My "Why"
Have you ever heard the saying "What is your 'why'?" What is the reason for doing something, your motivation, your fire? What is the thing that keeps you going even when everything else around you tells you to throw in the towel? This was a question and answer I've had to find within myself recently.
I've know this answer for while now, but perhaps somewhere along the line, I took my eyes off of it, I stopped believing it with all of my being, I stopped hunting it ferociously and seeking it diligently. But when it hit me, it hit me like a ton of bricks. Grace pouring over me all over again.
Jesus.
He is my "Why" and He is enough.
Until I was able to truly see myself through God's eyes and to find my identity and my worth in Christ alone, then nothing else really matters. I would quickly run out of steam for things I was once passionate about, I would lose sight of the bigger picture at hand, get distracted, procrastinate, let fear and excuses take the place of truth and perseverance that Christ has placed in my heart. But with God, I can lay all of those things down at the foot of the cross, and I can choose instead to run to Him and trust Him with my life.
I'm not saying I won't ever mess up or that trials won't come, but when we trust our lives into God's hands, and turn our eyes upon Jesus, the things of this earth no longer have a hold on us, because our eyes are set on something much bigger and much better than anything this world could throw at us.
However when I take my eyes off of Him, when I look to other things to provide what only God can, I can be quick to lose sight of His truths and His power living within me. I have to make the constant and conscious choice to seek Him above all else and to keep my relationship with Him at the center of my life. If I'm not in His word and in prayer, how can I know His truth about me? How can I know and believe in His promises? How can I trust in His character? If I'm looking to other things for rest, renewal, strength, acceptance, purpose, security before I am looking to God, they are always going to leave me dry. Because there is only One who is big enough, and great enough, and more than enough to overcome my every doubt, fear, shame, and regret. There is only One who is worthy of my whole heart on fire for Him in every area of my life. And His name is Jesus.
There is a much bigger picture at hand here, a much bigger purpose, and much greater reason that we are running this race and it is TOO IMPORTANT TO GIVE UP!!! YOU ARE WAY TOO COOL!!!! God MADE you on purpose, for a purpose!! He doesn't make mistakes and He has a divine purpose, for me and for you! Yes and Amen!
"I will praise you; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvelous are your works; and that my soul knows it full well (Psalm 139:14)"
When I remember the importance of this race I'm running and the purpose of the person that God created me to be, and empowers me to be by the strength of His Spirit within me, then and only then can I walk in the confidence of Christ to everything He has called me to do and against every obstacle I face! He has equipped me, He goes before me and behind me, He shows me the path which to take, He prepares a way for me, a place for me, He devotes my enemies to complete destruction. He is worthy of my "Why"! He is worthy of everything I have within me; mind, body, soul, and spirit, every single day.
"You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all Your soul, and with all your might. And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. (Deuteronomy 7:24-25)"
Jesus Christ is the reason, Heaven is the prize. And that is enough "Why" for anything life throws our way.
Always,
Nicole <3