APRIL RODGERS

I recently visited my favorite coffee shop to grab a cup of coffee.  I remember feeling adventurous that particular day, so I decided that I would try something new off the menu.  When I reached the counter, I had made my decision and thus, confidently placed my order, not realizing that I had ordered off the frozen coffee menu.  The friendly barista looked sideways at me and asked, “Is this for you, Honey, or are you ordering for someone else?”  I was a little taken aback, but I replied, “It’s for me.”  To which she said, “Oh no, Sweetie.  That’s a frozen coffee, and you like your coffee hot.  How about I make you a Flat White.”  It was a statement, not a question.

Dumbfounded, I replied, “Okay. Let’s do that.”  Moments later, she carefully handed me the steaming mug of coffee sprinkled with raw sugar. I took a sip of the velvety coffee, looked up at her and said, “It’s just right.”  She nodded and moved on to the next customer, obviously pleased with her work.

I sat down at the table thinking how nice it felt to be known.  It reminded me of the psalm that King David wrote about how wonderful it is to be known by the Creator of the earth. He said in Psalm 139:1, “Lord, You have searched me and known me.”

The phrase “to be known” signifies how a friend or companion would know someone. Naturally, when I think of my closest companion on earth, my mind instantly goes to my husband, whom I have known for over twenty years now. At first, we were just classmates in a study group, but slowly we morphed into boyfriend and girlfriend and eventually into husband and wife. We didn’t know everything there was to know about each other right away, but rather, it took time for our relationship to develop. After all this time of spending day after day together, we now can often finish each other’s sentences. He knows exactly how to push my buttons, but he also knows the little things that make me happy. He knows my hopes and dreams, as well as my greatest fears.  I am known by him because I willingly spend time with him and we share life together. 

The Lord wants the same intimacy to exist in my relationship with Him. He wants me to share my life with Him! Because He intricately formed me in my mother’s womb, He already knows what makes me feel happy or sad, excited or scared, loved or rejected. Yet He still desires that I bring my victories, as well as my fears or failures, to Him. 

However, sometimes, I have trouble believing this about God. Why would He want to have a relationship with me? What do I have to offer in the way of friendship? It’s one thing to have a friendly barista know my coffee drink order or my husband to know my daily routine, but it’s an entirely different feeling to have the Almighty know when I sit or stand or even my innermost thoughts…especially if my thoughts and actions are cringeworthy. This is why it’s so important that I read and believe God’s Word as truth. Psalm 139:11-12 reminds me, “If I say, ‘Surely the darkness will hide me, and the light around me will be night’ – even the darkness is not dark to You. The night shines like the day; darkness and light are alike to You.” 

This tells me that even my darkest thought or moment is not hidden from the Lord. In fact, as a faithful companion does, He brings His marvelous light into my darkness and assures me that He still wants to be my friend. I can think of nothing sweeter than that truth. 

He wants to be your friend, too! No matter what you’ve done or haven’t done, no matter if your ministry is thriving or just starting out, no matter if you have a long history with Him or a short one, He wants you just as you are. Bring Him your hopes and dreams, and release all your hurts and failures. Talk to Him like you would your closest confidant. He knows it all anyway, but He also knows that life is richer when you spend time with Him. 

So, share your life each and every day with the One who created you. Enjoy the process of watching your relationship grow over time, and when you stumble, allow Him to bring light into your darkness. You are fully known by your Savior and He calls you His friend. 

April Rodgers is the published author of Made to Shine: 90 Devotions to Enjoy and Reflect God’s Light, as well as the Director of Women’s Ministry at Christ Church in West Monroe, Louisiana. After losing her brother in a tragic car accident, April held on to Jesus and allowed Him to turn her darkness into light. Now, she lives to encourage others to reflect the Light of Christ in their everyday lives by speaking at conferences and shining God’s light on her YouTube channel titled “The Reflecting Light Show.” April is a seminary graduate with her Masters of Theological Studies, mom to two sweet daughters, and wife to an amazing man. Her favorite things consist of coffee, community small groups, and Sunday afternoon naps.

Have you lost your shine? 

Are you living day-to-day, going about your routine, checking off your list, yet feeling tired, dull, and ordinary? 

Made to Shine will restore the light of purpose to your life, energizing you with passion and hope. Through the art of storytelling, April Rodgers brings you reminders of how much God truly loves you, how much He delights in you, and how eager He is to refresh you with His light so you can radiate His love to those around you. 

Order your copy of Made to Shine at www.aprilrodgers.com today!