As I reflect over this year, one word that best encapsulates 2017 is stretch. As I’ve mentioned, countless times in this blog, this was definitely a season of pruning and self evaluation. I became more aware of my flaws, my fears, and my ego. More importantly however, I discovered the ultimate drive I had to find God’s best for me. God challenged me to stretch in order to find Him, to believe Him, to obey Him, and ultimately, to love Him. When I think about stretching, the word will automatically follows. There was definitely a battle between God’s will and my will this year. The test of 2017 was finding out whose will would come out on top.

For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. – Jeremiah 29:11

It amazes me, looking back, how this one scripture caused so much struggle for me. This scripture plainly highlights God’s love for us. God doesn’t beat around the bush in declaring that He wants the best for His children. He tells us that He will see us through life so that His promises will be proven true. Despite God’s bluntness, we (or just me lol) second guess Him. We are waiting for the trick, the gag, and the weariness hidden within the promise. We can’t take Him at His word because we are too busy looking for the “what if”. Though God never said everything would be easy and worry free, He did say we’d be prosperous and have peace. If we could just push our doubt and control issues out of the way, we could see the fullness of God’s work.

Think about when we try to prove that we’re smarter than our parents. Often, it doesn’t take very long before we hear that “I told you so” from them. Our relationship with God often follows that same model. Our parents tell us things because they’ve lived it already and don’t  want us to make the same mistakes. Similarly, God tells us to stay in line with Him because He is the beginning and the end. God knows it all, has seen it all, and isn’t surprised by anything. Standing on THAT means regardless of whether things are difficult or aren’t enjoyable, if God led us there, we’ll make it through just fine. (Deuteronomy 31:8). The question, therefore, isn’t whether or not God and His word are reliable, but rather if we are willing to put His word before our own logic?

As this new year inches closer, I challenge you to take concrete steps to trust God and His promises for You. If you’re led to do something, especially something difficult, push through and tackle it. There’s healing, blessing, and increased favor through the process and evermore. When your will wants to take charge and find reasons why you can’t do something, put your own will in check. Tell your will about what God said and what He promised to do for and through you. Actively choose God’s will everyday and watch how you continue to blossom into the fullness of who you really are. Remember that God’s foundation is solid and it can be trusted, no matter what. Are you willing to let Him work in His time and His way to see the fullness of His promises? Even if it’s hard? Even if it’s annoying? Even if it messes up your plans and timetable? I hope you’ll be willing to say yes!

New Year, New You, twenty somethings 💜