01/22/2025
It was COMPLETELY unexpected! I was on the way to a friend’s house for his son’s birthday… those plans got halted, but a Devine plan was just getting started!
Today marks 14 years. Fourteen years ago was a day I can’t remember, but will never forget. Fourteen years ago was the day the Lord marked me, even though I was in my darkest hour. Fourteen years ago was the day the Lord began to show me the importance of call over qualification, relationship over religion, process over perfection, love over shame, passion over passivity, and pursuit over preference. Fourteen years ago today marks the day everything changed. It hasn’t been perfect, I haven’t been perfect, but there have been 14 years of purpose that have gotten me through the moments of pain.
I look back and remember the persecution. I remember the pastors that ridiculed me, and the friends that rejected me. I remember the confusion, but the louder voice of absolute assurance. I remember hiding for my life, while simultaneously knowing my life was in greater hands. I remember knowing there was more, while knowing there was nothing else worth chasing.
I look in the eyes of my wife knowing that I don’t deserve her. I look into the eyes of my kids in amazement of how lucky I am to have them. I look at the blessings and can recall all the nights that I should have lost everything instead of having all I do. It’s outrageous…. Not the accomplishments, but the love of Jesus that called me out of my darkness and into His perfect and unfailing love, protection and provision.
I remember the voice that called my name, showed me His face, and whispered in my ear with a thundering command of “watch what I can do.”
I’ve been watching, and I haven’t lost amazement yet. Even in the days of confusion and frustration, I can always enter into His presence and remember this night.
Fourteen years ago I met the Creator face to face… and in that moment it was sealed that experience trumps knowledge every day of the week.
I’m watching, Lord… You just keep showing off!
-B
