Guys, I miss you!
Life can be tough, but I truly hold you in my heart. Today marks the first day of winter here in Australia. The cold season has arrived! Yes, I’m wearing my warm jacket and stepping past a leafless tree. The trees are dressed in yellow and brown, with fallen leaves resting at their roots, keeping them warm. My spirit rejoices in every new season. It’s like a love language, whispering to me: “Hey Dariush, I’ve changed. Have you?”
We are still wearing our clothes from the past season. We need a little shake-up. We need to shed the bitterness and ugliness within ourselves. The bare trees are a sign of change. They aren’t the same always, even in their comfort zone. If you’ve been hurt and that has made you withdraw from people, know that Jesus can change you. He is able to transform us.
My heart admires the old lady, Prophet Anna. After only seven years of marriage, she suddenly lost her husband, the only love she could have on earth. She carried on, trusted the Lord, prayed consistently, never left the temple, and devoted herself to worshiping God day and night, fasting and dedicating her entire life to Him until she was 84. When she saw baby Jesus, she gave thanks that she could see her Savior. She never gave up. God rewarded her with the sight of the Savior of humanity. That brings us to a question, dear friend: Can we have the steadfastness and righteousness of Anna, clinging to and devoting our hearts to Jesus? We have the Holy Spirit, a very present help today. Do we trust God as Anna did?
Healing comes, the grace of God comes, and deliverance is here. Whatever season of life you are in, He knows you. He knows you well, better than anyone else. He loves you so much that He was ready to give up His son Jesus for you, for me, and for us.
Look at the trees, the sky, the flowers. Aren’t they telling us that change is good? The guidance of the Spirit is here! Plenty of angels are ready to lead us home. Yes, you may have no clue what is going on, but your God is faithful. God was with the widow Anna, and God is with you.
If you feel you’ve done everything to change but nothing has happened, I just want to encourage you to release yourself into the arms of Jesus. No need to prove anything. Just let your heart, soul, and mind be His. All you need to do is keep smiling, keep loving, keep being you, and obey Jesus. You can’t do anything without Him. Do everything with Jesus. This is God’s change in you—one that lasts longer than any other change.
Your friend
Dariush Youkhaneh
You Are Awesome 