Have you ever discovered something that you didn’t know you had?

How fun is it when you discover an awesome surprise! Something totally unexpected. Something not planned. What a treat! 

My husband bought a GMC truck in 2019. Last winter and until a few weeks ago, we did not know we had a remote starter. We could have taken advantage of a slipping into a warm truck during the cold months but we had no idea. No idea. 

You might be thinking, “Are they wacko or something? They didn’t know they had a remote starter?” In our defense, this is our first vehicle to have the remote start feature, so it never occurred to us until someone asked. Then we checked it out. Woo hoo! We could start our truck without going outside to do so. 

It's embarrassing to admit this but how many of us don’t know what we have? Until someone tells us? Something that is either hidden or we are unaware of – something we haven’t heard of or seen? 

Friends, we have a treasure to be discovered – a treat that can be ours – a gift to be opened – for everyone. No matter our race. No matter our social status. No matter our economic standing. No matter our skin color. No matter our political alliance. No matter our denomination. No matter what. 

If you haven’t discovered the awesome treasure that is yours for the claiming - let me tell you. You have a God who loves you – to death. You have a Savior, Jesus, the Messiah. You have a home waiting for you in Heaven. You can start your eternal, abundant life now – here on earth. 

I have been immersed in “religious” practices since birth. I attended a faith-based school until seventh grade. I have been able to recite the Lord’s Prayer and the Apostle’s Creed since first grade. I learned the names of the apostles. I was in church every day – Monday through Friday – and on holy days as well as every Sunday. I heard what was being taught but I did not have a relationship with Jesus. The truth was there but I didn’t discover Him until I was 25 years old. He was there – just like our remote start. Although I wasn’t aware of Him, He loved me. I had to discover Him for myself. 

And when I did – my life was changed. He was the best discovery I’ve ever made. 

My friends, life is short. We don’t know how many days or hours or minutes we have been given. Let’s not waste them. Let’s not be unaware of the gift that is ours to discover. Jesus. He is waiting. He loves you. 

“Call to me and I will answer you, and will tell you great and hidden things that you have not known.” Jeremiah 33:3

Kathy Troyer
Author

Hey, friend! Have you ever been blocked by someone on social media?

I have. Let me tell you - getting blocked or deleted on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram is humiliating. Plain and simple - it hurts. Especially when someone you care about blocks you. Discovering your friends are able to “see” posts and pictures but you can’t - oh my - Jesus, help me!

Social media can spotlight unwanted-ness, left out-ness, not-in-the-circle, lacking, out-of-the-loop - rejection on steroids.

My FOMO Enneagram 7-ness magnifies “being blocked.” Although on the exterior I might appear to be happy and light-hearted, feelings of rejection simmer internally. I have a sneaky feeling some of you feel the same.

B U T - here is the Good News! You are not blocked from God’s grace or love. He does not “unfriend” or block you. He wants to “friend” you and have you join with those who have repented of their sin and received eternal life.

Friends, don’t allow rejection by others to negatively color your view of God. He is a good Father and promises to never leave or forsake us. “What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us. He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? Romans 8:31-32

May you experience His love in a new and fresh way.

Cheering you on!

Kathy Troyer
Author