I have been stressing about writing this blog for a long time now! I was supposed to do a “first week in Atlanta” update and got completely swamped with the move. I was honestly so stressed because I made a commitment to building up the blog this year, and in order to build it, I had to actually be posting on it! We had so many great things happen in that first week, but I just didn’t feel led to write- something that I rely on God heavily for. If He doesn’t give me the okay to release something, it doesn’t get released! Needless to say, there’s quite a few backlogged blogs! But now, after more than a month here in the blessed ATL, I understand why God had me wait.
Today is a special day. It’s the day we set aside to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus. Every church will have a special service planned out that was undoubtedly rehearsed at least 3 or 4 times. The choirs and pews will be significantly more full, attire will be nicer, and hats will be bigger- if you’re in the south, that is. The band will rehearse to make sure every note is perfect. The singers will make sure the know every lyric. The preachers will try to write the perfect message to inspire newcomers and veterans alike. I truly love the excellence that we strive for on special services- in fact, I think we should have that standard for every service- but what’s so funny and so beautiful is, the Spirit Of God will show up regardless of our attempts at perfection. He always does, as long as He’s invited! I think sometimes we forget that. We get into a situation and wonder if God will show up this time.
I’ve found myself in a couple of scenarios recently where I got to the point of wondering if God would show up. Just because Jon-Paul and I had the faith to make this move to Atlanta does not mean that that faith hasn’t been tested. We have faced circumstances that seemed insurmountable. And at times I wondered how in the world God was going to provide and what I could do to “help” him. I was driving down the road one day and felt to Holy Spirit say, “Baby, how can you have enough faith in God to obey Him and pick up and move your family across the country, and not believe He will provide in your everyday life?”
I was so taken aback, and in that moment, my faith was taken to a whole new level. In our short time here, we’ve seen God move more powerfully than ever before. We’ve seen our bank account tripled TWICE, been offered and accepted amazing jobs, locked into a great church, and seen God provide every step of the way. We’ve been given prophetic words and words of wisdom left and right- as if God is reassuring us that we made the right decision. To use the words of Jon-Paul, it’s like we are reading a book and there’s a new surprise on every page. We didn’t have all the answers when we came here and we still don’t , but God does. He has been so unbelievably faithful.
I think it’s so easy for us to underestimate God. We think we have to help Him out, like He isn’t capable of doing it himself. Or even worse, we think he’s too busy with other stuff to show up. But honey, He always shows up. Every time. He gave His only son for you. And that Son was beaten, whipped, scared, hung on a cross, and pierced; he died, took the keys to death, hell, and the grave, rose again and ascended into heaven ALL FOR YOU. What makes you think he will let you down now?! He worked to hard to save you to let you go now! He loves you too much! If he battled hell for you, I can guarantee you He’s willing to take on your current earthly circumstances.
On this Easter Sunday, while you are in your church service or eating a delicious meal, just remember how much you are loved and cherished. You are loved by a God who will never let you down. He will show up in your life and meet you right where you’re at. You just have to invite Him (Revelation 3:20). I sincerely pray that you have a wonderful, joyful, safe, fun-filled day.
Happy Easter, Y’all!
XOXO
ELK
Emily Louise Keller 