Going Back in Time
(Photo via Pixabay)
Let’s say you have an opportunity to talk to your younger self. What age would you visit, and what would you tell yourself?
If I could go back, I’d encourage the 18-year-old me.
August of 1982, alone in my bedroom, I got down on my knees and spoke to the air, “God, I don’t know who you are—Buddha, Krishna…”—I listed all I’d heard of— “or some God I don’t know about. Whoever You are, I want to worship You. Until You show me differently, I’m gonna keep doing what I’m doing.”
I’d always entertained a heavy interest in spiritual things and in what I believed came with that—wonder, mystery, and power. I dabbled in the spiritual realm through unhealthy practices, such as séances, Tarot cards, and clumsy attempts at Eastern meditation.
I’d never been to church. Never heard the gospel. Never prayed. To the best of my knowledge, I had not used the word worship…until I was 18.
One month after praying those Holy-Spirit-influenced words, I met Jesus Christ. My heart knew instantly through divine revelation that He was that unknown God to whom I’d already surrendered my life.
Dear Julie…
Here are 4 things I’d tell my 18-year-old self about wonder, mystery, and power she was about to encounter:
Jesus said, “My own sheep will hear my voice and I know each one, and they will follow me. I give to them the gift of eternal life and they will never be lost and no one has the power to snatch them out of my hands. My Father, who has given them to me as his gift, is the mightiest of all, and no one has the power to snatch them from my Father’s care. The Father and I are one.” John 10:27-30 (TPT)
You are intimately known
Living in a secluded area in the mountains put all my friends far out of walking distance. Nobody really knew me.
But Jesus said, “I know each one.”
The Greek verb is ginóskó: meaning an experiential knowing.
Julie, you are felt. You are perceived without confusion. You are fully recognized without question to your identity. (photo via Pixabay)
You will have new ears
The younger me heard demonic whispers. But God’s gentle voice eluded me.
But Jesus said, “My sheep hear My voice.”
The Greek verb is akouó: to hear with understanding.
Julie, when the all-knowing God of the universe speaks, you will recognize and comprehend Him. To know this would’ve blown my mind. This is miraculous. Supernatural. (photo via Pixabay)
You’ll follow God closely, not from a distance
My house was far away from everything social. I made up my own games and played alone in the treehouse and the outcropping of rocks on our 10 acres. I would never trade growing up in my personal nature park, but there was a lack.
But Jesus said, “They will follow Me.”
The Greek verb is akoloutheó: in union on the same path.
Julie, where He walks, you’ll walk. You’re never alone or out of His sight. The two of you will be tighter than your mind is able to grasp. For eternity.
You are safe in the hands of the All-Powerful, El Shaddai
My loving dad was older than most, and when he had a heart attack at age 70, I freaked out. What would this 15-year-old daddy’s girl do if she lost her champion father?
But Jesus said, “no one has the power to snatch them from my Father’s care.”
The Greek verb is harpázō: to suddenly seize or take by force.
Julie, you can’t be abducted, and He can’t abandon you. You are engraved on God’s palm. (photo via Pixabay)
Listen, 18-year-old self, you’re about to experience the wonder, mystery, and power you desire. You’re going to experience an abundant life. You’ll never lack, and I’m not talking money. Life will simply be full. Your adventure is about to begin.
Friend, what word of encouragement would you give your younger self?
Share your thoughts in the comments below.
