Cause and effect paper- February 10, 2010

My ever growing relationship with God

My relationship with God has been influenced by many things. He has been trying to get my full attention for years. I see that my whole life has been littered with events that have radically changed my relationship with Jesus Christ. I feel that I am now closer to my Lord than ever before, although, I still have a long way to go.

The first thing that has brought me to God was my family; specifically my little brother. The reason my eyes were opened to God was because of him. He had cancer and his death left me feeling hopeless and confused. After he passed away, I was unsure about where he was and I had no idea where to turn for help. Jesus gave me peace through my depression by confirming to me that my brother is with Him. I praise God for that.

The mission trips I have been on were a huge part of drawing me closer to God. They opened my eyes to the heart God has for others, making His person more evident to me. I was also given a passion for the oppressed people with no hope. I now have a heart for the hopeless because I was so hopeless. Through my redemption from hopelessness God has given me clarity on what is needed to have a comfort beyond understanding. Jesus comforted me.

The Honor Academy has already influenced my relationship with God immensely. The Lord is being so gentle with me as he reveals His plans for this year. Day by day, he is showing me new things about myself and about Him. The HA is exactly what I need to hear Him and to have true intimacy with my Him. The Lord is using the HA to bring me closer to Him and I have already found myself experiencing and knowing him like never before.

My relationship is continually going deeper and becoming more personal. I am excited for what God has for me in the future and to fulfill the plans He has set out for my life. I also cannot wait to see what He is going to do to draw me ever nearer to Him.