“I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.” (Romans 8:18).
As a writer, I spend a lot of time in my head. Sometimes that is not a good thing because my mind is often the ring of a prize fight. Though many of my thoughts are good and revolve around the Lord and what of Him I wish to write, other negative thoughts come in with a jab punch straight to my faith jugular (which would be illegal in the UFC) totally taking me out of the match. When this happens, I allow the stinkin’ thinkin’ to reign. It’s a domino effect. One thought leads to another until I’ve talked myself out of any hopes for a writing career. Any hopes of being published. Any hopes of ministry for the Kingdom beyond my living room.
Now I know many of you reading this are also familiar with such a boxing match in your heads. Our adversaries may desire to take us out for different purposes, but they all wear the same title: Joy Stealer, Faith Killer, and Hope Destroyer. If the enemy of our souls can keep us from fulfilling what we have been given to do, he has won that battle. I don’t want to let him win especially when the Victor lives in me!
So, when I start feeling overwhelmed by the nasty voices threatening my confidence, I silence them by taking it to the Lord. When I take it to Him, He puts it all in perspective. His is much better than mine. God’s perspective:
1. It’s not about me. (Hallelujah!)
2. It’s about obeying and believing. “Trust and obey/ for there is no other way/ to be happy in Jesus/ but to trust and obey.” (Do you know that hymn?)
3. The results are up to God.
4. He loves me.
5. He wants to guide me. I must listen to Him. His Holy Spirit will lead.
I didn’t feel the earth quake under my feet as I wrote those five perspectives. But hopefully, these thoughts will help us the next time we feel ambushed by those annoying voices in our heads that threaten our purpose and desires.
If you could do anything for the kingdom of God, what would it be? I would love to hear what God has placed in your heart and partner with you by prayer and encouragement to help battle the negatives. Remember, keep His perspective. God’s perspective is not mans. What may seem like small beans to us could be our crown when we get Home.
Much love,
andy
