IT ALL STARTS WITH GOD
Focusing on ourselves will never reveal our life’s purpose. You could reach all your personal goals,
becoming a raving success by the world’s standard, and still, miss the purposes for which God created you. You need more than self-help advice. The Bible says, “Self-help is no help at all. Self-sacrifice is the way, my way, to finding yourself, your true self.”- Ric Warren, Purpose Driven
It's not about me. It's all about Him, it's all about God. My life should be all about Him.
Growing up in this generation is hard, right? Earlier I just checked my business page and I was pretty disappointed because I don't have those big sales like those other sellers, like how could they do it all? Competition is high, everyone is about their life goals, earning six-digit figures, highly independent, and so dedicated in their careers. I want it too, I uttered. Thus, I was so hard on myself before and often times beating myself if I missed one of my goals.
But God is so great because He always reminds me whenever I become distracted and out of focus on Him. This life is not about me. Yesterday night, I was playing the song "Christ Be Magnified" and it resonated that much.
I asked. These lines kicked me, "I won't bow to idols, I'll stand strong and worship You. And if it puts me in the fire, I'll rejoice 'cause You're there too. I won't be formed by my feelings, I hold fast to what is true. If the cross brings transformation then I'll be crucified with You. 'Cause death is just the doorway into resurrection life. And if I join You in suffering, then I'll join You when You rise. O Christ be magnified in me."
Am I living for Him?
Am I willing to be crucified with Him? Am I willing to let Him navigate not just one part of my life, but my whole life? My dreams, desires, and goals for the future? Am I really willing to live for Him and to trust him wholeheartedly?
We are not called to be happy all the time but to be holy. We are called for His glory. We are not called to fit in but to be set apart. We are not called for self-love but for self-sacrifice.
And looking at myself now, do my goals really speak about His glory?
There's a part of me wanting a good life; all of us are desiring to succeed. Or are these dreams and goals turning into idols? I asked.
Looking around, everyone seems so busy getting things done. Planning for the future, it's all good and I am also into it. But is that all life is? Wanting to be more, doing more than enough, and trying to be good enough.
It's much easier to call ourselves failures when we looked around. Everyone is thriving and living their best life. But may you be reminded that everything in life is all about God. God is more than enough for us. He's our creator and He's the only one who can define us and give purpose and meaning to our lives. Life is not about us, it's about God.
One of my favorite authors said, "Our greatest fear should not be of failure but of succeeding at the things in life that don't really matter." - Francis Chan
Yesterday I posted a short journal prompt about being attractive in my Tiktok account, I just want to speak and stand for what I believed in because I was so disappointed in how society looks at it. There are many younger ladies who are greatly affected by proving their worth and value because of what society tells them about being attractive. It's all about faces, curves, and bodies. You must do these things and buy these stuff thus there are many ladies who are growing up insecure. Searching for love in the wrong places just to cover up those insecurities.
No one is talking about the importance of having a good character like Christ. It sounds cringe when you already talk about the Bible, about your faith, hope, and love. Society will make fun of you. I knew I couldn't force this belief of mine and it's okay if I misunderstood. But life is all about imitating Christ, having his character in order to thrive in this cruel world. Life is beautiful but the world gets worse as the years passed by. Most of us are all about our own thing about ourselves, we idolize and romanticize much of our life. And I found myself in that space too at times.
My heart melts when I read these comments:
"earlier I'm doubting myself all down to my insecurities, thank you, I'm crying"
"something I needed to hear badly today. Certain circumstances made me think I'm not worthy enough and suddenly saw this. Made me cry and smile."
"thank you! you have no idea how I badly need this right now."
I was so afraid to hit the publish button before because I want to protect myself from the opinions of other people not knowing there are ladies out there who just need it at the moment. It's God, it's His work so even if I'm not good enough, He can still use me for His glory. Even if I am afraid to show up, I know He's with me. And if this means forgetting myself first, let Your will be done, Lord. Help me to see just only You and the purpose in it.
Life is not all about you, it's all about Jesus. You won't experience true success without Him. Choose Jesus today and you will see you have a purpose in this world.
“Everything got started in him and finds its purpose in him.” Colossians 1:16b (Msg)
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous! Do not be terrified nor dismayed for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.
Joshua 1:9
