Run To God

I heard a really moving story on the Christian radio station this morning on my way home from dropping my kiddo off at preschool.  A 13 year old boy called in to the station to share that one of his beloved farm animals broke its back and the only option his family had left was to put the animal down.  The responsibility fell to the boy by his choice and in tears the boy retells that after he put his special friend down he was crying out to God and asking why this animal had to break it's back and why did it have to die and he said that God lovingly told him, "My only son died."  It was a simple reply but, packed with a much deeper message.  The boy concluded his call (still in tears) by saying, "I just want people to know this.  It's so important that they know when they lose a loved one or a beloved pet that God understands.  He had to give up his only beloved son.  We can run to God with our hurts.  He understands better than anyone.  Run to God."  

What a wise boy!  I was seriously choked up listening to his call this morning.  It was powerful to hear a young boy share about how God spoke to Him in the midst of his brokenness and how God's simple words ministered to this boy's heart in a powerful way.  God is personal.  He will speak what we need to hear.  He knows how to comfort and encourage each of us perfectly because He alone knows our hearts.  

Sometimes we get angry and blame God when we are hurting or when we lose a loved one.  It's totally understandable to feel that way at times.  I think many of us have or will be there at some point in our lives.  But, I have learned that in this fallen world that we have no greater ally than God when we are broken.  He understands most profoundly what it means to endure it all.  Sometimes I think we forget just how great His sacrifice was.  I think we lose sight of what great lengths our Heavenly Father has gone to, to reach us, redeem us and set us free.  His love for us is immeasurable.  Run to God friends.  He will meet you in the midst of whatever you are going through.  His love heals.  

I know a lot of happy people, currently in thriving life seasons (yeah for the mountaintops!) but, I also meet hurting and broken people in the valley's of life every day.  People looking for hope.  People looking or encouragement.  People needing to be comforted.  People living defeated. People needing to know that they are not alone. 

God's arms are always open.  He will never leave you. 

"Then Jesus said, Come to me, all who are weary and carry heavy burdens and I will give you rest." Matthew 11:28 

I shared this video a while back on Facebook but, it is seriously one of my favorites and is going to be on repeat in my house for a while.  I literally get chills every time I listen to it.  

"Hallelujah.  Thank you loving God for sending your son to teach us what perfect love looks like.  To teach us what true sacrifice means.  To teach us how to serve, forgive and surrender.  Thank you for His ultimate sacrifice..."that while we still sinners, Christ died for us!!"  Thank you for conquering death so that we have the hope of eternity with you in paradise.  Thank you God for leading us to victory!  You know our hearts and your love for us knows no bounds.  We never have to run from you God because your arms are always open. 

Romans 8:37-39  "No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord."