"For the enemy has pursued my soul; he has crushed my life to the ground; he has made me sit in darkness like those long dead. Therefore my spirit faints within me; my heart within me is appalled." Psalm 143:3-4

　　A few years ago, I wrote a letter to 18-year-old me and I felt in my heart to share part of it with you. Why? Because my life before Christ was one weighed down by sin and shame. It came from the deception spewed by the enemy. Then, by God’s great pursuit of my heart, my life was eclipsed by His grace and mercy. My prayer is that you'll maybe see a snippet of your story within this letter I wrote, or if you're in the trenches praying for someone you love to come to know Jesus, I hope this encourages you to keep praying for their hearts and loving them like Jesus.

　　“Chelsey, once you give your life to Christ there are going to be many obstacles the enemy tries to attack you with. You're going to once again make choices you wish you hadn't. But, God's going to use this, He will use every single part of your story. You're going to experience grace and mercy. You’re going to understand the magnitude of the cross, and it will change your life forever. Ephesians 3:20 will be a scripture that marks your life because God will do more than you could ever have imagined.

　　In the coming months, The Lord’s going to ask you to obey Him, in big things and in small things. He’s going to ask you to follow Him, to places that will bring you peace but also take you out of your comfort zone. And guess what, you do - you walk where He calls you. As you begin walking obediently to where Christ calls you to, and as you walk away from the things that were leading you astray, you see His faithfulness and you see why He wants you to love what He desires.

　　You now see and fully believe that you are loved by your Creator and you believe that He wants to use you in mighty ways. You're going to learn what it means to serve where God has you and to trust in His timing, and His timing is a beautiful thing - I promise, even on the days it's hard to understand. God is going to use your pain and give it a great purpose because He is good. He will continue to heal your heart. Move mountains that you thought you'd always struggle with. You will see that He uses all things for His glory. Rest in this...He sits enthroned forever. (Ps. 9:7)”

　　Psalm 143 has always been a favorite portion of scripture for me; I find myself sitting with it a few times a year, and I am reminded all over again of God’s great grace over my life. Psalm 143:1-6 says, "Hear my prayer, O LORD; give ear to my pleas for mercy! In your faithfulness answer me, in your righteousness! Enter not into judgment with your servant, for no one living is righteous before you. For the enemy has pursued my soul; he has crushed my life to the ground; he has made me sit in darkness like those long dead. Therefore my spirit faints within me; my heart within me is appalled. I remember the days of old; I meditate on all that you have done; I ponder the work of your hands. I stretch out my hands to you; my soul thirsts for you like a parched land."

　　It leaves me reminded of why Jesus had to come to take my place. I was once sitting in the darkness and I wasn’t seeking God’s light. I didn’t desire to know the truth or live it. Even still, He chose to pursue me. God sent Jesus to the cross for me, and for you, too. Though my story may not be just like yours, one thing we both know is the same is our deep need for our Savior. We can look back and see the work of His faithful hands. Paving the way for us, pursuing us, and redeeming us. What an honor it is to know that we serve the One who is enthroned forever and calls us His. Hallelujah!

　　Pray with me:

　　Father, what a miracle it is to be loved by you. I have fallen short many times, and you still choose to love me. I pray that my life is one marked by your grace and mercy. Help me, Lord, where there is unbelief in my heart. Remove it, and build up my confidence in you. Jesus, help me be available to those who desire to know you more deeply, and I pray the Holy Spirit will lead me in conversations that draw them closer to you. In Jesus' name, amen.