Takeaways

Good Morning! Here is another entry from “The Lost Writings of OC.” This is from 2021.

Today’s a new day! It has been my experience that God uses what seems to be our weakest moments to propel us to the next chapter in His plan and purpose in our lives.

During this crazy beautiful health journey, God has given me the strength and motivation to take steps forward each day. Here are three takeaways.

1). Pray – This is sadly usually the last resort. We as believers usually pray; however, we pray after we have done everything that we can do in our own strength. In Matthew 6:33, it says seek first His Kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Go to Him, talk with Him and invite Him into your situation.

2). Listen – Over the years, I have spent a ton of time telling God what my next steps are, and sometimes I picture Him looking at me, shaking His head and saying… “Are you done yet?” I have historically been terrible at this. I’ve wanted my relationship with God to be very transactional. However, I have learned over time that this isn’t how He tends to work. We must lean in and listen. I also try to write in my journal what I feel God is speaking to me at the time and what the next steps are in my situation that I am struggling with. Pausing to write has been a very important way for me to allow God to work in my life.

3). Act – What if we truly walked out the Scriptures that look good on a t-shirt or bumper sticker, such as Matthew 19:26…with man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible. What would happen if we lived with the mindset of “do the next right thing?” Today, just take one step forward. Just a small applicable steps in the right direction allows roots to take hold, grow and build a strong foundation rooted in God.

I am not sure what season you might be walking through right now. It could be something as small as what cereal to buy, or it could be some huge life-altering situation that you just don’t know what to do with. Give them to God and let His strength shine in these moments. I know that this is counterculture but remember another promise from Scripture in Matthew 11:28-29…

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.”