I was talking with a friend of mine the other day; and aside from sharing about what the Lord was doing in our lives, we also talked about; how we as a people, especially women, run from the things that could help us in life. How many times have you been invited somewhere or to an event, and it was something positive and uplifting, and it could change your situation or life, and you didn't accept the invitation? Not because you had other arrangements, or you had to work or something came up with family; I mean you just didn't go. Did you ever think about why you didn't go? I have done that. I have been invited out to something and either didn't respond at all to the invitation or just didn't go.
I can remember countless times when I would spend hours on end, talking with one of my closest friends about a problem that I had, or a bad situation that had taken place in my life. I would talk about that problem forever (or until it was resolved). I put so much time and energy into just talking. When people would say, "hey, you should try this or go here." I would be like "yeeeeah" but never having the intentions on following through. Now, I understand that, you can't try everything and take the word of everyone, especially if you don't see any fruit (positive results) in their life. But, what about the credibility of an individual who has been transparent, and you have seen fruit in their lives? Shouldn't we be even more encourage on the fact that, if it can be done for them, it can be done for me?
I have pondered on this for years. Because it has become part of our human nature. We seem to reject what is good for us. I realize a big part of that; is being hopeful and having the faith to see it through; and that takes a lot. Especially, if you have had a journey of failures and disappointment throughout life, like I have had. It's hard to hope for the better and stand in faith. Sometimes you can't even find the energy to change your thinking and become motivated. There are some situations that take place in our lives and they shut us down emotionally and mentally. Depression starts to take over and we now allow it to be our lifestyle. For me, I had just convinced myself that; I was not a part of the chosen group who would live a good life, the lottery pick didn't go in my favor. There were times that I didn't even feel worthy of having something better, because, I was so condemned by the choices and decisions that led to my situation. I mean, if I chose to blow my paycheck (knowing I had bills to pay and was living check to check), how could I expect anyone to help me, or feel like I deserved the help.
I get how all of those feelings and emotions can seem relevant at the time. But, if we never hope and try for better, we can never have better. When I look at what was stopping me, I can only chalk it up to one thing ... FEAR! But you know what's interesting; I wasn't fearful of trying it, I was scared about the fact that it may actually work!!! What if it worked, what if I could actually do something to change my life? Then I began to fear the fact of it working and not knowing how to function in that. What if my thoughts and habits didn't change? Because I knew that was also an important part. If I didn't know how to maintain the change, it was all going to fail.
You see, it's not for us to put our trust in people, and, sometimes, we think we have to. And I think that is what makes up stumble on the road to better beginnings. We are to put our trust in the one who can and does have that power to change all things ... the LORD! I needed to trust that the Lord would use that situation, person, or event to help me. But, I couldn't trust someone that I didn't know, so I first, needed to know the Lord. Knowing HIM has helped me to recognize those things and people that are good and will benefit my life.
I have to wonder, what would have happened if my cousin never told me about a new church that came to the area; would I be living for Christ today? What if I would have never accepted my husband's invitation to dinner when he first called; would I still be dealing with baby-daddy drama? What if I would have never starting attending the ministry that we are dedicated members of; would my family still be together today? What if, I would have never gone to the altar and TRUSTED the Lord to deliver and heal me; would I still be bitter? Today, I don't even like to think about ... WHAT IF!
I encourage you; accept the invitation that has been extended to you and take the offer of ... BETTER!
Remember, surrender all...
Tynisha
I can remember countless times when I would spend hours on end, talking with one of my closest friends about a problem that I had, or a bad situation that had taken place in my life. I would talk about that problem forever (or until it was resolved). I put so much time and energy into just talking. When people would say, "hey, you should try this or go here." I would be like "yeeeeah" but never having the intentions on following through. Now, I understand that, you can't try everything and take the word of everyone, especially if you don't see any fruit (positive results) in their life. But, what about the credibility of an individual who has been transparent, and you have seen fruit in their lives? Shouldn't we be even more encourage on the fact that, if it can be done for them, it can be done for me?
I have pondered on this for years. Because it has become part of our human nature. We seem to reject what is good for us. I realize a big part of that; is being hopeful and having the faith to see it through; and that takes a lot. Especially, if you have had a journey of failures and disappointment throughout life, like I have had. It's hard to hope for the better and stand in faith. Sometimes you can't even find the energy to change your thinking and become motivated. There are some situations that take place in our lives and they shut us down emotionally and mentally. Depression starts to take over and we now allow it to be our lifestyle. For me, I had just convinced myself that; I was not a part of the chosen group who would live a good life, the lottery pick didn't go in my favor. There were times that I didn't even feel worthy of having something better, because, I was so condemned by the choices and decisions that led to my situation. I mean, if I chose to blow my paycheck (knowing I had bills to pay and was living check to check), how could I expect anyone to help me, or feel like I deserved the help.
I get how all of those feelings and emotions can seem relevant at the time. But, if we never hope and try for better, we can never have better. When I look at what was stopping me, I can only chalk it up to one thing ... FEAR! But you know what's interesting; I wasn't fearful of trying it, I was scared about the fact that it may actually work!!! What if it worked, what if I could actually do something to change my life? Then I began to fear the fact of it working and not knowing how to function in that. What if my thoughts and habits didn't change? Because I knew that was also an important part. If I didn't know how to maintain the change, it was all going to fail.
You see, it's not for us to put our trust in people, and, sometimes, we think we have to. And I think that is what makes up stumble on the road to better beginnings. We are to put our trust in the one who can and does have that power to change all things ... the LORD! I needed to trust that the Lord would use that situation, person, or event to help me. But, I couldn't trust someone that I didn't know, so I first, needed to know the Lord. Knowing HIM has helped me to recognize those things and people that are good and will benefit my life.
I have to wonder, what would have happened if my cousin never told me about a new church that came to the area; would I be living for Christ today? What if I would have never accepted my husband's invitation to dinner when he first called; would I still be dealing with baby-daddy drama? What if I would have never starting attending the ministry that we are dedicated members of; would my family still be together today? What if, I would have never gone to the altar and TRUSTED the Lord to deliver and heal me; would I still be bitter? Today, I don't even like to think about ... WHAT IF!
I encourage you; accept the invitation that has been extended to you and take the offer of ... BETTER!
Remember, surrender all...
Tynisha
YESSSS! I'm shouting at work. Yes, this is sooo good.
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