Life be life'n and sometimes, somethings are out of control and that's okay. However, there are somethings that are not. Some pains are self-inflicted, which is not okay. A learning curve, nonetheless but you're not able to truly grow or evolve, until you acknowledge why you're here.
It doesn't stop at acknowledging though. It's holding yourself accountable enough to do better and be disciplined, which isn't always easy. We usually keep going through the same cycles until we learn from it.
I've went through somethings I thought, at the time, were going to kill me. Things that hurt me to my core. Things that broke me. Things that I didn't understand and some I still don't. But what I can say, is, in those moments, I truly got to learn and see who God was for myself.
You can not say that God is a healer, a provider, keeper..a redeemer, etc [which he is] , if you have not allowed him to be that for you. How can you know his ways and his character, if you've never had to get out of doing things in your own will and way and let him be God?
In the toughest, ugliest, most broken moments.. you feel defeated, unworthy, cast down, forgotten, like your world is ending.. but in those exact moments, you get to see God's actions align to his word. [which is beautiful, because God is NOT a liar]
Though I felt broken in those tough places, there was a bright side to where I was planted. I got refined. God was able to reveal to me what was broken, what needed healing, what empty places needed to be filled with his love. I got uncomfortable, which caused me to grow. I developed more fruit.
It was a good thing that I was afflicted. Psalm 119:71
Affliction can redirect.
Affliction can purify.
Affliction delivers us.
The difference between self inflicted pain and when God afflicts you, is that when God does a thing, you come out better than you could've ever imagined.
I challenge you today..to surrender.
Surrender it all.
Your will, your way, your pain, your hurt, your problems, your finances, your children, love life, marriage, relationships, all of it and truly give it to God.
Jesus tell us, 'Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.”' Matthew 11:28-30
No, it's not easy to stop trying to do things your way, when that's all you've ever done but it can be done. Most importantly, as I grow.. I'm learning that when you truly love God, and want to live a life pleasing to Christ, obedience becomes easier for you.
Waiting seasons aren't easy, if I'm being honest. I cried, prayed, asked God questions [and I still do]. The most important questions that I encourage you to ask and/or think about are -
What should I should be learning during this time, or waiting period? What is God trying to show me? What if this helps me become the person I desire to become? I challenge you to change your mindset today. Allow God to clean your heart and renew your mind - and watch what happens.
The Game Changer -
Yes, you may be going through things, but guess what? That isn't the end. JESUS ALREADY WON. So fight, wait, and endure from a place of VICTORY because you will make it through.
Affirmation:
I will get through this. Everything will work out for me, despite what things looks like.
Scripture:
'And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. ' Romans 8:28
Be encouraged, be patient and kind to yourself and know that God has it all under control.
With Love, Nesh