About this time of the year, people are trying to get that summer body and be as tan as possible. But does anyone stop and think about God?
For one, I look up to Joyce Meyer, a best selling author and Christian speaker. I will admit, it is extremely difficult for me to concentrate on my beliefs while I am busy with schoolwork, or at my job. One thing that I have continued to struggle with is believing God is doing wonderful work in my life. As Joyce stated in one speech, "just wishing for things or situations in life to get better or to be different does not bring change or results." This really hit home for me because these past months have not been entirely easy.
I say this because even though my mom is in remission, she still continues to have obstacles that drag her down. Although some may say, "Well it is nothing for you to worry about. God has it in control.", it is still hard to believe it myself.
Anyways, to really make any difference, we have to learn how to set aside any distractions in our lives. The enemy gives us these thoughts about why something cannot work. It is also difficult to agree with God when he does something good in our life, but we must trust him to see this goodness truly happen. We can all agree that we have been frustrated, hurt, suffered through pain, loss, stress, and even adversity, right? We have even had moments where we have felt everything is just going against us. Just remember this:
"God didn't create you to be a doormat that gets stomped on and walked over every day. He didn't create you to be a weather vane that gets turned around and faces a new direction every time the wind blows.
One of my mom and I's favorite things to do is watch the meteor shower or look for the International Space Station. I used to see a shooting star and think If I wish . . . . . . It's gonna change my life. Well, I was wrong. Wishes cannot change your life; only your determination combined with God's will does. (Maybe those wishes truly do help though.)
For about three years, life has pressed against me, pushed me down, stolen my happiness, and kept me from being God's image. This past week, I have had enough time to really reflect on everything that has and is still happening in my life. I came to a quick realization that God is telling me to press back at all my troubles.
So, to whoever may be reading this, is there anything causing you pain?
Stress?
Debt?
Relationship that needs healing?
Change your lifestyle?
Take better care of yourself?
Stop worrying about what others think?
I can definitely answer "Yes" to all of those. Yet, when I doubt myself, I never "have" the time to turn to scripture. I always find an excuse to not open my phone and look at my bible, or even pull my bible out of my desk.
Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me. -Philippians 3:12
Just as a quick explanation, in Philippians, Paul, a missionary, was strong and determined ,and he was not going to let anyone get in his way of his faith.
Moreover, Joyce Meyer made a good point in one of her recent lectures: "One of the primary things that encourages me to press forward is the promise of God's reward. And what glorious promises God has made."
God has a battle plan. Unlike physical weapons, God uses spiritual weapons:
1. Peace
2. Righteousness
3. Salvation
In 2 Chronicles 20, we learn that our first reaction to a problem is always fear, because we try to avoid these problems. Our next reaction is to let the problems control us and it ultimately ruins our lives because we forget to enjoy life.
A few weeks ago, Joyce Meyer gave a sermon that I did not think would matter. Long story short, she talked about changing people. She stated that if we have someone in our life, right this minute, that we do not think we can put up with if they do not change, we need to reevaluate our thinking; if God put us with them, he can give us the grace to be there and be happy if they never change.
Quick example, people end relationships because they do not think they are compatible, but who is? One person can give a straight forward answer while the other bounces around the subject.
Overall, we do not need to worry about changing others, we need to worry about changing ourselves.
So, whatever your struggles are, just believe that God is working everything out for the good.