from God...

today's post is going to be a bit more on the personal side, but i hope you all are able to relate or resonate with it in any way possible! Over the past few years, I have grown in my faith and my relationship with the Lord.

This past year has been full of nothing but change for me. I have dealt with changes with family life, academics, mental health, basically anything you can think of. Although I have gone through numerous amounts of difficulties and hard times, I have learned to cling to God and lean into the word during this time.

"God is not the author of confusion, but of peace."

1 Corinthians 14:33

Someday you will realize that everything you have gone through was a blessing in disguise. Things didn't work out the way you expected them to because you were being prepared for something better, and all of the restless nights you had wondering why everything happened to you will finally make sense because it is all according to God's plan. Even if you do not see the bigger picture, trust the process. Trust His timing. Have patience. Allow God to remove those things from your life. I read this quote today and it said, "The longer you entertain what isn't from God, the longer you postpone what is."

One thing we don't realize is God was the first to believe in us. We were first made of darkness and yet, He still chased after us. Jesus personally believes in us. Take a moment to let that sink in. In your sins, in your defeat, in your most vulnerable state, Jesus chose to believe in you. He reached out His hand and chose to call you to this new life. He believed in you when you never could. He saw you and loved you when you felt like the world turned away. How beautiful is that? He walked upon the waters when you were drowning in an ocean that you created, and saved you. Do no stray from him. Do not entertain what isn't from God.

If it's from God it won't steal your joy.

If it's from God it won't take life from you.

If it's from God it won't damage your confidence.

If it's from God it won't rush you into decisions.

If it's from God it won't make you chase it.

If it's from God it won't ask you to compromise.

If it's from God it won't be impatient.

If it's from God it won't question your value.

If someone or something pulls you closer to Jesus, keep them. God has removed you from a table where you used to sit: in order to save you from a host who was serving you poison without realizing it. God invited you to His table instead. It no longer matters who didn't invite you to theirs. You have a seat at God's table. He has surrounded you with others who will be there for you and support you.

God has surrounded me with the best possible group of people I could ask for in college. These have been some of the most kind-hearted and uplifting people I have ever met and I am beyond thankful to have had them by my side since freshmen year. They not only help me grow as a person, but also help me and encourage me to grow in my faith with the Lord.

Like I said, this past year, even just these past few months have taught me so much. I have learned to put my trust in the Lord and His timing in my life. I have also learned a lot about myself. I have rediscovered my spark for life. I have gotten to experience new adventures. I have found new hobbies that I love. I now know who I am. I am a child of God. Although I have gone through a lot of chaotic life changes that might not have felt the best at the time, they were all a part of the bigger plan God had for me and I cannot thank Him enough for it all. I hope you all were able to connect with this in some way. Remember to put your trust in Him and His plan. Remember to take time and figure out the blessings in disguise. Remember to always give grace:)