Monday, February 18, 2008

Amazing

I love God plans, I don't always understand what they mean and they are not always easy, but I love God plans.
Last night I shared my story with some teenagers and it was amazing. Sure, I was nervous and felt sick and wanted to get out of it numerous times...BUT...i kept reminding myself that sharing this story wasn't about it, it was God's plan for me. My amazing and wonderful boyfriend kept reiterating to me that i was going to reach so many people by sharing my story, and i didn't understand it.
I had an out of body experience, for lack of a better term, when i was up talking. It was almost as if i was watching myself, not really sure of what i was saying, but the Holy Spirit definitely took over. Everything flowed really well and sure i got choked up a few times, but i couldn't have asked for it to go any better.
I looked around and i noticed several people in tears and a lot of people just in disbelief that i could go through so much pain and still be the person i am. What happened afterwards was the most amazing of all. My story opened up a bunch of people. Derik got the opportunity to talk with many of the guys that are struggling with relationships and i sat down with three different girls while they shared their stories...many of them afraid to come out because they were concerned that they were the only ones struggling. They thanked me for my commitment to Christ and my obedience to him, and they thanked me for giving them hope. I felt as though i had actually completed one of those God plans...and that he was smiling.
I am just so blessed to have the life that i do and the opportunities that i do. I have been through a lot and i've had a lot of pain, but then again, who hasn't? I'm just glad that I recognized this God plan and i look forward to a lifetime full of them.

3 comments:

Sarah said...

How amazing! That is so awesome! You go girl!! xo, Sarah

Heather said...

I love it!! I can't wait to hear your story! God has done amazing things in your life!! Love ya!

STEPHANIE. said...

Julie! I am so proud of you for sharing your testimony. It was so good to know more about you, and how strong you are. It is really hard to be vulnerable, and you did such a great job! and oh boy...God is really using you to be a light! I kept thinking about it all night.
Smiles! :)