Hey friends, welcome to Maranatha Blogs where we explore the heart of God for us. This blog is for us as Christians to shoulder each other in our daily lives as we await the coming of Jesus. If you don’t know Jesus and this happens to be the first time you are hearing of him, you are welcomed here!
No it’s not hoax. It’s me again! Twice in one week. I’ve shared a bit of lesson on the previous blog that I’ve learned this year. I do however, have some more I’d like to share as the New year breaks. As I reflect on the lessons I’ve learned this year, I hope I can impart some things that you’ll tuck neatly in your pocket as 2021 unfolds.
Here Goes Guys;
1. Closed Doors are just as much of a blessing as opened doors. It takes a hell of a lot of gut to walk away from places that God calls you away from. It takes a whole lot of bravery to leave things, places and people behind. Sometimes it’ll feel like removing an essential body part. People may even question your decisions. You may even question God on why. Regardless of how you feel or how people feel once God shuts the door on a particular season in your life you can find rest in the assurance that he sees the whole picture, he’s preparing you to head into a new season with new opportunities. It is definitely an opportunity for growth. More importantly, if God is bringing you into a season of newness you will shed a few things. You will leave a few people, places or seemingly great opportunities behind. Things from an old season may very well not serve the purpose of a new season. In order to reach the full potential of your new seasons, love on these closed doors. Embrace the closed doors. Mourn the closed doors if need be, but allow those closed doors to remain closed! God has a plan! (Jeremiah 29:11, “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”)
2. The value of family and friendship ; whew! This year has granted me the gift of spending more time with my family, connecting closer with friends, becoming closer with cousins. The full works. I’ve lost a few friends, gained a few more and connected with people who’ve left lasting impressions on my life. Guys, value the people you love while you can. Don’t overlook your friends and family. Especially the ones who go the extra mile to tend to you. Learn their likes, their dislikes, what causes the slight crinkle in their face or their eyebrows to raise a bit. Let love overtake your heart for your loved ones. Even though this year has separated us from many people, it has brought us closer to many. ( Colossians 3:14 “And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity,” Proverbs 18:24 “A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother.”)
3. Defining and realizing purpose; This is a major one! I’ve been guilty of tunneling my vision. There’s a plan, this is what I’ll aim towards, my purpose is wrapped up in where I plan on going. When I meet to that place then I’ve fulfilled this great expectation that I’ve placed on myself. Yes, our purpose can be wrapped up in our goals and achievements but thanks to great women of God like Priscilla Shirer and Jordan Lee Dooley I’ve rewired my focus on this. So if you’re a sharp shooter to the bull’s eye like I am, this will also help to rewire your thinking. Your purpose is also wrapped up in the daily things that seem mundane. Your purpose is also right where you are in the present. Can we get so caught up in thinking that we are really going to make an impact in the way we expect our purpose to look when we’ve finally accomplished that great thing? Well, I’ve grown to realize it’s more than that. It’s where we’ve been, where we are and where we’re going. Your expectations are great but while you prepare to get there, the path in getting there is just as purposeful and meaningful. You are making an impact right where you are, even on the messy days.
4. Be Kind. Just be kind. Smile at a stranger walking across the road. A smile, a good morning can be a major shift in someone’s day. Well, smile with your eyes until masks can be removed. LOL…
5. A personal relationship with God; The last but not least. The most important one to me. Stay close to God ( Matthew 6:33 “But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.”) Put God first and everything else will follow. My relationship with God is so intricate and layered. Every year becomes a different level of what I call the “undoing.” It’s so thickly layered that I can not begin to describe the beauty of the process in this little point. However, I said that to remind you that once you believe in Jesus. Once you believe in the existence of God and you desire a relationship with him, do not neglect to seek him. He’ll never force himself into your life, he’s gentle and kind ( Revelation 3:20 “Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.”) Once you open up that door to this reality your life will never be the same. Seek God before material things, people or places and everything else will align beautifully. You’ll find joy, peace, parenthood, love, patience and understanding. The process of undoing might get messy but it’s like pruning a tree in order to see the full beauty. Let 2021 be a year where you surrender fully to God.
Once you’re reading this blog it means you’re alive. As long as you’re alive you have purpose. Let your faith arise for 2021! Let faith arise..
Yours truly,
Maranatha
Maranatha 