2015 has been the worst year of my life. So many unforeseen things have happened. So many things beyond my control. But through it all, I've relied on and trusted in God, and I have faith that He has an incredible 2016 in store for me.
Last night, my youth pastor said, "In 2016, don't be afraid to dream big dreams and pray big prayers." And I realized that I had to let go of my fear. Sure, I've got some big dreams for 2016, but there's a little voice in the back of my head saying, but what if it doesn't happen? And it's kind of scary to think you might put yourself out there and have your plans fail.
Bro. Alan, basically my life mentor, has told me many many times: "Make mistakes. Don't be afraid of failure." I teach this every summer to the high school students I work with at SALT (Student Action Leadership Team). But have I really applied that to my own life?
I'm finally at a place in life where I can go after some of my biggest dreams. To get here, I had to go through some tough stuff. But I'm tougher than the tough stuff. I've come out stronger and wiser. And now there are possibilities to do great things with my life. To be a part of things that are bigger than me. And I don't want to be afraid to go after those things.
I have chosen two words to be my theme for 2016. The first is peace, because I've truly learned to experience the peace that God gives during the hard times. I want to continue to live in His peace. The second word is adventure. This one kind of came by accident. When it came time for me to find a 2016 planner, I decided to splurge on a Erin Condren calendar, but my splurging only goes so far so I got the cheapest one I could find. This is the cover:
At first I figured I'd replace it after a while, since the covers are interchangeable, but then I realized that it's the perfect phrase for this new stage in my life. It is time for adventure. It's time for new things. It's time for big dreams and big prayers. It's time to expect more. It's time to stop being afraid.
I had a favorite book series when I was in middle school, and the main character always quoted the verse "What time I am afraid, I will put my trust in Thee" (Psalms 56:3). I find myself repeating this when I'm scared. Now, however, I have a few more verses I like to quote when I'm unsure of where life will take me.
Can all your worries add a single moment to your life? And if worry can't accomplish a little thing like that, what's the use of worrying over bigger things?
Luke 12:25-26 NLT
You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you! Trust in the LORD always, for the LORD GOD is the eternal Rock.
Isaiah 26:3-4 NLT
The Bible is clear: don't worry; trust God. He is always with me (Psalms 16:8) and with Him, nothing is impossible (Luke 1:37).
So this year, I dare to dream big. I dare to pray big. I will go on adventures, and I will trust God. I will allow His peace to overtake me and defeat my worries.
Ultimately, I pray that His will will be done in my life. Proverbs 19:21 says, "You can make many plans, but the Lord's purpose will prevail." I want his purpose for my life. I want him to make beautiful things from the ashes. I refuse to allow my past and my downfalls to define me. Instead, I will allow God to make me into who and what He wants me to be.
No comments:
Post a Comment