Have you ever met someone that you haven’t seen in years and expected the same person you knew way back then? For example…maybe, they snubbed you then and you expected the same, so your guard was up. Yet, they had changed…for the better.
In a situation I ran into, I knew how much God had changed me over several years, but pretty quickly realized that the person I ran into thought I was the same person (and expected me to be) as I was when they knew me quite well before. This isn’t the only time I’ve felt this has happened in relationships. In these cases, it can be tricky to communicate the changes while wanting, and making sure, to honor God in the process.
For one thing, I have been a big worrier throughout my life, but as I have learned to trust God more, I fear less. I have not mastered it, but I am continuing forward…different. Different than when, perhaps, maybe you knew me before.
In our Christian walk, we should be always learning—always growing. Until we arrive at our destination, standing in front of God, we should be walking forward.
“Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Let those of us who are mature think this way, and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal that also to you. Only let us hold true to what we have attained.”
Philippians 3:12-16 ESV
Sometimes, we can linger a little too long in the past (“what lies behind”). Sometimes, it’s hard stuff that’s difficult to let go. And sometimes, we can long to go back to the way things were. I have been guilty of both. If we aren’t careful, we can become stagnant…wanting to live for Christ to gain the Heavenly benefits but without wanting to fully cross the fence. We can remain stuck…straddling. Let me encourage you that crossing over absolutely equals greener pastures. The past holds no benefits compared to fully following. And…it will change you…for the better.
There is no doubt a connection to our past; but it should be a culmination of ‘better’…with the worst left behind on the other side of the fence. We can carry the good forward to greener pastures…but sometimes with some needed refining.
As I “strive” to walk daily in full surrender, I will be changing; growing with God’s help and His direction. I may be different today than I was yesterday. If you walked closely with me last year, there is a strong chance I’m different this year! …as long as I am remaining…
—ALL-IN•
Let me encourage and remind each of us to remember to allow room for growth in others we meet again. Expect and celebrate growth in ourselves by drawing near to the Source of all growth…Jesus Christ. We cannot do it in our own strength…only in His.
“So humble yourselves before God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come close to God, and God will come close to you. Wash your hands, you sinners; purify your hearts, for your loyalty is divided between God and the world…
…Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up in honor.”
James 4:7-8, 10 NLT
“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; all those who practice it have a good understanding. His praise endures forever!”
Psalm 111:10 ESV
The funny thing is that the more growth we see, and the closer to God we get, the more authentically “us” we become…just a better version.
Simply Celebrate With Jackie 