Victory

In my last post I wrote about some of my wrestles with insecurity.  So I've been thinking a lot about that and how to overcome some of those things.  Today I thought I'd share. 

I've come to the realization that I cannot conquer these issues on my own.  So then, what can I do?  For me, the thing that has had the greatest impact is to turn to God.  In the past I've just been like "Okay God, you know what I'm going through, fix it!"  And then I've sat around and waited.  And waited.  But now I've come to the realization that I need to be an active participant in the healing process.  What I've found to be best for me is to shift my focus.  I'm learning that the best thing I can do is to spend time with Him.  I'm learning that the more I know God, the more I understand who He is.  He is showing me His heart.  In that, I'm discovering how He sees me.  When we learn about His perfect love, it's easier to set aside the way the world has conditioned us to see ourselves.  God loves us for who we are.  He wants the best for us!  Sure there are things in me that might need to change.  But the spirit of defeat does not come from God.  He sees these changes as victory!  How freeing is that?  Instead of feeling discouraged because I have so far to go, what would happen if I looked at every challenge as an opportunity for growth and potential for victory?   That changes everything!  It motivates me to find my strength in Him.  And it helps me to focus on the God that loves me so much that He gave His Son to save me!  It gives new meaning to James 4:8:
Come close to God and God will come close to you. Wash your hands, you sinners; purify your hearts, for your loyalty is divided between God and the world.  

I will never find peace in living to please the world.  So why should I try?  But when we live to please God, we WILL find everything we need.

I pray that this word blesses you.

Peace, 

Jimmy