We have three choices for where to turn our focus and our attention – out, in, or up. Our focus is limited to one thing, one direction, at a time, and depending on where our attention is, that is where our actions go as well. We can look out to the lives of others,
look in to our own desires, or we can look up to Jesus. The One who is steady, the same yesterday, today, and forever.
As we step into 2024, let’s dive deep into identity. We are exploring the challenging question, “Who am I?” and the journey of becoming the person God created us to be. We will discuss the pitfalls of defining yourself by titles, and how focusing on who you are becoming, rather than looking to the past, is the best way to answer the question, “Who am I?” Let’s make 2024 a year of becoming better together!
Sometimes God’s plans for us take us by surprise and challenge our carefully laid out plans. In moments of uncertainty, it can be tempting to negotiate or question what God is leading us to do. But faith requires obedience, even when the outcome seems uncertain. Trusting in God’s provision and guidance, even when it defies logic, opens the door to the miraculous and allows us to play a part in something greater than ourselves. So, take that leap of faith, even if it seems impossible. God often uses improbabilities to make impossibilities realities.
You spend all day chasing your responsibilities around, debating if today is a shower day or if you’ll take the extra half hour of sleep, instead. Deciding which invitations you can accept while still taking care of the obligations you have to fulfill. Wishing you could just stop for a moment to rest. We all know this is not a sustainable way to live. The problem is, when we are so busy just trying to survive, we have no energy or time left to actually dig ourselves out of the mess we are in. The good news is, you can. Really, you must. If you don’t start running your life, your life will keep running you.
Maybe my plan would turn out good. It probably would, actually. But if my plan makes me miss out on God’s plan for me, what an absolute tragedy. I want to live the life God has planned because I know it will be more impactful, thrilling, and fulfilling than anything I can do on my own.
There have been so many times in my life when I’ve felt discontent, disappointed, and behind. I have aspirations and desires for so much more than what I’m living today. But God is so clear about how we should live our lives so that we can fulfill the immaculate, world-changing purpose he has planned for us.