Expect more? Well this sounds interesting. I bet you might be thinking…please explain to me why I should expect more. More what exactly?
In my mind, I know how my life should play out, and I believe I know what should happen. I have a plan, I am prepared, and I want control over my outcome. I can see the way life should look clearly in my mind. How about you? Well, let’s talk through this together.
Where should we start? It’s best to start straight from the Source, the Word.
2 Corinthians 10:3-5
“For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.”
(Photo cred: Morgan Sarkissian on Unsplash)
Does anyone else’s mind play tricks on them? The mind is such a beautiful thing, but it can also get us into trouble. Just like our bodies are what we eat, our minds become a reflection of what we feed them. So what is your mind full of? Are you feeding it the good stuff or caving into cultural cravings?
God calls us into training so that our minds may be fully given over to Him. Transformation starts with the mind and this requires an intentional choice. So how do we train our minds?
Anytime I think of training I think of running. I have a love/hate relationship with running, but it’s my sanity.
Here are my Top Tips for Training:
- Commit to actually doing it
- Set a goal
- Map out a plan
- Just do it! And do it even when you don’t feel like it…especially when you don’t feel like it.
These same principles can be applied to a transformation of the mind.
- You start with a CHOICE. I am going to surrender my mind and my control to God.
- Goal? I want to completely surrender control by placing my full trust in God and allowing Him to work out His perfect plan for my life.
- How? This is your plan. What will you commit to doing every day to surrender to Him? For me, it has been getting up early and giving Him my first fruits of time. I spend time in scripture, prayer, and journaling which has deepened my relationship with Him. I get to experience with my heart what my head already knew.
- Commit to the follow through and do not allow life to get in the way. I’m learning that in order to live life fully I must seek Him FIRST…not just when I am in crisis or when it’s convenient.
(Photo cred: Unsplash)
We are running the good race. We can choose the course of the world and find ourselves running ourselves ragged in circles with no finish in sight. Or, we can run God’s course and run right into His arms.
Philippians 3:14
“I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.”
And remember…It’s not a sprint but an endurance race. However, make sure you are stretching yourself outside of your comfort zone. Take moments to just breathe in the air and take it all in.
Don’t forget to nourish yourself daily with the food of the Spirit. There will be times in the race where you are stuck on the side sucking in air just wondering when the next breath will come. You may have to stop running and walk…or even crawl for a bit. Other times you may be sprinting effortlessly.
(Photo cred: Kolleen Gladden on Unsplash)
The point is, never lose sight of the promised finish line where God will welcome us home. Set your mind on the eternal victory that He has promised His believers. Everyone’s race is different. Cheer each other on. Lift each other up. God is running this race right beside you, yearning for you to notice Him.
But do NOT allow the road bumps and obstacles of this life to overwhelm you.
Keep training, friend. God wants your mind focused on Him so that you can experience and EXPECT MORE…. hope and peace. I miss out on so much because I lose my focus and allow my expectations to define my experiences. I get distracted by how I think life should be. I get stuck in comparison of others and seeking worldly hope. Power, prestige, wealth, popularity…none of this will give me what my heart desires…only You, Lord, are my prize at the finish line.
Help me to expect more HOPE in You!
Ashley
“This is the day the Lord hath made, let us rejoice and be glad in it.”
~Psalm 118:24
Come To the Table Ministry 