Thankfulness Rooted in Faith- April 2019

“Let your roots grow down into Him, and let your lives be built on Him. Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness.” Colossians 2:7

This verse was one that God brought to my heart during my missions trip to the Dominican Republic. Ever since then, I have been able to see how this truth has tied together different aspects of my life to reflect God’s grace.

The first part of the verse talks about letting my roots grow down into Him. I had grown up in a non-denominational church, where facilitating connections and having a servant’s heart were instilled into me for as long as I could remember. My parents were always so hospitable to everyone we had come to know, especially to the youth they mentored in student ministries. Some of my best memories were spent on youth retreats, ministry outings and then, once old enough, going on mission trips and leading my own small groups. One of the biggest things that I learned from my parents as youth leaders was to pursue a purpose and calling that I not only loved, but through that, be able to love others and build my life on God’s sovereignty.

One of those loves is ballet. I began attending ballet school when I was in fourth grade. My company was spread throughout New Jersey and for years I was dedicated to learning and advancing in my progression towards growth. For me, ballet class was not only a place where I could de-stress after a long day at school, but it was also a mission field. I was so excited, and a bit scared, to be surrounded by people who did not know Jesus. In this time of my life, God showed me how I can be a light to others simply by encouragement and support. Being a ballerina showed me God’s beauty and grace through cultivating a heart of worship. This helped me learn that my identity is in Christ alone, not my accomplishments, my success, or my failures. Ballet is still a part of my life today and I continue to see how it has shaped me into who I am and has strengthened my relationship with God.

The second part of the verse talks about how our faith will grow strong in the truth we were taught. One of the biggest trials that I faced was after I graduated high school. One of my closest family friends was killed in a tragic car accident on his way to church. I remember getting the phone call and being one of the first people to know. My world seemed to come to a standstill: I couldn’t even believe that something like this could happen to someone so young and so in love with Jesus. Although this time was trying on me and everyone around, I was able to see how God brought together people from all different walks of life to mourn the loss but also to praise God for his everlasting promises of restoration and mercy. It was then that I learned when facing trials of any kind, it was crucial to remain strong in God’s scriptural truth and to let him alone be my refuge and strength. I saw that God is a God who gathers His people and brings them back to Him, the ultimate source of comfort and rest.

Upon entering college, my faith was challenged deeper, pushing me to grow strong in the truths I was taught. I have loved my time at Houghton so far, and it truly has been such a blessing from the Lord. The people I have met have cared for me and have desired to get to know me for who I am as a person, which was something that I had not found in many friendships growing up. It was during my freshman year that God laid Micah 6:8 on my heart. From the moment I read it I knew this was a verse that I would need to reflect on each day. It was amazing to see how He continued to remind me of this truth day after day. Whether it be written on a tee shirt of someone I passed by on campus, or the scripture reading during chapel, or even written across the cover of a journal I received as a gift.  God continues to remind me that He requires me to act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with Him each day.

This leads me to the last part of Colossians 2:7, “…overflowing with thankfulness.” These examples were just a few that have impacted me and helped to shape me into the individual I have become. I love this last portion of the verse because as important as it is to be rooted in Christ, built on Him, and growing in His truth, if we are not praising Him, then the glory is not being given to Him. It is something that I strive for each day to find ways to give thanks to God even when it seems difficult. The idea of overflowing with thankfulness is such a beautiful image to keep in mind each morning. In my life I have found that when I am constantly thanking God for all He has done, goodness and grace are perpetually connected to all I do.

Note from the Editor: Bella, who is from New Jersey, is in her second year at Houghton, studying biology and data science. Of her family she says: “My parents and younger sister are wonderful, and always so supportive in all I do.” We as a congregation are blessed to have her worshipping with us during the school year.

*ADAPTED FROM OUR MONTHLY NEWSLETTER. FOR MORE INFORMATION REGARDING OUR NEWLETTER, PLEASE CONTACT THE EDITOR, DOROTHY ACHILLES, AT MDACHILLES@FRONTIERNET.NET