Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.

~Joshua 1:9 ESV

Dear God,

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Remember the time when I was five years old, and I almost got hit by a car, but the car stopped in time, and all I received was a blow to my stomach? How about the time I was hit in the head by a baseball while playing Little League Baseball? You were there and You helped me to heal. Then there was the time Mom made a birthday cake, but the family dog ate it. That was so funny, but Mom did not think so. I felt You did though. You shared many of my fun adventures, and I imagine You laughed with me.

God, then there was the time I was driving my first car, and someone rear-ended me as I prepared to make a left turn.  I remember hearing a voice telling me to put on my brake. That kept my car from going into the traffic coming the other way. Yes, You were there that moment with me, and the inner voice I heard was from You.

How about that time I went swimming in the South China Sea even though I could not swim that well? You were there, and You calmed my fears and helped me to float. You have always protected me. Your words in Psalm 91 became my guide. Thank You for being there then and now.

God, my world fell apart when my parents passed away, Dad in 1993 and Mom in 2001. However, You were there for me in my time of grieving to comfort me. You also gave me comfort during my military service. I was homesick, but Your words strengthened me during those lonely nights.  In both instances, it was You who put my world back together.

God, You were there even when I was too young to remember.  I needed a blood transfusion when I was born because my blood was not right and could not support life. You gave me this first blood transfusion, and I lived.

But what’s more important than this physical blood transfusion is that You introduced me to Your Son, Jesus Christ. Thank You for the salvation that is found exclusively through Him. Thank You that Your Holy Spirit made His presence tangible to me.

Lord Jesus, You gave Your blood on the cross, and as it spilled onto the ground, You gave me a spiritual blood transfusion because mine was not able to provide me with the eternal life that is found only through You. You have been there in the good times and the sad times, and I thank You for making the ultimate sacrifice for me.

This is my commandment: Love each other in the same way I have loved you. There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. You are My friends if you do whatever I command.

~John 15:14 NKJV

Through life’s stormy nights of loneliness as well as those days of happiness, God, You have shown me that Your love is unconditional and that You will always be there for me as my Best Friend. Even though You are God, I have found no better friend than You.

Thank You, Father God, Lord Jesus, and Holy Spirit for the mercy and grace You have instilled in my life. You have always been faithful to me, and, for that, I can declare with surety that I am one blessed man.

Write a thank-you note to God, addressing Him as “Friend.” If you desire, write more.

Thank You, God, that You are there in all circumstances. I give You praise for being the strength of my life.

In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Genre: Non-fiction

Copyright 2019: A Letter to God: Ed Chappelle: All Rights Reserved 

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