I promised
God that I would give Him my best this year. I woke up this morning feeling
weary, I didn't feel like running; I didn't feel like eating right. I didn't feel motivated to do the very things that I promised to do. Then I heard “Michelle,
remember why you started”. I soon realized that I was letting my emotions
control me. I had to make a choice between doing what is convenient to me or doing
what is right. I had to remind myself that it’s not about what I feel but
rather who I am.
If I claim to be the precious daughter of the Most
High God, I ought to behave like one of His. This means killing my flesh and
living from His spirit daily. Sometimes, I find it difficult to stay on track. Many
times I felt like giving up. I have to be honest; the Christian life is not
easy. I think becoming a Christian is easy but it’s very challenging to remain
one. You would tell me: But God doesn't expect me to be perfect. Yes! You’re
right! God doesn't expect me to be perfect but He expects me to do my best because He has given me everything that I need.
I have Jesus, I have Jesus!! Yet, I feel weary… But
why? Because I LOST FOCUS. Whenever I focus
on me, I am discontent, weary, jealous, selfish, unproductive…you name it. But
when I shift my focus back onto Jesus, I find joy in whatever circumstance. He
is the author and the finisher of my faith. He has begun a good work in me and
He wants to finish it. I need to corporate
with him in order for him to do what he wants to do in and through me. God
would never force His son on me. He gave me the option to choose between life
and death. It’s either I dwell in my misery or I live victoriously from Jesus’
point of view.
I can’t control
what life drops in but I can control my emotions. I can either let my emotions be
the cause of my unfaithfulness to God or I can own my emotions and remain
faithful to God.
I thank God for His amazing grace. I thank God
for giving me the power of choice and I decide to guard my heart from the
issues of life. It’s not about striving for perfection but being comfortable in
the person God made me to be. I am grateful that God is teaching me how to own my
soul, just like David.
“Why,
my soul, are you downcast?
Why so disturbed within me?
Put your hope in God,
For I will yet praise him,
My savior and my God” (Psalm 42:11)
David knew what it
was to feel depressed, despondent and dejected but he decided to own his soul.
David frankly admitted that he was downcast but he decided to share his
experience with God. By pouring his heart to God, he not only put his whole
trust in God but he affirmed his faith. This is what God wants me to do.
Whenever I feel despondent or dejected I must declare my faith in Him and
express it. Once I express it, I need to be still and know He would do what
only He can do. Faith has
to be exercised. Faith is not just a mental conception, but it is reaching out
and trusting God to do what He waits, wants and promises to do for us
If you are reading
this, I want to encourage you to keep your focus on Jesus. I guarantee you that
you will be led towards all that’s good for your lives. If you have going through
a rough day, I pray that God helps you to live in the reality of His truth.
Let’s make a whole
hearted commitment to follow Jesus this year!! And remember, to follow someone
successfully, you need to keep your eyes on where their heading!!
