In Christ Alone

This is a song written by Natalie Grant that has been speaking to my heart lately.  It’s how I often “hear” God; through lyrics. 

*In Christ alone my hope is found
He is my light, my strength, my song
This Cornerstone, this solid ground
Firm through the fiercest drought and storm

I am writing my book.  It was a hard decision whether or not the time is now.  I know that God has put it on my heart that I am to teach, write and speak; my purpose in life.  It is sometimes hard to discern whether or not you are doing the right thing.  However, I feel I have been given the “go ahead.” 

I’m not sure who this book is for; whether it’s for me or a larger audience.  I do know that writing it has caused a great stir in my soul.  It is a reflective piece and truly difficult to write about one’s own past.  You see the mistakes you have made; almost like watching a bad car wreck in slow motion and you are helpless to reach out to the passenger within – yourself.  You can’t erase the moment – you can only move forward.  And that’s what I have done and am continuing to do.  Move forward, heal.  That’s why this song is so important.  It talks about who we are – who I am – in Him.

What heights of love, what depths of peace
When fears are stilled, when strivings cease
My Comforter, my All in All
Here in the love of Christ I stand

God has definitely brought me through all the pain in my life.  As I write, I can see that he was there, for no mere mortal could withstand the “blows” I took.  He stood by me and “held” me in His arms.  He truly has been my Comforter.  

In Christ alone, who took on flesh
Fullness of God in helpless Babe
This gift of love and righteousness
Scorned by the ones He came to save

 ‘Til on that cross as Jesus died
The wrath of God was satisfied
For every sin on Him was laid
Here in the death of Christ I live, I live

There in the ground His body lay
Light of the world by darkness slain
Then bursting forth in glorious Day
Up from the grave He rose again

Each holiday that passes post-divorce is new. Easter, Thanksgiving, Christmas and soon the New Year.   I don’t quite know what the day will bring.  I trust in Him to make it okay, and it always is; in fact, it’s always perfect.  I look at those lyrics and know I’m not perfect.  If I were, I would have had the foresight and knowledge to walk away long ago.  I would have not locked away in my brain what my heart inherently knew was wrong.  These are things I need to work through.  Christ suffered for me.  It is the fulfillment of a promise by God.  It is His covenant with us.  It is what gives me peace.

And as He stands in victory
Sin’s curse has lost its grip on me
For I am His and He is mine
Bought with the precious blood of Christ

No guilt in life, no fear in death
This is the power of Christ in me
From a life’s first cry to final breath
Jesus commands my destiny

As I write, I find myself guilt-ridden.  I should have done more, yet I know I was incapable of doing so at the time.  Perhaps this song is God’s reminder, there is no need for guilt as there is no condemnation in Christ.  My path was in place, long before I was even born.  It is His divine will for my life.  And it’s all for His glory; the good AND the bad.  Be grateful.  I never understood why He calls us to be thankful in all circumstances before this last year.  I now understand.  I am.

No power of hell, no scheme of man
Could ever pluck me from His hand
‘Til He returns or calls me home
Here in the power of Christ I stand

I will stand, I will stand
All other ground is sinking sand
All other ground, all other ground
Is sinking sand, is sinking sand
So I stand

In Genesis 50:20, it says “You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.” (NIV)

I like to believe that I will somehow touch at least one person's life through my book.  I'd like to believe that's why I went through what I did; to help others.  Save lives.  I hope my story is powerful and compelling.  I know when I read through it, I cannot believe what I have gone through.  Yet, I know I am blessed more than others.  There are much worse stories.  Mine is a white-collar crime and I was able to survive through the grace of God.  Yes, others hurt me.  Maybe they didn’t intend to but the Enemy had that plan.  God saved me.  He was there, and always in the midst of every situation that was thrown my way.  He helped me dodge those curveballs; I came away relatively unscathed.

As for the “new” me?  He is the Cornerstone upon which I’ve built my new life.  It is a strong foundation; One that will withstand the storms in life.  I stand firm -- in Christ alone.

*lyrics provided by www.elyrics.com

In Christ Alone: 

http://youtu.be/Ipl-rLRxOrs