Have you ever found yourself in a situation that you knew just wasn’t right? And you found yourself asking, “How did I get here?”.
Most of us have made choices along the way in our lives that just don’t match up with who we truly are as people. Maybe we were dishonest with ourselves and therefore dishonest with others. Or, maybe we got into a bad relationship by ignoring the red flags along the way. We make hundreds of choices a day and sometimes we make big mistakes that alter the course of our lives.
BUT, GOD! He is so merciful to forgive us and get us back on the right track following His will instead of our own ways. Thank you, Jesus! The key is to learn to be obedient, to listen more than we talk, and to pray for guidance and direction from God. And also to learn from our mistakes so that we don’t make the same mistakes again.
We are creatures of comfort and often develop habits and patterns in our lives that are unhealthy. True honesty with ourselves and God can help change these paths.
Did we make these poor choices out of a place of fear? What do we truly want and what do we truly believe? KNOW THYSELF!
God has a lot to say about how the devil uses fear, lies, and deception to keep us from our God-ordained destinies.
I have made one too many mistakes in my life making decisions based on fear and comfort rather than choosing to trust God and be courageous. True vulnerability is the willingness to be open with yourself and others about the truth….whatever that truth is for you even if it means that the truth might hurt someone else. Then try to be honest in the most loving way you can be with the other person.
So let’s look at some scripture that dispels all fear.
This is my personal favorite and one I live by. “For God gave us not a spirit of fear but of power and love and self-control” (2 Timothy 1:7 ESV).
We as Christians do not, I say again, do not have to be afraid. God has given us His spirit which is one of power, love, and control of our minds and emotions. Walking in power and love each day is so amazing and wonderful compared to walking in fear and anxiety.
“The fear of man lays a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is safe” (Proverbs 29:25 ESV). If you walk in fear you will be greeted by traps and snares that will trip you up. But, we have the choice to trust the Lord instead, and He has promised to give us safe passage.
Lets look at a verse from Philippians that talks about being honest. I think we often think about this scripture according to what we think about situations or others. But, if we apply it to looking at ourselves and our own choices, it can truly be life altering.
“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you” (Philippians 4:8-9 NIV).
Whatever is true about yourself, whatever is right about yourself, put these things into practice and you will live in peace.
Let’s pray: Father God in Heaven, please let these tips and scriptures help us to be honest with ourselves and with you about who we really are and to walk this out with you through a state of courage and truth, not out of fear and dishonesty. We trust that your word is true and that no matter what is going on in our lives, that if we surrender to you and your will, you will make our paths straight. We love you and honor you. In Jesus’s name we pray. Amen.
Many Blessings,
AllisonD
