"As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love." -John 15:9
I read this the other day during my devotinal time. The word Abide struck me. Is it really that simple? "Abide in my love," Jesus said. Abide. It has been the word written on my heart. Something that I can't explain.
Here in Saint Cloud, I volunteer with a ministry called "Youth for Christ." They have a building they call "The City Life Exchange Center" (or something close to that.) They have several youth outreach minitries that they offer to reach the youth in our community for Christ. I work with BRAID, which is the girls ministry there. They have become my family. And I have a crazy story for you. The first time I was at BRAID, a young girl named Mia showed up. I was blown away by this because just a couple months prior, I was volunteering at Place of Hope, which is a homeless outreach, for their kids ministry on Thursdays and Mia was the girl I was constantly peeling off the ground. Her "friends" kept knocking her to the ground and practically beating her up. I of course began to protect her and told her "friends" that was no way to treat a friend. I hadn't seen Mia since then and I couldn't believe that she walked into the doors of The Exchange. I couldn't believe it. Lately, I have ran into Mia outside of The Exchange at the public library. One week I ran into her and was able to take her to her school performance, give her a pep talk for her nerves, cheer her on, and bring her back to BRAID for some quality Jesus time. Something her family wasn't available to do for whatever reason. The next week, Mia bought me a cupcake for my birthday and her name was drawn to pick an adult leader to get ice cream with. She picked me. Needless to say, she has opened my eyes even more. This is a girl who was slipping under the radar and the Lord wanted to make sure she knew that He noticed her. I believe that is where I came in. I know this wasn't an accident that Mia came into my life. Her and I have talked about things going on in her life and we have laughed about silly things. I continue to pray for her heart and for our friendship. It is truly a blessing.
Challenge for you: is there someone that you have ran into a lot lately, or that you have thought to yourself "I wonder how they are REALLY doing?" Take the time. Give them that much. Ask them if they want to go out for coffee, go for a walk, or see movie. Give them your time. You will find great things will be revealed.
My wonderful friend, Sheena, went to a conference recently and shared with me one of many things she brought back with her. "the question should not be "why me? or who am I?" but it should be the statement "Here I am."
Abba, I belong to you.
