“For this is the will of God, your sanctification . . .” (1 Thessalonian 4:3, ESV)
What do you spend your days thinking about?
Do you ever find yourself stuck in the “if only” of the past, present, and future? … If only I had made different decisions, I would be happy right now. If only this person would love me or change his or her life, our relationship would be better. If only I had this much money or that job, my finances would be better.
Contemplating the “if only’s” can lead to a life of misery. But… what if we truly believed that God—in His sovereignty—has allowed our life to unfold the way it has, because He knows what is best?
What if we stopped letting our minds wander off to all the possibilities of being happier? What if, instead, we spent our days preaching Truth to our heart, soul, and mind—that we have a good Father in heaven who sees us, cares deeply for us, and knows what is best for us?
Sweet friend, I don’t know about you, but for me, I have to preach Truth to myself—daily.
You see, my past includes sinful baggage, lost dreams, and taking the easier road too many times—giving evidence of the better choices I could have made, but didn’t.
And, friend, the more baggage carried or lost dreams gone or easier roads taken, the quicker our human nature, the world, and the enemy dangle lies of how life could be better in the “if only.” But, don’t be fooled by lies.
As a child of God, you have been washed clean by the blood of Jesus. You are in Him, and He is in You. He has placed you where you are, to sanctify you.
God desires to use your past, present, and future to make you more Christ-like each day.
Whatever situation you’re in, trust in God’s sovereignty and goodness. Read God’s Truth and preach it to yourself, inviting the Holy Spirit to speak Life into you daily.
Heavenly Father, I too often find myself thinking I know what is best for me, thinking if things were different, I would be happier. Lord, shine Your light on these lies and bring me back to Truth. Grow my faith in Your good, sovereign plan for my life and for all eternity. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Embrace His Truth: 1 Thessalonians 4:3; Romans 6:15-23; 2 Thessalonians 2:13; 1 Peter 1:1-3
