eWell October 28, 2009

"Passion" by Lauren Murphy

I am a child of God. As a twenty-year old college student this realization is still just starting to take form in my mind. At times I wonder how I was chosen as a child of God when I cannot comprehend the magnitude of what that relationship means. Despite my initial shock, every time I think about how my belief in a holy God transcends into my personal life, I have to admit the awe turns lackluster- especially when it is my turn to respond to His grace.

I once wrote in my journal a vision of the godly woman I saw myself becoming. I wrote, "I want to be that girl with a permanent smile. I see me casual and humble; willing like always, but this time able. I see me shining with a light not made on my own." I have always known whom I belong to and whom He desires for me to become, but as I mature into a Christian woman I have come to realize the secret ingredient in reaching out to God - Passion.

A relationship is a two-way street; so when you are at the point of that standstill logic and desire to cross the line into the personal presence of God, may I suggest passion. What would it look like if Christians were simply passionate for God, His will, and His commands? What if we couldn't wait to read the Bible because we were so eager to see what God chose to say to us? What if we worshipped God like He was in fact standing before us? What if we wept over the things that broke God's heart? What if we jumped for joy every time the Lord is pleased? What would it look like if we were passionate for people the same way God is so passionate for us? What if we sang music for the love we have for Him; what if we served like Jesus due to an undying desire to model him? What if we were constantly bursting with passion?

To pursue something with such energy and care, to love God so much we are beyond ourselves, how beautiful would that be to God? I cannot imagine a more appropriate response to such an amazing gift. If only we could live with such a passion that it brings us to a point of weakness, for His "power is made perfect in weakness... For when I am weak, then I am strong." If only we could live at the point of tears within every encounter because we have an opportunity to live with overwhelming enthusiasm for God. How do you become passionate? The same way you become loving. You choose love, and in the same way you choose passion. Choose to run, not walk. Run with passion because you can simply not wait to see His glory around the bend of every corner. Want Him.

I pray I can choose to seek God with passion, and in turn bring Him glory by growing into the godly woman He has called me to be. I'm so excited to be led by a God who loves and cares for me, and I love to experience the joy He provides in the midst of the passionate pursuit.