I’m NOT Going To

I’m not going to let my circumstances, my trials, or my complaints control my outward expressions or how I answer the question “How is your day going?”. I will choose to live in the blessing the Lord has shown me because although I could easily choose to complain about so many things in my life right now, it’s not my focus. It is not my goal or desire to be someone who complains about life’s circumstances. So I’m not going to, no matter what I face. It is a fact that life is challenging and that inconveniences, misunderstandings and pain will come. Yet we don’t have to sit in it all of the time. We don’t have to become stuck in the “poor me” mindset and I’m NOT going to. 

I’m going to choose to acknowledge every blessing in my life before acknowledging one negative thought. When we do this, that list of challenges becomes so inferior to life’s blessings it’s almost impossible to keep looking at. Oh, my car is broken? Well, I have a rental and someone is fixing my car for me. I literally have to do nothing in this scenario, no hard work needed. All I have to do is choose to be grateful for these aspects of the situation. From the people who drove me around in my time of need, to my Mother who let me borrow her own vehicle, to my insurance agent who has been nothing but helpful beyond expectation, I have been blessed. For me to consider myself as anything less would be foolish. Oh, my body aches from running yesterday? Of course it does! But look at what I accomplished. I ran 6.5 miles, without training for it, all at once. I am able to use my body for so many amazing purposes, running and exercise are just a small reminder of that. I am blessed to have such a strong hard working body and who do I have to thank for it? The LORD of course! Who predestined me, and knew of my future days before my parents dreamed of me. Then He knit me in my Mother’s womb according to the need of His purposes for me. God surprised me with my own capability, strength and mindset yesterday but it was no surprise to Him. I could go on with examples.. 

It is my choice to live on offense in my life. I’m not saying there is never a time when playing defense will be necessary, because I have been in those trenches too, just trying to make it through the night. BUT what I am saying is that at some point you’re going to start winning again. At some point you’re going to see that your challenge is no longer battling you and you can walk forward. At some point you’re going to have enough energy to pursue what fuels you. At some point your focus is going to start shifting back to your daily task and away from the hardships you once faced. You’re going to want to and need to begin excelling in your life again. Don’t stay stuck standing on defense because it has become routine for you. When your battle has passed, start to intentionally step back into your day to day with gratitude and purpose. 

Be reminded that your battles are already won for you. God fights our battles for us. Sometimes He does ask us to stand through them as chaos and strife happen all around but that doesn’t last forever. We are victorious with God, always. He is for you and not against you. He has blessings upon blessings waiting for you. Will you begin walking in them today? Will you begin to take the perspective of an offensive player and step into your next battle as a pre-claimed champion? 

Honey, you have already won so many previous battles with the Lord, this one is no different. You will win this one too, in fact you have already won. When you have chosen wisely who will lead your team and your life you can run without ceasing towards the purpose He is calling you into.