Last Wednesday, I had the privilege of listening to a young lady named Sierra Makeever give her testimony at youth group.
As part of her story, she read something she wrote for a friend. A beautiful piece about seeing God. Sierra gave me permission to share it here, on my blog. I hope it blesses you as much as it blessed me…
I see God in beautiful music, the kind that displays someone’s deepest most heartfelt desires.
Quiet moments, the ones where you can hear your own heartbeat.
Moments that are surprisingly peaceful, amidst more chaos than can be squeezed into a single day.
When I cry so hard I can barely breathe, and then all at once, I feel supernatural contentment, knowing I’m right in the palm of my Heavenly Father.
When I feel most unsure of my future and things seem to be spiraling out of control, it is then I know my Savior is carrying me through.
But if you want to know where I see God most, it is in pain.
It has been in the season of despair that I have felt His presence most clearly.
When I come to the place of brokenness in my own sin and shortcomings and look back on the mess of my life, knowing it is ONLY by His grace that I stand here in one piece.
Yes, I see Him most when I face the fact that this life isn’t about me. In a world that wants you to be so consumed with yourself that you forget to look around at the glory before us and beyond us.
In those moments of pain, I long for Heaven.
It is then that every waking moment on this Earth, I should be spent for the cause of Christ.
It is then I see God, and Him glorified.
Let’s Talk: Where do you see God most clearly?
Sierra Makeever, 21, originally from Rockford, IL, came to the Quad Cities to attend Augustana College and is in the last year of her undergrad with a dual degree in Psychology and Communication Studies. She is currently the Women’s Ministry Intern at Harvest Bible Chapel – Davenport, and serves in Junior High Ministries as a sixth grade break out leader. She has plans to work toward a Masters degree in Christian Counseling post graduation. When she’s not in class or at work, she loves to read, study God’s word, do CrossFit, snowboard, and catch coffee with friends. Thankful to be saved by the grace of Jesus Christ.
In other news, I realize I haven’t been sticking to my blogging program as of late. Hang with me and we’ll get back on track in January.
I have been in villages that hover on the edge of mountains. I have watched the sun rise at 15,000 feet. I have breathed air so thin my lungs ached. If I never get back to Bolivia, I can rest knowing I’ve been on the footsteps of Heaven.
Beautiful! I see God most clearly in the innocence of little ones and those with intellectual disabilities.
Julie, we have friends whose 18 year old is autistic. He is LOVED at church and was dearly loved by his classmates in high school. At the funeral of a dear, dear pillar of our church, Johnny hovered by the condolence book, watching people come and leave messages for the family. I as bent to write our family’s names, Johnny pointed at the book and at me. And groaned his familiar groan. “Johnny, do you want me to write your name?”
He groaned rather loud. So I did. “Johnny, I wrote your name, right here, see?”
He grinned, grunted out “Major” and walked away.
God blesses our whole church with that young man.
This is a timely post, as the holiday season can be painful for many. We want it to be all “merry and bright,” but sometimes hidden behind the music and lights and falalalala there is heartache.
Thanks for sharing this today, Katie.
Yep, when I’m humbled. And outside a lot–in His creation.
This is beautiful! I see God most in everyday trials. He is faithful, even in the little things, to lift me up and lead me through every step of my day.