Elohim Ahavah

The God who loves

July 4

I went on a hike to Chimney Rock with my daughter, her family, and her friend, today. I almost didn’t go. I only got a few hours of sleep last night. When I messaged her in the middle of the night, I didn’t have much hope but told her to call me before she left. Maybe I would feel better than I thought I would. When she called, I couldn’t go back to sleep so I decided to go. Even if I only experienced a little bit of the Hike, it would be better than nothing. So, I brought a pillow and a blanket and slept in the back seat of her minivan for the two-hour drive. I took some Dramamine and didn’t wake up until we got there. That alone was a gift from God. I told everyone that If I couldn’t make it all the way to the top, I would just stop and wait for them, and not to worry about me. There would be over 600 stairs before we got to the top and lots of places to just rest and enjoy the view. I knew I would be fine either way.

Thank you, Father! I still can’t believe I made it to the top! And on less than 5 ½ hours of sleep in total. Thank you, Pappa, for strength and endurance and peace. It was a perfect day. The dust in the atmosphere from the Sahara Dust storm actually made the weather perfect. We were safely covered and protected from the intense effects of the sun, all while being a beautiful sunny day. I never got overheated or tired from the sun beating down.

When we stopped at the Opera Box we convinced my daughter to sing. She sang Amazing Grace on a beautiful mountainside surrounded by beauty. The mountains remind me of how small I am and how big God is. I feel safe and protected. I am safely nestled in His love. So as I looked out over the mountains and valleys at this stunning, breathtaking view and heard my sweet girl sing about His grace, I am in awe. I am speechless. I only wish she had sung longer. I didn’t just see God today as I trekked through the woods, I was surrounded by Him! Safely tucked in the palm of His hand.

Near the end of the day, as I was standing on one of the stair landings, just enjoying the view, God spoke to me again. I have had an unmet longing in my heart. I have never been pursued, not even by my husband. Our lives just kinda fell together and then we got married. It’s not bad, but sometimes, my heart longs to be pursued. So today, as I was looking out at God’s creation and thanking Him for the day, so grateful that I didn’t miss it, He simply spoke to my heart and said. “I have always pursued you.” Instantly flashes of memory come flooding in. From when I was just a small child and all through my life of how He pursued me. The creator of the universe has pursued me! It was a lie. I have always been pursued. You have always been pursued. I was taught this, I thought I knew this, but deep inside I didn’t understand. I wish I had words to explain the paradigm shift that was made in my heart. I want to hang on to this and never let it go. Elohim Ahavah( The God Who Loves) pursues me!