 15:12 says “This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you.”

Many times since then I have gone through difficult situations and many times my love walk has been tested.  I am always reminded of what the Word of God says.  I look at this passage of scripture (1 Cor. 13) as the characteristics of love.  I always try to make sure that my life expresses the love of God toward others.  The best example to be to someone is that of Jesus.

The one part that I got out of this the most is that love “pays no attention to a suffered wrong.”  If we can grasp a hold of that truth, we can walk in a place of forgiveness toward others.  That is a “transforming truth” that brought change to my life.  I know from experience that it isn’t always easy to forgive and forget, but with the help of the Holy Spirit, we can walk in forgiveness toward others and walk in the peace of God.

I have seen so many people hold grudges for years and allow bitterness to work in their lives.  I believe that harms nobody but yourself.  Bitterness is a blessing blocker! I personally don’t want God’s blessings blocked from my life.  How about you?

Another favorite part of that passage of scripture of mine is the verse that says “its hopes are fadeless under all circumstances, and it endures everything [without weakening]. The love of God stands strong, it never comes to an end, it never runs out ~ there is all of the love present for everyone!  His love never gives up on us and never fails!  That reminds me of a parent’s love toward their child(ren).  My love for my children endures everything without weakening.  Yet, so much greater is the love of the Father toward His children!

My love journey with God has changed my life forever!  I will never be the same!  I give all of the glory to God and I acknowledge that I am who I am only in Christ.  Allowing the love of God to flow in you and through you will truly enhance your life!

1 Corinthians 13: 4-7 (AMP)

“Love endures long and is patient and kind; love never is envious nor boils over with jealousy, is not boastful or vainglorious, does not display itself haughtily.

It is not conceited (arrogant and inflated with pride); it is not rude (unmannerly) and does not act unbecomingly. Love (God’s love in us) does not insist on its own rights or its own way, for it is not self-seeking; it is not touchy or fretful or resentful; it takes no account of the evil done to it [it pays no attention to a suffered wrong].

It does not rejoice at injustice and unrighteousness, but rejoices when right and truth prevail.

Love bears up under anything and everything that comes, is ever ready to believe the best of every person, its hopes are fadeless under all circumstances, and it endures everything [without weakening].“

Serving in Love,

Mitzie