This past week in my school we have been learning about the different ways God speaks to us. God can speak to each of us in unique and different ways (i.e. audibly, through dreams, visions, scripture, etc). We were encouraged and challenged to sit in the presence of God and to just listen and discern His voice. In order to hear God, we need to make sure that any barriers or walls that we have placed up have been stripped away. Forgiveness is a very important element to this process. If we have other people or even ourselves that we need to forgive, it is difficult to approach a level of vulnerability where we can detect God’s voice. Beholding the beauty of God and the uniqueness of His plans for all of His creation is such an incredible thing. Life brings so many ups and downs, failed dreams or discomforts, unexpected events and negative relationships. It is so tough to know how to navigate all of the mess sometimes. I have been challenged by God to really take time to process through such things and to view the “no’s” in life as a shaping tool in order to either become who I need to become, or to emerge down the path that was set before me.
Society says that I need to have things figured out by the time I am 25 so that I can become successful, avoid as many hardships as possible and begin my life in the American dream. I don’t know about you, but I don’t like being put into a box. Some people may look at my life and think “man she got married so young, what a waste” or “wow she is 25 and hasn’t even started her ‘career'”. I can tell you with all honesty that nothing has taught me more about the sweetness and greatness of love like being married to Daniel. My life has become so much greater because I have a partner to help me through all of the rough encounters. In the same way, I have become so much bolder and expressive because of this time of growth before embarking on a “career” and by struggling to find out on which path I belong. The thing I am learning the most now is that when I feel distance from God, it is because I placed it there, not because He isn’t listening to me or doesn’t care about me. If I take the time to discern His voice in the midst of this crazy life, I can enjoy some of the greatest blessings I have been bestowed and I can find a friend in a world where there are far too many enemies.
“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” Romans 12:2 ESV
Until next time,
Karly
