by Lexi Morris
“Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you”.
1 Peter 5:7
This is such an honor for me to write on Pursuing Virtue. When this blog first started a few years ago, I remember telling my mom, “I would love to write on there one day”. Little did I know that it would actually become a reality! It is truly such a humbling experience to write specifically to the young girls. My heart reaches for you, and I hope something that I write will encourage you to “Stand Victorious” like my sweet friend Holly just wrote to you about! Holly and I are thrilled to write, and I am so thankful that the both of us have the opportunity to share our hearts on here. Today’s blog may seem extremely simple, but I hope that it encourages you!
As a young teen, and even throughout some of my collegiate experience, I remember asking myself the question, “Does God care?” That was the question that seemed to perplex my mind, even though I knew the answer deep in my heart. Sadly, one of Satan’s main targets is the human mind. If he could have his way, I believe the enemy would have us all questioning God and living defeated lives. With this in mind, I knew that God cared for me because I believe in the Bible. However, this did not prepare me for the fact that the devil would battle my mind with feelings of doubt towards God’s care. Needless to say, I fell into the enemy’s trap of unbelief and often wondered if He cared enough for the simple details in my life. Sometimes we unintentionally forfeit what we know to be true, and give in to Satan’s lies if we do not stay on guard.
Satan often uses multiple routes to target our minds with. As young girls, we want to fit in. We find satisfaction in feeling loved and cared for. If we’re not, then feelings of worthlessness and inadequacy seem to creep in. This can lead to much doubt, and if we’re not careful, we will ask ourselves the question, “Does God care?”
There have been moments in my life where I felt the victory instantly, but it was not the case for me in this situation. Instead of giving up on the Lord, I decided to stand on what I knew to be true. Here are some of the things that I knew deep in my heart…
I knew the Savior's love was real and that it was for “whosoever”, but I wanted to experience it personally.
I knew my salvation was secured in Jesus, but I wanted to know without a doubt that the God of Heaven cared enough to meet me where I was.
I knew what it was like to hear His voice speaking to me, but I wanted Him to speak in a way that I wouldn’t question His answer for me.
Because I knew these things and believed in a God who couldn’t fail, I pressed on a little harder. When doubts, fears, and unbelief come knocking at our hearts door, we must not give in. Stand a little taller, grab your Bible, and go to war against the enemy of your soul. Friend, this is the make it or break it time for you. Choose in your heart that you will keep going until Jesus gives you the final victory. You can make it!
Here at Heritage, the students willingly set an hour aside for corporate prayer in the sanctuary. These Thursday night meetings have become one of my favorite nights of the week; we have truly seen God’s hand at work! I didn’t go to the Lord this specific Thursday night with fancy prayers, it was actually quite the opposite. I went to the Lord with all of my hurts, fears, worries, insecurities, doubts, questions, and the list could go on and on. I went to the Lord completely unreserved. I knew the Lord loved me, but I needed Him to be personal to me. I didn’t want just an emotional or shallow experience, I wanted God to meet me where I was. Without a doubt, the Lord showed up just on time! On that Thursday night in the sanctuary, I remember the Lord coming by to all of us so strongly. His power and presence was evident all throughout the sanctuary, yet He was still so personal to stop by the pew that I was praying in.
As He met me, His voice wasn’t accompanied by thunder, nor was it written on the walls for me to see plainly. Rather His voice sweetly spoke to my heart and it was so strong that there was no room to question if it was Jesus. I left the sanctuary knowing that Jesus really does care.
Here are a couple verses that secured His Word in my heart that night in prayer,
“You have collected all my tears in your bottle…” Psalm 56:8
“But even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not therefore: ye are of more value than many sparrows.” Luke 12:7
I am writing to tell you today, plain and simple, He cares for you. My friend, if He counts the hairs of your head, surely He cares about the situation you’re in. If He catches every tear that falls, then how could we ever believe that He is overlooking the details in our lives? Don’t miss out on seeing God in the small details, because if you make a consistent effort to look for Him, He is there.
Take comfort in knowing that our caring Father is reaching out to love you personally today! He is not just the God of your parents or pastor, but He is your God, and He wants to love you! He will care, love, and support you when you need it the most. Don’t question His care because, “he careth for you,” (1 Peter 5:7). I am so thankful that the same God who met me in my situation is the same God who wants to meet you! He is not too far, just reach out. You will find a personal Father that has, “loved thee with an everlasting love” (Jeremiah 31:3).
