Surrender

So much has happened in the past year and I finally feel like I can catch my breath!

Between moving, starting a new job, getting acclimated to a new area, and of course the major one…BECOMING A WIFE - it feels like my life has been on a nonstop rollercoaster ride. There’s been some highs and there’s been some lows but I’ve been learning to seek God in those low moments and really leaning into His promises.

Starting a new chapter in life is both exciting and sometimes fearful. Not fearful in the sense that we don’t trust God, but fearful of the unknown. Fearful of what to expect on the other side. Fearful of whether or not we will be able to withstand the current season we’re in. I’ve been there, in fact - I’m still there.  But I have my faith and that's what keeps me going! 

I’m still in a season of transition and at times it feels like I'm asking God, “Will I Ever Arrive At My Destination?” As this walk with Christ is a journey it’s expected that we would have many lessons to learn and experience along the way, and this season I have learned that I have to 100% depend on God and completely surrender my plans. This is such a common theme we tend to see within our faith walks because sometimes that the only thing we can do – surrender. 

How many times have you tried to do something in your own way? I don’t know about you, but I know for me…plenty! But you know like I know that God’s plans will always be greater, because He has everything we need that will sustain us in the long-run. 

New chapters can also bring some discomfort. I like to think of it as growing pains, because our faith is being stretched and sometimes the only way out is THROUGH and I believe that our circumstances help us develop and grow in certain areas. Things are uncomfortable right now because it's unfamiliar, it's outside of the norm - but the discomfort won’t last forever. I know we’re used to our everyday routines and schedules and we “have it all figured out” right? Sister, we can’t keep faking it till we make it, that won’t cut it this time! We have to truly be surrendered if we want to experience all that God has for us. 

Let me tell you, with moving to a new state and landing a new job I’ve never felt more alone and uncertain. Being in that state of mind is very uncomfortable, and no matter how hard I try to wrap my mind around why God has me in this specific place I don’t find any answers. One morning I found myself praying so loudly out of frustration because I was seeking so many answers and it felt like God didn’t hear me (hence why I was praying so loudly). But God heard me, and I’m sure if I remain patient, I will begin to see His plan come to fruition. Patience is also another key on our faith walks, without it we’ll rush into things we have no business rushing into, but that’s a story for another day. 

I’m sure you’ve felt like this too, in a season where things are uncomfortable and you find yourself trying to navigate it all. A good friend of mine would recommend to ‘pause and pray.’ Take a moment to acknowledge what you’re feeling and truly feel those emotions and once you’ve done that pray and surrender it over to the Lord. But you must truly surrender, sister in Christ. I know it’s easier said than done, but these battles are not ours to fight. When we surrender we’re letting God know that we trust Him, NO MATTER WHAT. There's no need to worry, and there's no need to be anxious because we believe what His Word says, “Cast your cares on the LORD and He will sustain you” (Psalm 55:22). Our Heavenly Father knows exactly what we need and if we allow Him to provide He will take care of us.

In this new chapter I'm challenging myself to be more positive over my current situation and to celebrate all victories, large or small. Nobody wants to be around a “Negative Nancy” all the time so pick yourself up sis, and walk into this new chapter of your life with confidence!

Whatever is out of your control, surrender it to the Lord. Take a deep breath and keep your head up.