Quickly Fading~ Hogan Stevens

Our lives here on earth are as passing as a thought. We are here one moment and then gone the next, passing away like leaves in autumn. To God, the time we spend here below is just a blink in eternity. To Him, time has no limits.

 

"Generations come and generations go, but the earth remains forever...No one remembers the former generations, and even those yet to come will not be remembered by those who follow them." (Ecc. 1:4, 11 NIV)

 

There are so many people in this world we live in, so many lives stretched across the centuries...So many lives lost from day to day. With all of the chaos, all of the confusion, one can't help but sometimes wonder if there is anyone out there that really cares. Is there? Is there truly someone that cares for each individual, who knows each and every person on this earth by name and loves them?

 

Yes, there is. And His name is God. His name is Jesus. Abba, Jehovah, Elohim, Yahweh. In all of His splendor and grace, He cares. He listens.

 

I know it may sometimes seem like God does not have the time to listen to each and every one of His children here on earth. I mean, there are billions of people, so many that it is sort of hard to think that the Lord truly sees and cares for each and every person. Sometimes, you may find yourself thinking that you are too insignificant for God to care about you. "God is only concerned about important people...Why would He want me, when I'm just....me? I don't do anything special; I'm not strong enough, not smart enough..."

 

David was a shepherd boy.

 

Moses was a murderer.

 

Ruth was simply a widow.

 

Saul persecuted God's people.

 

Throughout the Bible, God has demonstrated His love for each and every person. It doesn't matter who you are, just as long as you love God and want to serve Him. David? He slew a giant that no one else dared approach, and later became a great king beloved by the Lord. Moses was chosen by God to lead the Jews out of captivity. That widow Ruth wasn't overlooked, either. Ever trusting in God, she found a new husband--and life. And Saul? Even though he continually persecuted Christians after Jesus' ascension, as soon as God called to him he turned from his terrible ways and became one of the best missionaries in recorded history!

Believe me, God has a plan for you. However short this life is, however insignificant you think you are...the Lord still loves you, and He wants you to lead a fruitful, faith-filled life. It may not be the easiest life. You will encounter storms along the way and you might even forget again that God is always right there beside you. It may be hard to see His hand in your life, but always remember this: You are a princess of the king! You are His, and He is yours! He is the Good Shepherd, the loving master, and He will never--never--leave you in this world alone to deal with life yourself.

 

Never.

 

 

"For I know the plans I have for you," says the Lord. "They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. (Jer. 29:11 NLT)

 

Just as a good father watches over his children most lovingly, God will never abandon you. To Him, you are worth it all.

 

For great is His love toward us, and the faithfulness of the LORD endures forever. Praise the LORD. (Psalm 117:2)

Did you know that Hogan once shattered her right wrist while roller skating?!
Did you know that Abby hopes to fly a small plane one day?!

Photographs property of Lilies Among Thorns Magazine. Photograph taken by Abby Whear.