Whenever I face doubts and fears in doing what He asks me to do, I'll always remind myself to do it for His glory and everything flows naturally.
I was browsing my old journal yesterday, I was seventeen at that time. Those ordinary prayers and hopes had been answered. I wasn't born with a silver spoon, I remember I was really praying hard to have a scholarship so I could have a discount on my tuition. It's so surreal because I just wrote it down, prayed for it, and worked for it and I passed the required grade, and I also became a scholar in our church. I mean the favor of the Lord is always there and choosing to do things for His glory alone and not for others is the best thing you can do.
Yet, these days it seems so hard to pursue what He put in our hearts considering the popular beliefs in this age, the influence of the media, and random remarks of other people. Everyone has something to say. Hence, our decisions always have consequences. It's vital to ask advice from the people who deeply care for us and know us very well but at the end of the day, we will always face the consequences of our choices not others, but ourselves. And the standard is always His words, the Bible. It's our guide, the Lord doesn't leave us without a map, everything is written already in the Bible, it's the ULTIMATE TRUTH.
Someone whom I look up to told me whenever I need to make a decision ask myself first if this decision will glorify the Lord and if it's anchored in God's Word. What are my intention and motive? If it's according to His Word, go for it and do it with faith and love even if it's uncertain and unfamiliar, even when you don't know what's next, and even if you're still figuring out the next steps; just leap your feet even you're trembling.
I remember I was praying for a business because I knew my salary as a teacher is just enough for our expenses and I wanted to venture into new things. So I started doing my research and I found a personal care brand, which has the same values and beliefs as me. Their story is very inspiring so I signed up even though I didn't even know how to put lipstick properly. I wasn't capable and suitable for this path but I knew God put the desire in my heart to pursue it though I didn't know the whole purpose then. I am an introverted lady and I never wanted to negotiate, attract customers or meet up with strangers. I never asked anyone's opinion at that time, I did all the work, and it was one of my just DO-it moments. And it feels so surreal because it's been a year already.
I have just enough sales at this time yet the lessons that I gain are always worth my time even if it's hard. Finally, I also understand the purpose. Actually, it isn't much about being financially competitive or being a business savage but I get to understand His ways. I also learn to take care of myself and not to conform to the unrealistic society's standards of beauty so I could also remind the other ladies around me. I started to practice self-care and I became more confident in my skin and kinder to myself. The Lord is gracious because it's for my well-being too. He allowed me to experience new things He knew I couldn't do on my own.
At times, we just need to be assertive, take a leap of faith, and be ready to face the consequences of our decisions. But we're not alone, God is with us. Everything comes naturally when we do it for His glory and because of our obedience and love for Him. The Lord will provide wisdom, provision, and favor so we can fulfill it wholeheartedly. We just need to take the first step even if we don't know the next steps.
I remember Noah when the Lord asked him to make an ark.
Imagine this scene: One day God comes to Noah and says, “I’m disappointed in human beings. In the entire world, no one but you thinks about me. But Noah, when I look at you, I start smiling. I’m pleased with your life, so I’m going to flood the world and start over with your family. I want you to build a giant ship that will save you and the animals.” There were three problems that could have caused Noah to doubt. First, Noah had never seen rain, because prior to the Flood, God irrigated the earth from the ground up. Second, Noah lived hundreds of miles from the nearest ocean. Even if he could learn to build a ship, how would he get it to water? Third, there was the problem of rounding up all the animals and then caring for them. But Noah didn’t complain or make excuses. He trusted God completely, and that made God smile. Purpose Driven
Noah did everything God had commanded him. (Genesis 6:22)
Genesis 6- 10, Noah's Obedience
God doesn’t owe you an explanation or reason for everything he asks you to do. Understanding can wait, but obedience can’t. This hits me.
There are many things I won't do because I'm afraid of what others might think of me but whenever I fix my eyes upon Him, I started to rest on His character. I can always lean on Him because I know He always desires success for his children whenever we obey Him. He is a loving father but He is also fair and just, He disciplines us for our wrongdoings and disobedience so we can fully trust Him in all aspects of our lives even if it's unclear. And there will be failures along the way but who am I not to surrender to my creator?
Whatever fears and worries are rhyming with your beats, I hope God gives you peace and let your worries turn into worship. God cares for you. He loves you and He desires success in your life and your ultimate purpose is to glorify Him in everything you do. Yet, you cannot do it if you don't have a personal relationship with Jesus. Jesus died for your sins and without Him, your life will be meaningless and you'll experience long suffering in hell. Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life, no one can come to the Father except through Jesus. When you accept Jesus in your heart, ask for the forgiveness of your sins, seek Him wholeheartedly and put your faith in Him alone. He will give you a new heart and a new life- with purpose and meaning. I pray that you encounter Him too because God has a purpose in your life, you're not an accident here.
I'm still figuring it out also, I didn't know everything and it makes me crave to know Him more and to trust Him in every twist and turn in my life because God has been always faithful in me. I didn't know what the future holds but I know He holds the future and I can fully trust Him and do everything for His glory alone.
So whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.
1 Corinthians 10:31
You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul and with all your might. And these words that I command you today shall be in your heart.
Deutoronomy 6:4-5
I am the Lord, I have called you in righteousness; I will take you by the hand and keep you; I will give you as a covenant for the people , a light for the nations.
Isaiah 42:6
