Some Birthday Thoughts

What’s the point of having a blog if you don’t write some of your thoughts down every now and then? Today just so happens to be the day I was born 36 years ago so I’m especially reflective. I was reading this morning from an Advent Bible Reading Plan and came across these verses in Genesis 35:

God said to Jacob, “Arise, go up to Bethel and dwell there. Make an altar there to the God who appeared to you when you fled from your brother Esau.” So Jacob said to his household and all who were with him, “Put away the foreign gods that are among you and purify yourselves and change your garments. Then let us arise and go up to Bethel, so that I may make there an altar to the God who answers me in the day of my distress and has been with me wherever I have gone.” Genesis 35:1-3

The last verse especially jumped out at me. “I may make there an altar to the God who answers me in the day of my distress and has been with me wherever I have gone.” For 36 years the Lord has been incredibly faithful to me. I did not choose my family, but God, in his kind providence chose to give me parents who are two faithful Christians. He chose to give me parents who would make me go to church even when that was the last thing I wanted to do. He gave me Deuteronomy 6 parents who taught me his commands when we sat in the house, walked by the way, when I went to lay down at night, and when I rose in the morning (Dt. 6:6-7). I didn’t choose this. He did and I’m incredibly grateful.

The Lord saved me at the young age of eight and he has faithfully kept me since then. Someone once said that if you could lose your salvation, you would. I know that statement is true of me. I pushed the limits. I tested the waters. I sinned and sinned some more especially in my late high school and college years. I found myself in distress many times and God answered. He was patient. He was faithful. I didn’t deserve this, but the Lord God has been so incredibly kind to me. I should have lost my salvation countless times, but he has been with me wherever I have gone.

The Lord has been so faithful in giving me a wife who loves him with all of her heart. He’s given us three incredible children. He’s provided for us and allowed us to serve him with our lives. It is a bit overwhelming to reflect on these things.

I deserve hell. One kindness from the Lord is more than I should have received. I’m abundantly blessed and these words from Jacob ring so true in my heart on this day. Have you experienced the faithfulness of God? If he can save someone like me then he can certainly save you. Turn from your sin and follow Jesus today!