We have finally reached the end of the month. It’s funny how this is the shortest month of the year, but it felt like the longest month ever. As I mentioned in my last blog, my family and I have been going through a lot lately, but we have been keeping our faith in God. With everything that has happened, I started thinking. This, of course, is never a good idea because my mind takes even the simplest of thoughts and complicates them. Anyways, when I was thinking, God revealed something to me.

I have mentioned this in one of my earlier blogs. Growing up, I felt like there was little in my life that I could control. However, at a young age, I decided that I was going to take control of my life and not let ANYONE take that control away from me. As my relationship with God grew, I came to realize that by trying to control my life, I was losing all control instead. Yet, by giving God control, I felt more at peace and I knew that someone greater than me was taking me to where I needed to be.

“Who will rise up for me against the evildoers? Who will stand up for me against the workers of iniquity? Unless the Lord had been my help, my soul would soon have settled in silence. If I say, “My foot slips,” Your mercy, O Lord, will hold me up. In the multitude of my anxieties within me, Your comforts delight my soul.” – Psalm 94:16-19

            I know that most people struggle with giving God the wheel of our lives. We let our fears overtake us and think that we are the only ones who can solve our problems. What are we so afraid of? Well, in my case I was afraid that God would make me do things I didn’t want to do. I was afraid that He would take away people or things that I valued a lot. I was afraid that I would constantly be condemned for not being good enough. But, I was wrong.

            Yes, in a way, He has made me do things that, in the past, I didn’t want to do. This blog, for example…I didn’t want to do something like this. In my laziness, I knew that this would require a lot of work. However, this blog has been a blessing in my life. I also didn’t want to go and talk to other people about God. Not because I was ashamed of my beliefs, but because I was afraid that I would initiate a confrontation with non-believers. However, the love of God has filled my very soul and I want to tell others of this love so that they may live in it too. God has given me the words to speak.

“But the Lord said to me: “Do not say, ‘I am a youth,’ For you shall go to all to whom I send you, And whatever I command you, you shall speak. Do not be afraid of their faces, For I am with you to deliver you,” says the Lord. Then the Lord put forth His hand and touched my mouth, and the Lord said to me: “Behold, I have put My words in your mouth.” – Jeremiah 1:7-9

            Again, as my faith in Him grew, I came to realize that things happen for a reason. People would come and go…and that’s OK. God brought them into my life for a reason and they left my life for a reason. As for all the things I cherished, it’s better that they are gone. They were things of this world and all they did was take my focus away from God. I came to realize that I don’t need them. What I need is God’s everlasting love in my life. With Him, I feel complete.

“and you are complete in Him, who is the head of all principality and power.” – Colossians 2:10

            I was wrong to think that God would condemn me for my failings. We do make mistakes in life, but He is just and loving. When we come to Him in repentance and ask for forgiveness of our sins, He forgives us. Sin is no joke. There are consequences to our sins. Some of those consequences may not seem like a big deal or they may be a life-changing consequence. Other times we may not initially see the consequence of our sins and other times there is an immediate effect on what we have done. No matter what the circumstance, that initial feeling of guilt is the Spirit letting us know that we did something wrong. When we ask for forgiveness, that feeling goes away because you know that God is true to His word and has forgiven you. If you are still feeling guilty, then that is the devil lying to you. You may not be perfect and you will mess us, but God loves you and He has forgiven you. In Him we are free.

“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” – 1 John 1:9

            So, why are you struggling to let Him take control? Maybe it’s for the same reasons I had trouble. Life here on Earth can be scary and unpredictable. However, there is one who knows what our futures hold. There is one who has been there since the beginning of time and who can help you overcome anything. His name is Jesus. Let Him into your heart. Let Him fill you with the Holy Spirit and you will know what true peace, love, and security are. With Him by your side, He will show you that even in the midst of your fears, you can rely on Him. He’s got you.

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” – Joshua 1:9