LindaBrillBlog

Like I mentioned in past blogs, I’ve been doing a lot of soul searching. Listening to amazing preachings like Pastor Francis Chan, praying, reading the scriptures, talking with my husband, has really made us stop and think about our life’s purpose. If you really start to think about it, this world and everything in it will come to an end. And it could happen at any moment. If you take the Bible literally, and believe what it says, you start to reflect on how petty this life truly is. There is no time for storing treasures on earth. There is no time to hold grudges over nonsense. There is no time to focus on ourselves. I’ve been thinking a lot about that lately. How to incorporate it into my daily life.

I shared with you how I was feeling discouraged a few weeks ago. Then I felt so excited for the hope and purpose new revelation brought. I started to think about what scriptures says,

“Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.” Matthew 5:11-12

How can I live my life like THAT every day?! How can I start to focus on eternity and God’s plan rather than my own? This beautiful country we live in is so blessed! But at the same time it is driven by narcissism. We are always encouraged to love ourselves before we can love others. We are encouraged to give only when it feels good to give. Now I’m not saying that giving and feeling good about it is wrong, it comes with the territory. When we give, we automatically feel great. But it should’t be what motivates us. Our motivation shouldn’t be selfish, otherwise why do it? What happens when our motivation is feeling good about ourselves? We never find satisfaction, because we are always chasing a selfish dream. It shouldn’t be a selfish act, it should be a selfless act. Everything about society goes against what the Bible teaches us, and what’s most scary is that it always makes sense. It’s always wrapped in pretty paper and worded in a way that makes sense and feels good. The enemy is so good at confusing us. He lies to us by telling us to do what feels good, to trust your instincts, to have no regrets,  you only live once they say. It all sounds amazing. Problem is it all leads to destruction. Because wether we want to admit it or not, there is a real God who created us with a purpose. And when we live outside that purpose, we are miserable. And I’m not talking about the “unbelievers”, I’m talking about all humanity! Even as a Christ follower myself, I always struggle with this. I struggle with living a life that pleases God and not myself. And I know that if I struggle with this, everyone does too because I love God with all of me! I cry at the thought of seeing Him face to face. I can’t imagine what I will feel when I see Him in all His glory. But I’m still living in this fallen world. A world where the prince of darkness reigns and does nothing but plot against me. I am no match against him. I know that my only chance at living a life that pleases God is by living in constant communion with my creator. He is the only one that can keep me focused on the bigger prize, eternity with Him!

I know we can get tired and discouraged. I have been there too many times. But I know with everything in me that He’s got this! He’s got me! I just need to follow Him. Let him drive. It is such a relief when you truly understand this, even though it seems so hard and even painful to release control. But the truth is, we were never meant to lead. We were created to follow Him. And until we allow Him to lead us, we will always make a mess and never find true happiness. I want to be more aware and intentional this year. I never do new year resolutions, I don’t know why I think they’re silly. But I am always up for a change. However it may come, whatever motivates you. I have realized so much about myself in the last few weeks. I want to be present and act, not react, to my daily life. I want to worry less about tomorrow and please Him today!

God bless,

Linda