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MISSION ARTICLES
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I am living in Latin America. If there is one thing that has not changed, since living in Nicaragua as a missionary kid in 1996, to now it is; the Latino love of romance. This culture shows its passion for romance in the popular music, telenovelas (soap operas), tight fitting clothes, and public displays of affection. I find most of this comical. Especially the incredibly tight and uncomfortable clothing options. I also think that this points to something deeper than the superficial.
Personally, I love romance! Some of my favorite movies are Pride and Prejudice, The Phantom of the Opera, and various others. The Christian series of books titled the Mark of the Lion by Francine Rivers is another personal favorite... Don’t you love that romantic moment? That moment when the man looks into the woman’s eyes and professes his love for her. The look in the groom’s eyes as the bride walks down the aisle. Well… I love it! All of these stories have a common theme that drives the protagonist; the desire to love and be loved.
When I first met my Tom, I was in awe. We met at a concert and talked the whole time! Ya’ll I’m talking about, several hours talking with a complete stranger. To be frank, I do not have the super-power of being very good at social interactions. But I met Tom and suddenly we had so much to talk about! We fell in love. We would go to state parks and admire God’s creation. We would talk for hours. We will be celebrating our 10th wedding anniversary soon. After a decade of marriage and two children, a few things have changed. We have both changed. However, one of the most important things that has held our marriage together, and has not changed is that both Tom and I place Jesus first in our lives. God is the number one in both of our lives. Tom cannot and does not fill that void that only Jesus can fill.
Where does that leave you and I? Well for starters, I believe that we all long to be loved. Not a superficial love that is often portrayed in a movie’s shallow one-night stand and songs that scream for casual sex. No, we long for love that is much deeper and more personal. We long for the intimate love that touches our very soul. Friend, that love only comes from Jesus. He is the only One that can truly love you and I the way that we long for.
I have found the love that I long for in my relationship with Jesus Christ. He loves unconditionally. What does that mean for you and I? He knows our scars, our mistakes, our failures… He sees those moments that make us cringe and brings healing and restoration. He paid for that sin once and for all on the cross. He loves you my dear friend. Let Him in. Let Him love you.
“Look! I stand at the door and knock. If you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in, and we will share a meal together as friends.” Revelation 3:20 (NLT)
If you are longing to be sought after, open the Bible and read it. Jesus died for you. He bore your sin on the cross. He longs to take your hand and lead you to a right relationship with God. Pray. Talk to Him. He is listening.
I have been reading the book Captivating and I have to say that this book has helped me to remember the intimate love that my Savior has for me. He fills my soul. He is that missing piece. I gladly give my life to Him. Serving Him every day of my life, no matter the cost, is an honor. “For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us.” Romans 8:18 (ESV)
There is a part of the book, Captivating, that emphasizes this love from our Savior; that I would like to read to you,
In the spacious love of God, our souls can lie down and rest. This love from him is not something we must struggle for, earn, or fear to lose. It is bestowed. He has bestowed it upon us. He has chosen us. And nothing can separate us from his love. Not even we, ourselves. We are made for such a love. Our hearts yearn to be loved intimately, personally, and yes, romantically. We are created to be the object of desire and affection of one who is totally and completely in love with us. And we are… God wants intimacy with you. In order to have it, you, too, must offer it to him. -Captivating-
And so my friend I want to leave you with this thought. Maybe you are looking for love in all the wrong places. Maybe you have been wounded and built up walls to stop feeling anything at all. Let me just say that Jesus is worth it. He is worth all the time, energy, and emotions. For me, Jesus fills my soul. He completes me. He pours out love that brings peace and joy to my heart and mind. I have found that love clearly in the Bible. I see that my God loves me perfectly. Seek after Him beloved. He will always love you.
“You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.” Jeremiah 29:13
