Sustained

June 27, 2002

Aloha from Molokai-

Last night, as I was sitting at evening program of the Molokai Christian Youth Retreat, we started singing the song “Sustained” by Darin McWatters and Josh Blanken. If you have not heard it before, here are the words-

I’m satisfied by your love so completely; How could I thirst for the praises of man; There’s nothing I need that You haven’t provided. No one can offer me peace like you can. Jesus your love is enough, sufficient for me, All I have needed You’ve given for free. Your love is enough, don’t need men’s applause, I know what I’m worth, I remember the cross (Chorus) I’m sustained, oh Lord, When your light surrounds me the world goes away. I’m sustained oh Lord. My heart knows your love like it flows through my veins. Such peace and contentment I’ve found in Your grace. I can’t think why I’ve ever complained. You love me what more could I want, I’m sustained.

As I heard those words last night and as I wrote them out again this morning I realized how true those words are about my own life and how God has grown me so much this past year. I know I couldn’t have said “I’m sustained” and meant it a year ago but God has shown me through everything I have done and been through this year that He is all I need. I used to do things (and probably sometimes still do) for the praises of man and when I didn’t get those praises I was hurt. God has shown me this year that He has given to each one of us talents that need to be done for His honor and glory- only. This is one of those skills that takes a long time to learn and God is still working on me but I know that His love is unfailing and that is what sustains me.

God has given to me so much, I feel so unworthy. There are times when being so far from family and friends, it gets lonely out here. I have been struggling this week with that. Last night when we were singing this song, I just thought back on my week and realized that in my loneliness God was still there. He provided conversations with far away friends and friends here on island. Only by His grace can this peace that passes all understanding be found. 

I was convicted last night by a verse in Isaiah 7 (verse 9)- “If you do not stand firm in your faith, you will not stand at all”. I want to offer to you this peace and unconditional love that can only be found in Christ Jesus. All you have to do is admit that you are a sinner, ask for forgiveness, believe Jesus Christ died on the cross for the payment of your sins and invite Him into your life. It is a free gift for the taking – no trying to do good works and no begging to get you into heaven- just a wonderful love from a big God. God even gave you the choice to accept Him and spend eternity with Him in Heaven or reject Him and be eternally condemned to Hell. 

I love each of you and want to be able to see you in heaven on that glad reunion day. Please feel free to email me any questions, comments, or prayer requests. Know that you are in my prayers.

Much love and God’s Blessings

Angela Calhoun