Navigating Teenage RebellionSample

Day 14: The Test and the “Secret Sauce

I remember growing up hearing blurbs on the TV set that said “This is a test. This is simply a test of the emergency broadcasting system”. Since those days, I often hear a still small voice say “This is a test. This is only a test. If you can pass this test I have greater things for you.” Now this is just what happens in my mind but scriptures confirms that if we can be faithful in the small things that He will give us greater things. Isn’t that some kind of a test as well?

I came to believe that God was pursuing me through everything. He had more for me. He used this season of navigating those teen years to draw me to Him. It was a difficult yet beautiful surrendering time. Desperation took me to surrender but Love lifted me up and met me.

In the stars and all of creation, I could see that He was beckoning me to something richer and deeper than the treadmill of busyness and performance that this world offered me. I was hungry for more. The intimate love relationship that He offers is like none other. When I am totally enraptured in His love, wholeness and purposes then my “other people” fade in the background of His extended purpose. His love spills out of my intimate relationship with Him and into the lives of those I love.

Realizing that my FIRST purpose is to know HIM and His love for me, I decided to enter into a rich slow dance with Jesus. I needed to slow down my world and enter into an unfailing deep love relationship.

· In a slow dance we are close, actually intimate

· In a slow dance I can hear His whisper, as my ear is close

· In a slow dance He is holding me on solid ground

· In a slow dance we go together wherever we go

· In a slow dance He is carrying me. He is my strength

· In a slow dance, His love is completely satisfying

This is the “secret sauce” of all of life. Him in me and I in Him. Intimacy with the Knitter, the Knower, the Redeemer, the Restorer. Nothing else satisfies like this. All other relationships pale behind this solid ground. My safe and Holy place.

Slow down. Breathe. Enter into the tender slow dance of intimacy with Him…Your Holy and safe secret place.

Final End Note: Roxanne's passion is to speak life-giving truths into the hearts of others. She loves to speak at retreats and conventions. She hosts her own DEEPER Intensive and RISE UP coaching workshops and works with clients nationwide as a personal life coach. You can get more information at RoxanneParks.com .