12.11.2013

countdown to GOLD!!!

the countdown begins today... for no particular reason other than i say so :) 19 days & counting...



omg... i'm almost THIRTY!!!! & it's my golden birthday {the birthday when you turn the same age as your birth date} so that's pretty much awesome...but this is where reality sets in. 

i am beginning to question if i have accomplished what i should have by this season of my life. let's be completely honest & transparent... i struggle with comparing myself & my accomplishments with the lives of others... i know, i know bad jeni! {insert image of me slapping my own hand here} comparison is the thief of joy & one of the devil's tactics he uses to take our focus away from God & the plans He has for us... so what exactly does the Word have to say about this??

first of all Jeremiah 29:11 says ' "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." ' {emphasis added is mine} this scripture is so powerful!! it doesn't say "I know the plans I have for your friends, your family, your coworkers, your nail lady, your favorite barista at starbucks & your neighbor's-dog walker's-cousin"... lol... it says I know the plans I have for YOU!!! hello!! God has plans for you specific to the talents He gave you to use for His glory! how awesome is that?

just like every part of the body has a different function, a different use, a different talent, God has given us each a gift. Romans 12: 6-8 says it beautifully..."We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully." {again, emphasis mine}

John Bevere was at our church recently & had an amazing illustration for this very concept... you don't expect your thumb to talk, God gave that talent to your mouth... so why do we try to work outside of our gifts & talents that God created us for?? ouch! so true it stings a little :)


really the bottom line is... i shouldn't worry about what is going on with everyone else around me, what they have accomplished or what they have that i think i should have... God only holds me accountable to the plans He has for me & what i have done with the talents He gave me... that's what pleases God! having faith that He has a plan & seeking His will for your life... "And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him." Hebrews 11:6

my prayer during my golden birthday countdown is that i remember to focus on what God has brought me through & the path He is laying before us... it is also golden & built on the foundation of His promises!!

xoxo,
jeni


"Make a careful exploration of who you are and the work you have been given, and then sink yourself into that. Don’t be impressed with yourself. Don’t compare yourself with others. Each of you must take responsibility for doing the creative best you can with your own life."
Galatians 6:4 & 5 {The Message}






2 comments:

  1. This is good stuff girl! you are so precious in God's eyes and He has big plans for you!!!!

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