Tests and trials change us. The change should be for the better. Often, however, we become bitter, mistrustful, and defensive as a result of what we've been through. When this happens, we end up impeding our own progress. Sometimes, we altogether sabotage what God is trying to do.
Isn't it ironic that, when someone else is behaving this way, it quickly becomes evident to us? You know it's true. We readily notice when others are behaving out of character, but what about us? It's difficult to see this tendency in our own lives.
We go blind when we happen to be the offending party. But, if you'll allow me, I'd like to shed some light on the subject for you. You see, God wants us to be whole-not just physically, but mentally and emotionally too.
Here's the difficult part.
Once we've been mistreated, betrayed, abused, and overlooked enough times, we tend to put up walls to protect ourselves from being hurt again. Can you relate? As a result, we inevitably adopt some views and behaviors that are born out of those past hurts.
That's why we have to continue to check our patterns to make sure we're not making decisions that are largely outgrowths of our personal pain. Here's the irony; sometimes you can make choices to avoid being hurt, that only end up hurting you more. Have you ever done that?
Have you ever pulled away from the right thing/person and gravitated toward the wrong thing/person in an attempt to protect your emotions? I know it may sound odd, but if you think about it long enough you'll probably remember one such period in your life. Who knows? You could be going through one right now.
Here's what I'm saying. At some point, you have to pick yourself up, dust yourself off, and stop living your life based on fear. Fear of what? Fear of being mistreated again, fear of having your heart broken, fear of not succeeding, fear of being rejected... fear of the unknown.
Remember, your tests and trials come to make you strong... not paranoid. So, don't be afraid. After all, fear will cause you to make snap judgments about some things you should be thinking long and hard about.
Instead of being a prisoner to your fear, be liberated by your faith! Trust God to order your steps. You've got to believe that things will work out in your favor. You have to internalize the fact that, He wants only great things for you.
And whatever you've endured up to this point was only for your making... the making of conqueror!
Until next time... may you be empowered to prosper!
Dianna Hobbs
