In all that I was facing, I would talk to God but wasn’t sure exactly what He was telling me to do. There were times I truly thought He was telling me to move on, but I refused to believe He would actually say that. Now I know that voice was satan trying to make me believe the lie…and I almost took it…hook, line, and sinker!
We had done so many things wrong…I had done so many things wrong. God is a God of grace and forgiveness. He can make all this right…right??
This wasn’t the time for talking to friends about what I should do…this was a time for seeking Godly advice. I talked and prayed with my pastor about what was going on. I had been burned in the past when I went to a pastor with my problems, but I felt God pushing me to do this. His advice? Pray, read the Word, and nail the back door shut!!! Running away wasn’t the answer! Seeking God and His will was!
I grew up in church. I knew at a young age who Jesus was and what He did for us. I was saved and baptized. I had faith…but did I really?? Did I really know what that meant? What that required of me?
It was during the following days that I truly realized how hard it was to go against the grain…what the world tells you to do…and to step out in faith. I prayed and read my Bible more. I listened to Christian music. I got rid of the negativity around me, including toxic friendships that were bringing me down. I began to feel at peace, like a huge weight was being lifted. I knew what I had to do…forgive…forgive others…and most importantly forgive myself.
This July 4th I will watch the fireworks, spend time with family and friends, and think about those who have fought and sacrificed to protect our freedoms. But I will also be praising God for allowing me to start over a year ago and for the wonderful life with which He has blessed me! God gives us the freedom of choice. He has given us independence! We are allowed to mess up our lives as much as we see fit…but we are also allowed to choose Him! I have chosen Him!! He is the center…the most important. We must love Him first, then our spouse, then our children, then others. That is His design. When we do this, He puts all the other pieces together…His perfect puzzle! I could never have imagined all the blessings that I have now received in this past year as a result of being obedient to Him!
“Broken things become blessed things if you let God do the mending.” –Author unknown
This quote is so true, especially in my own life. It sort of reminds me of the song “Beautiful Things” by Gungor. If you haven’t heard it, look it up on YouTube, it’s awesome!
Do you ever feel like you have hit the bottom and have nowhere to turn? Seek the advice of your pastor. If you do not have a church home, I would love to share some information about mine with you!
Do you read your Bible regularly? There are answers to all of our problems within its pages. It’s like my awesome pastor says, “Wouldn’t most of our regrets never have happened if we were living by what God’s word says?” I have included my life verse (Jeremiah 29:11) as well as a couple of other favorite verses at the bottom of the page. Read His word and talk to Him. He has a plan for you, and the best way to hear Him is through scripture and prayer!
Does music speak to you deeply like it does me? I encourage you to listen to Christian music. There is so much power in listening to uplifting music! Radio stations like K-LOVE have awesome ministries. In addition to providing the music, they also have pastors with whom you can talk and pray anytime. You can also download the K-LOVE or Pandora app for your phone and listen to Christian music anytime. Both of these were…and still are…such a blessing to me. One of my favorite songs from last year is included above.
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” -Jeremiah 29:11
Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. –Proverbs 3:5-6
No weapon forged against you will prevail, and you will refute every tongue that accuses you. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, and this is their vindication from me,” declares the Lord. –Isaiah 54:17
Dream Big & Inspire Others 