My Story: What I Used To Be

I used to fill empty, walking around on my path of brokenness. Searching endlessly for more, but not knowing where to look. I feared not pleasing others, I feared not being liked, I feared the reality.

My trust was planted in people and possessions. My emotions changed like the wind. And I couldn’t understand or comprehend why life wasn’t perfect. My job wasn’t enough, my relationships were not enough. There was still something missing…

On the outside looking in, the façade looked picture perfect, young, thriving, chasing dreams, the future was bright, but inside I knew things were not sitting right. Something seemed wrong, something was missing and I couldn’t find it. I was hunting; searching for it, but always came up empty.
                                 
Sometimes it’s not until darkness comes completely in, surrounding you to the point it tries to bury you, do you see where the light comes from. It's at this time, it’s at this very moment that you can plant yourself in something that never changes, that never leaves you, that never turns its back on you.

When everything fell apart for me, I was able to understand to comprehend that the only truth, the only solid foundation to plant yourself in, is the relationship you have with one faithful Friend. A Father like no other, a true Counselor, your stability can and only will be found in your personal relationship with Jesus Christ.

In my darkest hour His light took a hold of me, He comforted me, surrounded me, strengthen me and loved me. I traded conflict for His compassion, I traded fear for His faithfulness, I traded anxiety for His answers.

I used to fill empty, but today everything I need, my Savior gives to me.

I hope that my story encourages you to tap into your personal relationship with the One that created you- what I found was not just for me, but it’s available to all those who choose to believe!

"Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you'll recover your life. I'll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won't lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you'll learn to live freely and lightly."

Matthew 11:28-29(MSG)

And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.

Philippians 4:19(NKJV)

You are fearfully and wonderfully made
(Psalm 139:14)
Melissa

Who’s Writing Your Story?

We each have a story that details our memories, our experiences and our heartaches.  A story that identifies who we are, what we have been through and what we have overcome.  For some of us our story will outline what has crippled us, what bumps in the road we have experienced and will give us our very own war story: to tell, to remember, to define us.

But what about the story going forward? Who are you going to let write it? Yourself?  Others? Or the one that create you?

Will your story of the next year, the next five years, the next decade map out how you want events to unfold. Will you dictate how your life is run, will you single handedly write the details, page by page. Will you control each movement, each memory. Will you be responsible for each void or each mishap?

Will you let your family, friends or career write your story? Will your pages be filled with all the long hours on projects at work? Will your memories be filled with all the hours spent in meetings, conference calls and board rooms? Will your memories be full of doing things for others? Living the life they want for you?  Will your stories retell the times when people wanted something for you, and you put them first- ignoring what your heart desired?

Or will you story be the one that Jesus made for you? Will you follow His plans, His design, His reason that He gave you life? Will each breath be taken under the plan that you are working towards your purpose? Will your stories tell how much Jesus loves you? Will your life retell all the blessings He gave you? Will your memories be about how much love you showed, and how much love you received from the One that created you?

We all get a story. It’s up to us to decide who we will let write it. We can spend our time writing our own story- the story we think we should have. The story that we want, the story that we map out in our own minds. We can let others write our story for us. We can live for others and we can bury ourselves with work and family obligations.And when the time comes for us to tell our story, we will only have what others wrote. Or we can simply rely on Jesus.  We can live a life that is focused on His plan for us, so that when we tell our story it will be God’s story.

God loved us enough to give up His only Son, He loves us so much that He created us. Not only did God give us life, but a true purpose. Don't spend your time allowing others to write your story. And don’t spend time chasing things that don't align with the reason you were created. Let your story be the one God designed.  If you don’t know what that looks like, spend time with God, pray, read His truth- the Bible. In time you will gain insight and clarity on what your story is suppose to be.

Many plans are in a man's mind, but it is the Lord's purpose for him that will stand.

Proverbs 19:21 (AMP)

We are assured and know that [God being a partner in their labor] all things work together and are [fitting into a plan] for good to and for those who love God and are called according to [His] design and purpose

Romans 8:28 (AMP)

You are fearfully and wonderfully made
(Psalm 139:14)
Melissa