Lesson Learned: Give Thanks

Los Angeles, California

“Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” -1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

                          

I took a mini break from blogging to focus on my newest career endeavors and to figure out which direction I wanted my blog to go within the next few years. I am so grateful for this opportunity God has given me and for the chance to explore the world in a new setting and environment. During my time, off I was able reconnect and discovered that my passion is directly attached to my gift and both must be protected and cherished.

The months leading up to my big transition weren’t easy and honestly, I really wasn’t expecting it to be, financially things were taking a turn and I it caught me off guard. I stayed faithful to the commitments I had made and remained focused on what was ahead of me, although there were moments where I wanted to rush the process along I had to stop and embrace the season I was in.

My emotions were all over the place for many different reasons I was excited, nervous, hesitant but expecting God to guide me along the way. I wish I could say that I made it through with my own strength but that would be a lie. I had to depend on God and I had to trust in the plan he had for me life. Every expectation, desire or want that I had for my transition was changed as soon as I put everything in Gods' hand. I reached a point where I realized that God gave me everything that I prayed for but deep down I was still unhappy. I had to do some digging and I found out that I was essentially running from the thing God placed in front of me.

Now I know you are reading this and wondering, well that’s backward you should be happy God answered your prayer. And yes! You are totally right I should’ve been rejoicing and found giving thanks but I was too focused on myself and on my feelings. I was uncomfortable and scared and ultimately, I became so fixated on the “what’s next” that I failed to focus on the season God had me in.

I learned that if you keep trying to fast forward through every uncomfortable or undesirable situation you will miss the lesson in that season. The lesson I learned was that Christ is in control of all things and the moment I begin to lean unto my own understanding I begin to fall. My mind cannot fathom the things God has planned for my life and me stressing about starting over and fulfilling the assignment was pointless. When God calls you into a new season he has already equipped you for everything that may come your way. Every obstacle, victory, defeat, trial or pain he has given you the tools to survive and to succeed.  Last year this time I would’ve never imagined living in New York City and in Raleigh, it just wasn’t what I planned but God had it all worked out!

My prayer for you:

In every circumstance whether good or bad I pray that you find yourself giving God thanks. You may not understand why things aren’t happening the way YOU planned it, but God’s plan for your life is so much bigger and better than what you put on our New Year’s Resolution List. Don’t throw your lists of dreams and hopes away just allow God to direct every step you take and give thanks regardless of what comes your way.

I believe in you and I believe in your JOURNEY!!!