This week at Awakening, Ryan discussed ways of finding clarity in a future of uncertainty. Making decisions in life can get a little scary when you do not know what the future is going to hold. The Holy Spirit is guiding you; you do not have to be scared. Through Jesus Christ, we have victory over that fear!
The first point that Ryan made was that clarity comes from knowing who is in control and what you are called to do. This has been my anthem for the past four years. About a year after I graduated high school, I took a break from college because I had no idea why I was there. I felt no calling to be there whatsoever. The past four years have been an emotional struggle trying to figure out the fateful decision of what I want to do for the rest of my life.
I have gone from feeling so free to feeling like the world’s biggest loser (who is still living with her parents and does not have a college degree). Only recently have I given that insecurity up to God and it has made such a difference! I am now seeing reasons why God had me invest so much time at my job. I am truly passionate about sharing his love in my workplace. My mom had this sudden realization that I should get a degree in business because she noticed that my mind worked in a business way. This is a big deal because before this I would have dreaded an idea like that. After a couple months of prayer and surrendering that control, God has really been showing me how true that is. I still have no idea where He would take me in that, but I am so grateful for His faithfulness in guiding me wherever He plans for me to go.
One thing Ryan suggested on Sunday night was to wake up every morning and repeat to yourself: “you are not in control of anything that is going to happen today or in any part of the future but take hope, because the One who has control lives IN you.” That is such a powerful truth. I decided to start doing that this morning and the peace I felt throughout my entire day was incredible.
I also reflected on a couple of verses throughout the day. Philippians 1:6 (NIV) reads:, “Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” And 2 Peter 1:3 (NIV) reads:, “His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness.” God has provided so much comfort through these verses for me. I constantly feel him telling me to not give up, even though my life does not look as normal as most 23 year olds. Just because I am not in school or do not have a degree does not mean I am failing. It just means He has something different for me and I plan to stay hopeful in His faithfulness.
So, the next time you feel like a failure or you feel anxious or fearful about where you are at and where you are going, stop and remember that you are not in control. Surrendering all of that to the One who is in control is the most freeing place you could be. Let the power of the Spirit guide you. It truly is the only way worth living.
Devotional Author: Brittany Brown