Make it Personal

It is Satan’s work to discourage the soul; it is Christ’s work to inspire with faith and hope. Desire of Ages 249. Ellen G. White

Moments ago, I watched an ad on youtube.com for a nonprofit organization that provides clean water to underserved persons. Who would think that a vital substance that most take for granted is in short supply and impacting over 785 million people globally? The organization’s founder sold all of his possessions and volunteered for Mercy Ships, a charity foundation whose mission is: To provide free healthcare and improve healthcare delivery systems in the poorest nations. During the ship’s travels to many developing countries, he realized that a phenomenal amount of individuals, especially children, were dying from drinking dirty water. And he did something about it! charitywater.org

It is impressive that this charity is one of the few where donations are divided into two categories: Wells for clean water receives 100% of monies donated, and the Overhead costs are funded by socially responsible companies and philanthropists. Because of his integrity, and love for God, over 1 million people are now actively involved in providing clean water by their social and financial commitments to make this world a better place.

I immediately began to pray and thank God for supplying all of my needs and having good people with loving hearts that care about others’ welfare. The earth is the LORD’s, and everything in it. The world and all its people belong to him. Psalm 24:1. God is still in control of the world that He created. Planet Earth will always have a Nation of people doing their part to alleviate humanity’s suffering. Although oceans apart, our hearts are bound together by our love for God and each other.

It is a fact that the challenges in our lives can leave us feeling defeated. But that is only one way of looking at our circumstances. We can connect with the invisible God during our trials and tribulations and allow Him to become visible in our lives. Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you. 1 Peter 5:7. After watching the story of charitywater.org, I began to question my relationship with God. If I believe in God’s promises, why am I feeling crushed when the storms of life are raging? So this morning, I prayed and asked God to give me the answer to increasing my faith and trust in Him. God, please tell me how to have a deeper relationship with you. God’s response: “Make it Personal.”

Let’s think about the time and effort we put into our friendships, or meeting that special one that you hope is your soul-mate. When we engage in healthy relationships, we give our best, and we offer 100% of ourselves. We are loving, compassionate, and seek to make others happy and content. Even so, relationships are reciprocal–give and take, both individuals must desire to build a foundation based on commitment, trust, and transparency (honesty). To have friends, family, and significant others who say I love you through words and actions just makes our lives complete.

…the LORD appeared to him from far away. I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore, I have continued my faithfulness to you. Jeremiah 31:3

Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. 8 Whoever does not love does not know God because God is love. 1 John 4:7-8

Throughout the Bible, we can read stories of God’s love, grace, and mercy. In fact, the character of God is continuously revealed from Genesis to Revelation. Because He knows that our intentions are good, but our faith wavers, God tells us to entirely rely on His love, and power. Matthew 6:19-34 provides us with the solution to feeling defeated when our tank of Faith (and bank account) is empty. Psalm 27 dispels every fear and emphasizes faith and trust in God.

For I am the Lord, I change not…Malachi 3:6 first part. Loving relationships are based on commitment and produce enthusiasm and excitement. For the solution to making our relationship personal with God, ask yourself: Am I giving my best to God? For each of us, this question is up-close and personal.

After some serious self-evaluation, I have come to the conclusion that I can do better. Yes, I am the one who keeps changing by allowing doubt and unbelief, based on my circumstances, to interrupt my love relationship with God. Now that I have identified the wayward behaviors that prevent me from obtaining spiritual growth, I can focus on building a deeper relationship with God based on commitment, trust, and transparency (honesty). God, I am ready to make it personal.

Bible Readings: Psalm 23, and 1 Peter 5

God, we often lose sight of your love, grace, and mercies that you freely give to us everyday. It is our desire to have a personal, and committed love relationship with you. God, we love you. Thank you for loving us. We pray this prayer in the Worthy Name of Jesus. Amen.

© Sonya Johnson Ruiz 2020, No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted for commercial purposes without the written permission of the author.