Living Out the Change in your Life

In the past few years, I have written about the importance of change, and how we must embrace it.  Over a year ago, I made many changes in my life.  I changed churches after being committed to one for over three years.  I lost my friends due to this change.  My pastor’s moved after serving under them for several years.  I lost all my leadership roles at the church once I stepped out from being a member.  You see, church was my life.  Besides working, I stayed busy helping the pastors in various projects.  It became my identity.  What I did became who I was.

One Sunday God told me this is your last Sunday here at this church.  In that moment, I was overwhelmed with the change.  I did what I was told and attended church that day for the very last time.  I seemed lost for many months trying to fit in and find my place to serve in a new church.  Even when I was discouraged, I found myself not wanting to give up.  Once I found a church that God led me to, I still mourned over my previous church I attend.  I struggled with my emotions and my thoughts.

Eventually, as I continued to attend the new church on Sunday mornings and Wednesday nights, I began to feel like I belonged.  I took two months off from serving to find myself again.  Little by little I took steps into serving in the church as a greeter once-a-month.  In September 2017, I had the opportunity to serve beside another church to help those throughout our community.  In November 2017, I started to help with the youth group on Wednesdays.  I have participated in many Bible and book studies throughout the year.  I am now part of a church that I love and feel honored to serve in.  I have realized that church is not just about works, but it is all about having a relationship with God and being in fellowship with other Christians.  My identity is in Christ and not in what I do.

Change can bring many hardships, but, in the end, we are rewarded for not quitting.  Since this change, I have had to adjust to being in new leadership roles in the church, meeting new people, making new friends, working with a new boss, and financial changes.  My life looks completely different from a year ago, but I am thankful for the changes in my life.  It has helped me to grow personally as well as Spiritually.  I have realized I am a stronger person than I thought, and I can do anything with Christ by my side.

If you are struggling with changes in your life, always remember God is on your side every step of the way.  The journey might not always be easy, but the reward is always worth it.

 

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What if….We Were Transparent

“We struggle with authenticity, because we fear rejection. We want the world to see us at our best, because then people are more likely to accept and possibly even admire us.”

BUT, what if we were transparent and allowed people to see us for who we really are. Social media is the worst. Photo-shopped profile pictures. The perfect image of what you want your life to look like. The false image of your family life. What if someone liked you more, because you are genuine? Your flaws and struggles might be exactly what someone needs to see in you, because he/she may have similar issues.

You see, “fear is the enemy of transparency. We don’t like our flaws, and we don’t expect anybody else to. So we work hard at putting up the most impressive front we can.

What if our approach to the perfect life and/or image is the wrong way to live? What if being raw and real is what others want to see you? Are you willing to take the risk to find out?

(Quotes from the book “The End of Me” by Kyle Idleman)

The Bride of Christ

Today, I will be talking to the single women who are longing for their soul mate.

Imagine setting the date for your wedding.  You are in anticipation as you make arrangements and plan for the perfect day.  The cake and food has to be prepared, several dress fittings, guest lists, and all the other details required to make your wedding day special.  This is the moment you have been waiting for all your life.  It has finally come!

Now, imagine it looking a little different.  Instead of man standing there, God is standing as your groom.  In Isaiah 54:5 it states God is your husband: “for your Creator will be your husband; the Lord of Heaven’s Armies is his name!  He is your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel, the God of all the earth.”  Close your eyes and visualize you walking down the aisle with your hair down and full of curls, make up is perfect, and wearing a beautiful white gown.  Your emotions are everywhere, because you are walking into the unknown, but, at the same time, you are filled with excitement.  You can barely hold back the tears with every step you take towards your Heavenly Father.  It is a magical moment as you walk closer to God and take His hand in marriage.  You give Him your all, and you allow Him to have control of every aspect of your life.

Just like any marriage, there are things that will be asked of you.  God is asking you today if He has made you single the rest of your life and just be with Him, can you accept His offer?  Do you trust Him enough to be His bride?  Is He enough in your life to feel complete?  Can you give up your own desires to be with Him, and Him alone?  Do you feel worthy enough to be His bride?

Since I am currently single, God has been asking me the same tough questions.  Is He enough in my life that I will give Him my all?  My desires, my heart, my love, and my worship!  Will I accept His offer no matter what my future holds?  Am I ready to walk down the aisle and take God’s hand in matrimony with these terms?  I am praying God’s will be done in my life no matter the outcome.  I am praying that He will always be my husband, my first love!

I am reminded of a song by King and Country called, “Priceless.”  The chorus is powerful.  God is saying to you today:

I see you dressed in white
Every wrong made right
I see a rose in bloom
At the sight of you
Oh, so priceless
Irreplaceable
Unmistakable,
Incomparible
Darling, it’s beautiful
I see it all in you!

God sees you whole!  He sees you dressed in purity and righteousness!   He sees you as PRICELESS!  He sees you “more than all the money or the diamonds and pearls [because] this is who you are” (“Priceless” lyrics).

As you walk down the aisle to become the Bride of Christ, remind yourself you have worth in Him, not in man.  Being single is not a curse but a blessing.  You are never alone when God is in your life.  He sees you, and He says you are beautiful in His sight!