Tuesday, October 11, 2011

I Stand Upon What Never Changes by Misty from Through A Photographer's Eyes

I am continuing with guest posts from bloggers who have not only a passion for photography, but a love for Jesus.  I am honored to have Misty from Through A Photographer's Eyes posting.  After reading her post be sure to click over and visit her blog and her Etsy shop.


I was delighted when I received an e-mail from Amber asking me to write about my faith. A chance to speak up for the Lord is an opportunity every Christian should look for. The Lord has been working in my life in a great way, especially lately, so Amber's timing was perfect. Isn't God amazing like that?!  

To introduce myself, my name is Misty and I blog over at Through A Photographer's Eyes. I've been married to my wonderful husband for 4 years and we have an incredibly awesome baby girl that we are head over heels in love with. Photography is my passion. Though I do not successfully make any money at it, it is God who gave me the talent and for that I give Him the glory. 


Everybody likes stability in their life. I admit I can be a bit of a control freak making sure that stability is...well..not unstabilized. :) I know how I want things to go in my life, but God's plans are not always the same as mine. I'm not a big fan of change. It has its place sure, but if it makes me uncomfortable.... well, I just don't like it!  Having said that I figured the title best suited for this post would be: 

I Stand Upon What Never Changes

If the sun were to fall, 
If the oceans were to dry, 
If the mountains were to crumble, 
I wouldn't bat an eye. 
Cause I stand upon the Rock.
He's the Rock of all the Ages. 
No matter what may come, 
the storm around me rages. 
I stand upon what never changes
(Author Unknown)

If there is one thing I have learned throughout my Christian life, it is that Jesus Christ never changes.

"Jesus Christ the same yesterday, today and forever." Hebrews 13:8


Amidst all the inconsistencies in life, the let downs, the discouragements, the highs and the lows, Jesus Christ is always consistent. He never lets us down. He never changes.


I was blessed to be raised in a Christian home. At an early age I was very aware of the fact that I was a sinner and I knew that I didn't want to spend eternity in Hell. The gift from Jesus Christ is free! Why would I not accept it?! Receiving Christ as my Savior at such a young age, I obviously didn't see a drastic change in my life so I was what some people call a "re-tread" meaning I asked Christ to save me many many times. I know I only needed to ask Him once (He only died once) and according to His promise my eternity is secure. That promise never changes!


Many people have asked me what was it that caused me to stay on the "straight and narrow" and not get mixed up in the deceiving "glitz and glamor" of this world. Of course a lot of it had to do with what was instilled in me all growing up, but when it comes down to it, each and every person makes a decision in their own heart whether they will serve God or the Devil. Period. There is no middle ground.

 
 Before I really understood what it was to have a walk with the Lord, my main motivation for doing right was that I never wanted to hurt my parents. I never wanted them to be disappointed in me. Sure, I disobeyed from time to time and just like every one else, I am a sinner. But I decided in my heart that my life would belong to the Lord and I would do my best to always bring honor and glory to Him. Have I failed Him? Of course. Many times. Thankfully though His mercies are new every morning. Though I let Him down. His love for me never changes!


I would say the biggest impact in my Christian life was at the age of 19 when my dad passed away. After a short battle with cancer, God decided to take him Home. Oh if you could have know him! Never have I known a man who was so in love with the Lord. His life was a living testimony of what it meant to be a child of God. His faith was strong. His love for the Lord so evident. His relationship with Christ was real! It was during that time that I started to really develop my own personal relationship with Christ and not just go through the motions of what my parents had taught me about having personal devotions every day. Those devotions became a necessity for me, not just a habit. God used that time of my life to draw me to Him and teach me how to rely on Him, to trust Him, to lean on His understanding and not my own, to acknowledge Him in all my ways, so He could direct my path. Those promises never change!


Each day is a learning process. Each day takes work. The Christian life is not an easy one but knowing my Savior gets glory out of it makes it worth it.

"It will be worth every mile. It will be worth every trial. It will be worth every valley that we cross. It will be worth everything that we face in His dear name. It will be worth it all when we see His face." (Author Unknown)


I'm 29 years old now. My faith still waivers. Being newly married with a little baby girl my faith has been tested numerous times. Just recently the Lord broke me down again and gently but firmly reminded me that I needed to keep my eyes on Him. Just like Peter, when I start to focus on the problems around me, I begin to sink. Jesus Christ is standing there waiting for me to call out to Him to help me back up and just like the wonderful Savior that He is, He always picks me back up and reminds me to trust Him. Instead of keeping my feet firmly planted in the word of God and on His promises that He will never leave me or forsake me, I step out on to the stormy seas of my own will. Losing my balance I flail around and my stubbornness keeps me from seeing the gentle hand of God reaching out to rescue me from my own ignorance and lack of faith. Reaching out to His forgiving hand, He pulls me up and plants my feet back on solid ground, back on the promises that never change. What safety and security there is in just trusting Him! Instead of standing upon my wavering faith...I stand upon what never changes!



You can read other guest posts in this series

4 comments:

Ashley Sisk said...

So inspiring Misty - and your photography is gorgeous.

Cindy said...

this is beautiful.

misty's photography, her testimony...and while i haven't met her In Real Life...YET! i know that SHE is a beautiful person inside and out too.

Anonymous said...

Lovely guestpost.

That tulip shot is beautiful!

Rena said...

Beautiful photos! But your testimony is even moreso. The Lord bless and keep you, Misty.
Rena