You Are Not in Control [a letter to myself]

Bonnie Gray at Faith Barista is hosting her first faith jam in 5 months. Won’t you join me as I link up with the “jam” to write a letter to a younger me about “What I Know Now” when it comes to the faith journey?

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Dear Julie,

Life is quite a journey—an adventure really. And that’s the way you should look at it.

When you are on an adventure, there are surprises around every corner. There will be ups and downs, twists and turns. Expect it!

Don’t fool yourself into thinking your life will go as you plan it. You are not in control, even when you think you are.

From the depths of the valleys to the zenith of the mountaintops, don’t ever forget God loves you. The Creator and Master of the Universe loves you enough to let you go through very difficult circumstances—to share in the suffering of His Son. He will use those times to temper and shape you into a vessel that reflects Christ more clearly.

You have a wonderful capacity to care. Don’t let cynicism take root. And don’t try to do everything—to help everyone. You were created for a specific purpose. Ask the Father to reveal what that is, and pursue it. Pursue it with everything you have, with all the passion and tools you possess. This will bless you immensely and bring glory to God.

Hold onto the hope and  joy that is found in the Lord. Count your blessings. I mean really count them! The big and little. Day in and day out. This is a form of worship and will draw you into closer fellowship with Jesus.

Forgive transgressions against you. You won’t forget, but forgive—it is so freeing.

I know it won’t be an easy road. Don’t travel it alone. Walk with fellow believers, offering encouragement to each other.

Find a church home. Don’t expect to always agree with everything about that particular church body. After all, it is made up of sinners just like you. Instead find a place to worship where the members love the Lord, profess belief in the Judeo-Christian doctrine, and stand on the unchangeable truth of the Holy Bible.

Pray without ceasing. Laugh often. Love deeply. Take time to play. Most of all, hold loosely. Don’t clasp anything or anyone too tightly. Be willing to release your loved ones as a sacrificial offering to the Lord. It is so very difficult, but it is the ultimate sacrifice and will be honored greatly.

Live each day for the One who loves you enough to willingly suffer and die for your sins. He died for your wretchedness, for your filth. When you finally fully grasp the immensity of His sacrifice, then you will achieve the ultimate satisfaction in this earthly life.

Don’t doubt your worth. The Creator doesn’t make junk. You are uniquely and beautifully created in His image. It is folly to compare yourself to others. If you were meant to be like someone else, He would have placed your soul in their body. Stay true to who He created you to be.

Lay your burdens at the foot of the cross, drawing strength from Jesus Christ, and keep your eyes forever focused on Him.

I’m so very excited for your journey. Enjoy the adventure. It’s worth it all.

“Therefore, since we also have such a large cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us lay aside every weight and the sin that so easily ensnares us. Let us run with endurance the race that lies before us, keeping our eyes on Jesus, the source and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that lay before Himendured a cross and despised the shame and has sat down at the right hand of God’s throne.For consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself, so that you won’t grow weary and lose heart” (Hebrews 12:1–4 HCSB).

With deepest love,

Your Older Self

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Share in the Discussion: Is there something you need to say to yourself that would be most effectively relayed in a letter? Perhaps now would be a good time to write it.

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By His grace ≈

Julie