For team time we did a series of “I used to think” about ourselves, Jesus, people and just life in general. This was a tool to reflect on our growth and changes during the past year or so. Here are some the things I used to think, and what I think now. Some of them are simple and to the point, while others are a little deeper and more personal. If you want to know the story behind how I came to these conclusions, please feel free to reach out.
I used to think Jesus was 10 million miles away – Now I think that Jesus walks with me through every single day and he never leaves my side
I used to think Jesus was probably not even real – Now I think he is everything he claims to be, the absolute and only truth
I used to think Jesus was the thing that gave me a set of rules, basically a fun-sucker – Now I think that Jesus always has my best interest in mind and only wants to protect me from things that will leave me empty and sad
I used to think Jesus was the dude that lived in church buildings on Sunday mornings – Now I think that Jesus lives in his people everyday and that church is not defined by walls
I used to think Jesus didn’t really care about my happiness or desires, he only cared about his plans and wants – Now I think that Jesus finds joy in giving me the desires of my heart, and it’s a special place when the desires of our hearts line up
I used to think the Bible was something you could check off your list after you read it for 10 minutes – Now I think that scripture is truly God breathed and alive and moving if you give it the space in your life
I used to think I was difficult and unlovable – Now I think that I am so freaking loved and special in the eyes of my creator
I used to think I was bad – Now I think I am not my mistakes or my past
I used to think I had a million things to fix before I could come before the Lord – Now I think I can come to the foot of the cross in all my mess and my brokenness and the Lord looks at me with so much love
I used to think my thoughts and ideas were less valid because I was the youngest sister – Now I think I am intelligent and worth listening to regardless of my age
I used to think I was evil and manipulative – Now I think I am a human with flaws that need the grace of Jesus everyday
I used to think people only cared about themselves – Now I think that people are selfless and loving
I used to think people should strive to do “minimal damage” to others throughout their life – Now I think that God gave us people to live in community with and help push us closer to him
I used to think people were perverted and rude – Now I think that people are broken and in desperate need of a Savoir
I used to think that being 115 pounds was the most important goal in my life – Now I think that weight is a number and I am so much more than my pant size
I used to think that blonde hair would make me happy and pretty – Now I think that hair is just hair, regardless of the color or length
I used to think mission trips saved me – Now I think Jesus saves me
I used to think my family and life was the best – Now I know my family and life is the absolute best I could ever ask for
Thank you so much for reading!
We are halfway through 2017, maybe you take some time and consider what you’ve learned so far this year. Where and how has the Lord changed your heart and mind?
Thanks so much,
Linds
