I had been on one of these Encounters before, and it was equally as awesome. But remember the new name of this blog..Padrick in Progress... since my last encounter, a lot has changed. It's been 3.5 years since the last time I went. I didn't want to go, but knew I needed to. You see the last few months I've felt a stirring in my spirit.. one calling for more. But I've been scared. Scared of what "more" looked like.
During the first session of worship before we got started on Friday evening, I couldn't even sing through the last 2 songs. I was so overwhelmed.. HE loves so greatly, and I was wrapped in it. As the songs filled the room I was reminded of all that has transpired since the last time I was there.
You see, the last time I was standing in that room, I was battling some issues that left me without any peace. Unforgiveness, insecurity, and a lack of trust in God's sovereignty. But Friday I stood with hope, appreciation, and a thankful heart for all He's given and continues to provide. I stood with a full trust that God is who He says He is, and that He can do what He says He will do.
As I stood enraptured by his presence, I kept thinking "Full Circle, I've come full circle"...When I sat down after worship I jotted down what the Holy Spirit was speaking to my heart.
"Full circle, and there are multiple circles - like olympic rings they bind and are stronger. He brings us around and links us to another. People, experiences, strength, a deeper rooted trust in his goodness and his faithfulness. He BREAKS our steel chains of bondage - anger, depression, fear, selfishness, lust, inferiority... and he links a GOLD, royal, unbreakable ring of His grace, unconditional love, peace - His Holy Spirit."
Life is hard. BUT GOD gives us a way to face it with our heads held high. (Isaiah 43:18-19)
Stresses bind us BUT GOD says that he leaves us with a Peace that the world cannot give. (John 14:27)
Our families seem to crumble BUT GOD brings beauty from ashes. (Isaiah 61:3)
Sickness and infirmity run rampant BUT GOD bore the whip so we could be healed. (Isaiah 53:5)
In all things.. BUT GOD.
He brings us around our circumstances no matter how hard, into the deep and out to the other side. And through that we see that there's so much more that God has for us. And then He wants to use us to bring freedom to those still living in the circles of bondage - fear, anger, bitterness, and just the hurt that comes with living in a broken world.
Jesus makes us whole. He doesn't just allow us the opportunity to "get into Heaven".. but HE MAKES US WHOLE. When we choose to hold onto the baggage that is no longer bound to us, it's like saying his death wasn't enough. But it was. That death covered ALL... and his resurrection brings healing. He wants us to walk in freedom. He'll bring you full circle, over and over and over again. He'll teach you how to hold your head high and he'll hold it for you when you just can't seem to pick it up yourself. That's all He wants, for you to trust in the love that He has for you, and to live in the freedom that has come through the cross.
Freedom. BUT GOD. Full circle. Trust. Insane Love.
