As my life begins to move in new directions, I have entered a season of reflection and contemplation. It's an odd season for me because it involves not only looking forward, but looking back at the same time. Today, after months of searching and months of prayer, I had a breakthrough. I feel like the spiritual side of me is finally settled. I feel like while the enemy continues to attack, I am finally strong enough through God. I am leaving behind a season of worry. A season of sadness. A season of apathy. I am moving forward into what God has for me. I refuse to live a life other than what God has for me. I refuse to try and do anything on my own any longer.
That being said, I want to leave you with some of my reflections.
1. Stay away from the line.
There is a line between Christ and the devil and it is very thin. So often people try and see how close they can get to that line. Stay away from that line. It is very easy to walk straight over it. Getting close to it is a slippery slope. When you give God your everything you should be moving towards him. You should be living by example. Christianity is not about rules and regulations and it sure isn't about seeing how much you can get away with and still get to heaven. Christianity is about getting closer to God and falling more and more in love with him. Let me tell you: God is not camping out at that line. The closer you get to it, the further you are getting from Him.
2. Pick good friends.
Your friends can make or break you. In my life, I have had friends who have built me up and I have had friends who have torn me down. It is so easy to have a friend who is a Christian and justify your actions based on their standards. I have so often found myself thinking thoughts along the lines of, "If they are a Christian and they are doing that, I can do it too." And believe me, every time I have thought those thoughts and have given into them, they have lead me astray. Find friends who will encourage you to pursue God. Find friends who will hold you accountable. Find friends who will call you out when you are losing your way (Matthew 18:15). Find friends who will pray with you and for you.
3. Find out who you are in Christ.
Take some alone time to figure out your identity in Christ and what He has called you to do. Do not rely on what others think about you - In fact, don't even rely on what you think about yourself. You are your worst critic, but God knows the inner most parts of your soul. He sees the depths of who you are and He knows you better than you know yourself. Who better to help you discover you than your Creator?
4. Seek first the Kingdom of God.
Matthew 6:33 says, "Seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness and he will give you everything that you need." Stay focused on God and don't look to the right or the left. God has some amazing things in store for your life. Seek out His will earnestly in prayer. Read His word and meditate on it.
5. Follow His will for your life.
This goes hand in hand with seeking His kingdom first. Once you have been called, move forward in what He has for you. God's plan is always better than our own. The minute we look to the right or the left is the minute we stumble. If God knew you before you were created, doesn't He know what is best for you?
6. "The joy of the lord is my strength."
Happiness is a feeling; joy a gift. God gives us the gift of joy and we simply need to accept it. Choose to be joyful despite your circumstances.
7. Everything is a choice.
Christianity is a lifelong commitment, but can be broken down into increments. Day by day, even minute by minute. Wake up each morning and make the choice to follow God. If you mess up, make the choice to live better from there on out. Don't let your mistakes destroy you. You are not called to live a perfect life. You are called to do the best that you can.
8. Don't let anger, disappointment, or the fear of failure paralyze you.
You have a higher calling. We do not fight against flesh and blood (Ephesians 6:12). The bible calls us to love our neighbor. When you're upset or disappointed, take a step back and look at the bigger picture. So often I get mad at someone and it blinds me. But I am not fighting against that person, I am fighting against the powers of darkness. That being said, love through your anger. You serve a God who has power over the darkness and that God is love.
9. God is _________.
You could literally fill in the blank with whatever you need at any point in your life. You serve a God who loves you and cares about you more than any person can. Open your heart and let Him be who you need Him to be.
