"Turn my eyes from looking at worthless things; and give me life in your ways."
Psalm 119:37
Have you ever been so immersed in your busy life that God becomes a second thought? Do you find yourself running to other people or activities before Christ? Emily, a friend and student at Muhlenberg College, has felt the same way. Read her story below to hear about how the Lord continued to pursue her, even though she put her trust in other things.
Emily's Story
I grew up in a Christian home in California. My family went to church every Sunday, and at some point when I was young, I recognized that God loved me. In fact, He loved me so much that He came to earth to die for my sins, that I might be united with Him. I don’t know if my pastor asked us to raise our hands to believe and trust in God, but if he had, I’m sure mine must have slithered up. Why wouldn’t I want to be united with such an incredible God?
As I grew up, I began to fill my time with things that drew my attention away from God. I was a straight-A student taking every AP and arts class I could. I was in every play, every dance concert, and every musical. I still believed in God and went to church every Sunday, but I had other things on my mind.
When I got to Muhlenberg College, nothing changed. I immediately sought out activities, and clubs, craving the busy life that seemed to give purpose to every moment of my day. I was thrilled to find the Christian Fellowship group at Muhlenberg (DCF), but it remained one of many activities I was involved in. God wasn’t the priority of my life. With the number of dance concerts and theatre shows I was in, I often couldn’t show up to church on Sundays or DCF on Friday night. Even when I felt conviction to read the whole Bible (something I had never done, despite calling myself a Christian), I was still not focused on God. My life was only about my activities, friends, and by the second semester of freshman year, my boyfriend, Kainan.
It was at about this time that I completely pushed God out of my life. In between school, work, and many rehearsals, I would text and call Kainan, and I no longer had time to talk to God. Instead of turning to my Bible in the mornings, I turned to Kainan's texts. Kainan had a love that was more accessible to me, I believed, than God’s, and dating him was a tangible hope to hold onto. For a while, it was enough.
After my busy semester ended, all my friends had moved out for the summer, and I was left with an empty dorm room. I reached for my phone and waited for Kainan’s call. But I didn’t get the usual “I love you” that I needed to hear. I got the “I’m feeling kinda distant from you right now.” I realized that our relationship might not last, and I was broken. I had put my trust in the wrong thing, and I didn’t have anyone. I had never felt so alone. I used to believe that my Bible was my source of hope, somewhere to turn in a time of need. But I felt like God had abandoned me. I turned on Netflix to drown out the sound of my aching heart. I fell asleep, broken, bitter, alone.
Two days later, I walked into FOCUS, another DiscipleMakers conference at the end of the school year, and I was surrounded by people praising God. I began to weep. I realized that God had never abandoned me; He had always been right there, right by my side, patiently pursuing me. I had made excuse after excuse after excuse not to run to Him. But somehow, by His grace, He chose to bring me back. This wasn't because of anything I had done, but in spite of everything I had done.
I surrendered my busy lifestyle to God, and I put my relationship in His hands. Now, life’s still hard. God continues to challenge me. Right now His biggest question is, do you trust me? Even as I face health concerns that may limit my ability to continue dancing and doing other physical activities I love, I know that God will continue to pursue me.
This summer Emily is working with DiscipleMakers as an intern on campus here at Penn State. She has the opportunity to reach out to the students, and is learning much about what it looks like to minister on campus. Be sure to read my newsletter next month for an update about what the Lord has done through her (and Pauline) this summer!
Personal Update
I have really enjoyed learning my way around State College this summer. Often times, many of the other new staff in the area will go exploring around town, finding places to eat, parks to explore, and deepening our friendship and unity as we serve the Lord together with DiscipleMakers! We were even able to join up with some new staff from other campuses for a concert in Gettysburg!
I also had the opportunity to dog sit for a new friend in State College whose family used to be missionaries in Germany. We had many adventures together including eating lots of peanut butter, and getting sprayed by a skunk! That is one smell I never want to be close to again!
Prayers & Praises
Praise God for His constant pursuit of us! Praise God for the ways He has reminded Emily how much He will satisfy and fulfill her life.
Pray for Emily as she continues to trust the Lord throughout this summer as an intern, and as she undergoes surgery to help with her physical health concerns.
I'm very thankful for you, dear friends, as it is only through your support -- both through prayer and financial giving -- that makes this ministry possible!
I pray for each of you, and I'm grateful for your continued partnership in my ministry. Please let me know how I can specifically be praying for you, by replying to this email!
I grew up in a Christian home in California. My family went to church every Sunday, and at some point when I was young, I recognized that God loved me. In fact, He loved me so much that He came to earth to die for my sins, that I might be united with Him. I don’t know if my pastor asked us to raise our hands to believe and trust in God, but if he had, I’m sure mine must have slithered up. Why wouldn’t I want to be united with such an incredible God?
When I got to Muhlenberg College, nothing changed. I immediately sought out activities, and clubs, craving the busy life that seemed to give purpose to every moment of my day. I was thrilled to find the Christian Fellowship group at Muhlenberg (DCF), but it remained one of many activities I was involved in. God wasn’t the priority of my life. With the number of dance concerts and theatre shows I was in, I often couldn’t show up to church on Sundays or DCF on Friday night. Even when I felt conviction to read the whole Bible (something I had never done, despite calling myself a Christian), I was still not focused on God. My life was only about my activities, friends, and by the second semester of freshman year, my boyfriend, Kainan. 
Two days later, I walked into FOCUS, another DiscipleMakers conference at the end of the school year, and I was surrounded by people praising God. I began to weep. I realized that God had never abandoned me; He had always been right there, right by my side, patiently pursuing me. I had made excuse after excuse after excuse not to run to Him. But somehow, by His grace, He chose to bring me back. This wasn't because of anything I had done, but in spite of everything I had done.
