So That

(Photo cred:  Ben White on Unsplash)

I recently briefly shared my struggle with anxiety but have yet to go into more detail about the journey. Inviting people into your life struggles can be overwhelming and intimidating. And yet, that is EXACTLY what God is calling us to do. That is what community and accountability are all about.

With this on my heart, I was at a point in my personal study of scripture where I had a choice about what’s next. I finished reading 1 Corinthians recently and reluctantly started 2 Corinthians. (Don’t ask me why I wasn’t excited to go there, but yet I felt like that’s where I needed to be.)

Yes, as always, God used His living, breathing Word, to further implant His Truth about my anxiety on my heart. Before I get to 2 Corinthians, though, I want to talk about Philippians where Paul tells us that he has learned to be content no matter what his situation. And let’s just say his situation was difficult to say the least. My breath prayer verse comes soon after, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” (Philippians 4:13) This verse I uttered countless times during a period of extreme difficulty in my life. At the time, I didn’t really feel it, but I said it anyways.

While my circumstances most definitely change, God does not. Ever. He is with me, with You, through EVERYTHING. How many days do you think, I cannot go any further?  And yet, God says His strength is enough. He’s calling us to tap into it because He knows we cannot do this on our own.

In 2 Corinthians chapter 1, I was reminded that God provides comfort in all my troubles, but He does not stop there. There is no period yet. He goes on to say I am comforted SO THAT I can then turn around and comfort others from this gift that I have received. I must allow others into my life, share my journey and my struggles with them, and be bold and brave.

Why?? (There’s that question again) SO THAT others can see God’s Hand upon my life. SO THAT I might not rely on myself or become prideful but rather understand God’s redemptive work in my life.

As Christians, you and I have been sealed by the Holy Spirit.  We don’t have to wonder or be afraid of how this all ends. Our hope is actually a guarantee of what’s to come, eternal life in heaven with Him. We can know this daily and daily I’m reminded that I NEED Him.

What gives me so much comfort, and honestly leaves me a bit overwhelmed, is that the Spirit that raised Christ from the dead is the same Spirit that now lives within me.

Romans 8:11

“And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies because of his Spirit who lives in you.”

(Photo cred:  Billy Pasco on Unsplash)

God is ready to meet you and I right where we are SO THAT we can be transformed in and through Him. He wants our focus to be on Him and not the things of this world. So is it?  How am I spending my resources?  Where does he fit into my life?

I needed to inventory my idols, and when I did, the following three idols came to mind much too easily:

Anxiety

Technology/Social Media

Busyness

God wants my first fruits. He doesn’t want my leftovers.

Lord, help me to invest ALL of me into our relationship SO THAT my life will show others Your glory and promise.

Amen

Ashley

~Psalm 118:24

“This is the day the Lord hath made, let us rejoice and be glad in it.”