To Those in Search of Greener Pastures

By the world's definition, I grew up a good girl. I was still a sinner, saved by grace, but I was what they call a goody-goody. I spent my years on one side of the fence watching people in my life straddle it, then finally jump to the other side. Some dabbled in the occult. Some turned to a homosexual lifestyle. Many had babies before husbands. A few acquired STDs. A handful left Church altogether while more than I can count waved the banner of Christianity while blatantly living in open sin.

I watched. And there was a long period where I was angry; so angry in fact that I let my anger override my passion to the point where I was overly harsh.

I don't remember the day. I just remember falling on my knees one afternoon asking God to give me a broken heart. I was tired of being angry at those who spat in the blood that saved me. I was tired of debating and trying to prove that God's way is always the best way. Being angry about it wasn't changing anything. So I didn't want it to make me angry anymore. Instead, I wanted it to break my heart into pieces. God answered that prayer. I still get angry, but just as quickly, I find myself a teary-eyed mess hurting over them rather than being outraged. You see, all we ever really need is Jesus. Just a full-fledged encounter with His holiness. *** I would love for you to truly know Him as I know Him. You can click here to find out how.

You might be dabbling in sin; rejecting the authority of Scripture; refusing to run into the open arms of Christ. If so, I want to say something to those of you on the other side of the fence:

It's not greener over there.

It's fun, no doubt. I can see that by the Instagram pictures and the Facebook posts. It's busy and full and I can tell that there is always a party going on somewhere. There's plenty of people to rally behind you no matter what decision you make. Life is about being happy. Life is about you. But friend, may I please share the truth with you? That grass isn't green.

Truthfully, it it is easy to live the way you want. No effort has to be put in doing things your way. It's easy to let your Bible collect dust on the shelf while you allow yourself to be swept away with the mentality that life is simply about finding greener pastures (instead of watering your own). You don't have to work too hard to go to one experience, one high, or one love after another. But if I may tell you the honest truth, just because it's easier doesn't mean it's going to make you happy or satisfied in any area of your life. There are no other greener pastures outside the will of God. It's only green where He is.

I'm a stubborn sheep. Honestly, I am obnoxious and loud and willfully disobedient. My Shepherd has had to use His staff numerous times to break me and bring me back into the safety of His will. And because of that, I can say with all gratefulness and satisfaction that the Lord has been good to me. He has taken care of me. I have never lacked for anything. He has blessed me with a peace I can't put into words.

Are you searching for greener pastures? Are you tired of doing things your way? Are you going from one thing to the next in order to fill that hole inside? Is it not exhausting to try and try to find rest for your heart.... to no avail?

Friend, run to Jesus; the One who offers rest and whose burden is light. Follow His footsteps, obey His voice, and friend, your grass will be green.

What God says is best, is best, though all the men in the world are against it. - John Bunyan