Does God Care?
I fell down on the ground.
Does anyone care about me? Really care? If I scream loud enough, will they hear me?
I tested the thought. I started fake-crying. I screamed loudly, pretending my 8-year old body was hurt badly. It wasn’t. But, my heart felt hurt. I wanted someone to run to help me — to care of me, to lift me up and to love me.
No one came.
Sometimes, underneath it all, I wonder if that same little girl feels left all alone. Will God show up? Does God hear me? Will he really come?
Sometimes, I even amp up my pleas… I cry a little louder. I pout a little more, figuring that may just get God’s attention. I whine with my prayers.
I wonder if I sound like Mary who had the dead brother Lazarus?
“When Mary reached the place where Jesus was and saw him, she fell at his feet and said, “Lord, if you had been here, (then) my brother would not have died.” (Jo. 11:32)
Lord, if you had done it like this ____, then ___.
Lord, if you had only shown up, then ___.
Lord, if all that time hadn’t passed, then, things would be okay.
Mary pleas, no matter how holy or unholy, still met Jesus’ grace…
“When Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who had come along with her also weeping, he was deeply moved in spirit and troubled.” (Jo. 11:32)
Jesus cares.
Jesus sees.
Jesus has grace for us.
Jesus acts, even though…
“Jesus called in a loud voice, “Lazarus, come out!” The dead man came out, his hands and feet wrapped with strips of linen, and a cloth around his face.” (Jo. 11:43)
Some of us, think Jesus only loves us or helps us when we act good. This is a lie. His compassion surpasses our transgression. His love exceeds our need. His care transcends theatrics. His grace covers and moves anyway. Jesus is that good.
And, then He tells us, along with Lazarus — “Take off (your) grave clothes…” (Jo. 11:44)
When Jesus shows up, you don’t need your victim clothing anymore. He releases you from the chamber of self-pity and reminds you who you are again.
Do you know who you really are?
If you aren’t sure, I want to invite you to the next Breakthrough Retreat with great hope that you will discover you — as God sees you. I believe this will be an amazing experience in your life, with God. One attendee emailed me last week and said, “Kelly, this retreat was truly one of the best experiences I’ve ever had.”
Register today.
If you feel that nudge — sign up. I’ll be praying for you personally, pre-event. Sign up, God is faithful. Sign up, He wants to meet you in powerful ways. Sign up, there are other women who want to link hands and hearts with you in community. Sign up, there will be amazing whole-hearted worship. Sign up, I want to meet you — and, I believe — so does God…
Sign up now.
It is time to leave our grave-clothes behind us.
Love, Kelly
My Prayer: Father, I love my Purposeful Faith family. I love how we love each other. I love how you come in our midst. I love your heart to heal, to help, and restore. Father, you are so faithful. You are so true. You are so right. You are so good. You are so incredible. You are so mighty. Father, honor those who step out in faith. Meet them and address their needs as you did Lazarus. Resurrect what looks dead. Restore life. Reframe outlooks and mindset. Lord, will you call every person that you want to attend this retreat? Will you give them courage to attend? Will you pour out wisdom and understanding on Kelly as she pursues your heart for this time? Will you pour out your heart on all of us during this time? There is nothing we all want more than you. You are our prize, our portion and our present of greatest measure. Oh, we love you. We worship you. We adore you, King Jesus. In Your mighty, Almighty, All-powerful name, we pray, Jesus, Amen.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Breakthrough Retreat
The event will be hosted on Zoom. Please check your Zoom account for updates prior to the event. Lines will be muted.
I would like to have these retreats quarterly or every other month. My dream is that we can know each other. I would also like to place people into small groups that they can regularly meet with and form relationships. My dream is that we become even more of a tight-knit community. I will love to pray for the small groups at times and I hope this is something that can continue for a long time.
Let me know your ideas on this. I would love for you to talk with your small groups in between retreats.
Yes, I hope to form a small group at the first event and to keep you connecting at future retreats. Let’s do life together!
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