God has been dealing with me in so many ways and levels lately. Oh, I could write in about ten different avenues right now, but God’s not ready for me to reveal things yet. Boy what a sense of humor He has.
One thing I can say now is that God has been showing me how when we are transparent in our lives, His voice speaks louder to others.
Over the past few days, I have been wrestling with the thought of how others are perceived by us (or vice versa) in our minds. Back in October I briefly wrote about the self-esteem issue via the social media. The other day a friend of mine shared an article discussing the issue of when we share vacation photos with others, is it bragging or not and how those pictures make others feel about their own lives. Our times have changed with the access of the internet, some for the good, and some for the not-so-good.
Are our lives being perceived as perfect to others?
Let me just tell you, for me my life is far from perfect, but with Christ…He makes everything alright. And through Him, I know that in the end, our lives will be made perfect. Glory!
People see the happy go-lucky Stephanie and think that I’ve got it all together. Now, I am a blessed girl in many ways, but hmmm, the answer to that question would be a big “Nah!”
Do I struggle with the everyday issues with living with two (almost three) teens? Do I question God about things my family is going through, what my children will do with their lives, what I will do with my life, why things change, change, and keep changing, etc. (there’s more change going on in our lives right now that I can count. That’s a journal entry for another time.) Do I desire for communication with and between siblings, friends, and family? Oh, this list could go on and become truly transparent, and the answer to all those questions is “You bet!”
But…the one thing that keeps me going and “happy-go-lucky” is the confidence and assurance that I have in knowing that my Personal Savior, Jesus Christ, is with me all the way. “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9. I know that things in life are constantly changing and struggles are always there, but the one thing that does not and will not change is God. He is as He says He is in Malachi 3:6, “I am the LORD, and I do not change” and in Hebrews 13:8, “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” I have learned that I must “not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7.
I heard yesterday in church from our music interim that I’m not alone with my recent thoughts of how we/people are perceived by others. He shared a conversation that had occurred that morning between him and a complete stranger at the gas station. The stranger observed Danny and commented on how Danny looked like “he has it all together”. Danny went on to share how he doesn’t. So what’s the difference between what is going on in Danny’s (mine and others) lives that gives the appearance of that we’ve “got it all together”? Jesus! I know that I surely do not have it all together, but with God dwelling in my heart, His light shines through.
Matthew 5:16 says, “Let your light shine before people in such a way that they will see your good actions and glorify your Father in heaven.”
I pray that no matter what you are going through in your thoughts or life, that you will put your confidence in Jesus Christ and let your light shine for Him. He will take care of everything and reveal to you why those struggles you are going through are making you a stronger and better person (whether you like it or not right now).
I pray God’s abundant love and much joy for y’all.
