By Grace Through Faith

It’s really interesting to see over time how we measure our performance or image with various aspects of life. Growing up, I’ve always tried to find the “right” thing to do. I don’t mean what is evil vs what is good. I’m talking about what is the right thing to where I will end up happier, what will please the Lord, and what will please the other people around me too.

I would picture it like a road. Well, if I choose plan A, I will end up by a beautiful waterfall. However, if I choose plan B, I might end up in a ditch. To some degree, our lives may be like this, but we get to rest in knowing that it is not all up to us to make the decisions and choose the “right” path for ourselves.

I am currently rereading a book with a group at church, and it is so funny to see how God’s timing is so different from my own. I recently read it with a group of women, and now I am reading it again with the author walking us through it with his own personal insight and teaching. I was on the fence if I wanted to read the book again because I thought I already learned the most I could learn from it. However, God can always teach us new things, and there is always room for growth.

Recently, I am seeing how God’s still working through the same topics in me and unfolding my heart towards Him. Something that I’ve been learning is to offer myself grace and allow humility to flow in me by admitting where I fall short and my need for Christ in various aspects of my life. Humility allows us to acknowledge and express where we are weak and need help. I have to remind myself that it is okay to need help and to ask for it. That does not disqualify me or lessen my value as a human. It actually affirms that I am indeed human.

I am learning to take pressure off of myself to do things right or solve the problems on my own. But instead, I am accepting and opening up to the fact that it is not just up to me to do what all needs to be done. I am not the judge of what is right; God is. And He’s not asking for my perfection. He instead wants me to ask for His help and do it all with Him, side-by-side.

Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. – Psalm 119:105

God reminds us that He guides us and leads us where to go. As long as we are willing to walk with Him and beside Him, He prepares our steps and our path. This allows us to take pressure off of ourselves and direct the focus and glory back to God, praising Him for the outcomes and trusting in His ways that are beyond our own understanding.

The Lord directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives. Though they stumble, they will never fall, for the Lord holds them by the hand. – Psalm 37:23-24

With love,

Claire