As I am sitting here writing thank you notes, I am reflecting on today. The day I imagined would be the greatest day ever. The day I am finished with Graduate school, and school indefinitely for that matter. I am no longer a student and am entering the next phase of life, which so happens to be The World Race. This is what I wanted, right? Isn’t this what I believe God is calling me to do? Is it what Satan wants though? Of course not, and I am feeling it. For so long now I have been filled with joy at the thought of being able to spread God’s love into parts of the world I currently don’t have access to. So where has this joy gone and how do to get it back?
On this day I should be so grateful. Grateful for an education, for this upcoming opportunity, for amazing supporters whom I know as well as those I don’t. I should be full of excitement and anticipation for what’s to come. Instead . . I am feeling anxious, tired, defeated, restless etc. Why? I would care to say it is probably because my stubborn self thinks I can do it alone when in reality, God already has it covered.
Before you stop reading this due to thinking it is a pity party (which it isn’t), trust me and stick it out.
If you aren’t a believer, know that not one of us is perfect, which is evident in the statements above. We are human and all have our faults and bad days . . and alot of them. So why would such a loving God let such things happen? Well, because the truth is God gives us more than we can handle so a need for Him is evident in our lives. Sound messed up to you? There is a catch. I believe when we acknowledge this need He strengthens us so we may overcome the struggles that come along with this world. Everyone has trials and struggles, so why not work through them with someone that loves you, overlooks these struggles, wants to wipe them away and go before you to guide you through this life as we know it?
For my brothers and sisters in Christ on that same note . . Are we lowering the threshold of things we can handle by saying, “God won’t give you anything you can’t handle”? He wants to give us more than we can handle so He can be a part of our lives. Now I know I am not going through anything right now which is unbearable, but this spiritual battle for my soul has got me thinking. No matter the situation, I am still supposed to give it all to God and trust Him with my life. I am supposed to take up my cross daily in total surrender to Him and His plans. That means no anxious thoughts, but instead thanks and celebration. We are called to be lights in a dark world (Philippians 2:14-18), but how am I to do this if I am holding down a dark corner of my own? The truth is, that is what causes us to feel tired and defeated.
Back to getting our joy back now. Our inner attitudes do not have to reflect our outward circumstances. Instead, we have to look at these trials as a part of God’s plan. They can build character (James 1:2-4) and perseverance (Romans 5:3-5). God doesn’t promise us escape of suffering on this earth, but gives us power to grow through it. His strength is there, so let’s accept it and trust it is enough. Satan is real and like I stated above, he wants to prevent us from accomplishing God’s work in any way- no matter how serious or minuscule. We have to fight it with the armor of God (Ephesians 6:10-18). We have to find contentment in God alone and be influenced by Him solely. The truth is we have plenty of things to fear, but the only thing that has power to affect our lives is God. Ultimate joy comes from Christ dwelling in us, and that is one thing Satan can’t take away from us.
In taking myself through this, I am able to see the truths from God evident in my life as well as the lies Satan feeds me. When we allow Christ to influence our lives, we are allowing Him to pour through us and into the world. Let Him be your influence, not things of the enemy. Take your joy back.
celebrate. be content. rejoice.obey. be a light. surrender.trust.
