In all of the Godly wisdom, directions, counsel and help set forth in the Bible, I believe His promises were left for us because every one of us has the will, ability and authority to choose its manifestation in our lives. Not one sentence of His Word is haphazard or unintended; in fact 2 Timothy 3:16-17 tells us that "All scripture is God-breathed and useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work." Obedience is a prerequisite to fulfilling our purpose in serving God and others, and performing good works as He equips us to.
So many of us flail and fail through life trying to make our own way; trying to lean on our own understanding of people, career, success, relationships and opportunities while we outwardly claim devotion and faith in God. Yet we make no time for meditating on or sharing His word. We lack fervency in prayer and worship, despite the Word's countless directions to do so ceaselessly. We incessantly refuse to repent of - which in Biblical context means to 'turn away from' - sins which guarantee our certain separation from God. Like rebellious, ungrateful teenagers, we say we love our parent(s), but we ignore their caution and authority as we decide we know best and choose a more appealing path; God calls that path the way of death in Proverbs 14:12 and even says it is the way that seems right.
Genuine love, devotion and faith require tangible work. Without works, God says our faith is dead. Without authentic agape, our words are useless noise. (1 Corinthians 13:1) He equipped us with a roadmap and gifted us free will to reject or accept it. It is nothing short of grievous when we neglect our Father's wise counsel, warnings, pleadings, assurances of victory, heavenly joy and perfect peace. If only we would deny ourselves and take up our own cross, we can truly follow Him and have life. Jesus said it is the only way to follow Him. (Matt. 16:24-25, Luke 14:27) Still, how many of us choose the passing pleasures and temporary gratifications offered by this worldly home - a life that is ignited for just a moment before it's gone like a vapor - instead of choosing eternal life? That choice is very telling, as it speaks to our faith and what we truly believe in.I was allowed to be weakened, succumbing to brokenness just before His power was revealed in all of its perfection. (2 Corinthians 12:9) When I made choices which separated me from God, I felt so close to death it was hard to take my eyes off of it for fear of its advance. The worst times of my life will never be forgotten, because they are like a pinpoint on a map and the exact coordinate where my path was corrected.
The former woman I identified with has been made new, and every day He continues to transform my mind. I remain ever grateful as I steadily sacrifice and acknowledge the truth that people and things will always fail to bring lasting happiness. I was misplaced in places which masqueraded as escapes, the pastimes I knew as simple pleasures, innocent indulgences, and viral vices. Now they are in their proper place so that I can make a straight path; and I watch in awe as the healing unfolds with each passing day. I admitted that I would need help and accepted that I was having a hard time envisioning life without its common and familiar comforts. So, I prayed he would fulfill me in all things new, that he would reveal true purpose and introduce me to people who glorified Him. Now, I've never felt more free, more like the me He intended me to be. A slave to no one and nothing and while the struggle is a fact, I can lean back, because my Father is right here with me.
Inspiration: Hebrews 12:13
