Goodbye
December 23, 2014
Everyone has something about themselves that they just don't like. Or, maybe we have some habits that we like, but shouldn't because they're not good for us. What do we have the power to change? You may not be able to change your nose or eyes, but you can change your attitude. You may not be able to change your bone structure or skin color, but you can change your unforgiving heart. Here are some things that I've decided to say goodbye to and leave in the year 2014:
My grudge-holding tendency. This year, I really struggled with this. I thought I had matured out of that stage, but it turned out that I just hadn't been tempted in that area for a long time. In the process of trying to let go of this grudge, God showed me myself in the situation. Although I may have been wronged, my inability to let it go hurt me physically and spiritually. I learned that in situations like this, the other person really doesn't matter. We will be judged according to OUR actions. On judgment day, we won't be able to point the finger and blame someone else for our actions. I've found that peace is so much more fulfilling than revenge. Goodbye, grudge. Hello, pure heart.
Gossip. In conversation with my girlfriends, I've found myself thinking, "Is it my business to tell? What am I fulfilling by sharing this information? Can the receiver of this information do anything to fix it?" If the answer is "no" or "nothing", keep it. Trust me, it won't be relevant much longer. Goodbye, gossip. Hello, wisdom.
My plans. Although it is good to have a plan, your plan should not precede God's plan for your life. I'm a planner, I'm anal, and I need structure. This has its pros and cons. However, this year I've witnessed what can happen when I let my plans take a back seat to God's plans for my life. He has blown my mind! He has exceeded my expectations and shown me His favor. Had I not taken a step back and decided to trust God, I would have been left to handle my own troubles. That's was my Savior is for. So, in 2015, instead of wrestling for control and THEN relinquishing it to God, I'll just give it to Him along with my plans to begin with. Goodbye, plans. Hello, faith.
-Brianna R.
In Philippians 3:13-14, the Word says,
No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it, but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us.
I say goodbye to what I was limited to, and what the enemy had planned for me and I welcome God's "Yes" and His hope and prosperity. 2014 was a year of surprises and it may have been one of the most emotional years of my life. Plans ended, and new journeys began all in whirlwind, yet one thing remained - God's consistency.
I am going to leave doubts, insecurities, unforgiveness, and hatred in the year of 2014. I am forgetting the PAST restraints that have kept me from from pushing on towards my heavenly prize. Things that have been stumbling blocks or hindrances on this journey will not make it to this new year.
I am trusting God to restore many things things that my heart cries for in 2015, but also for Him to strip away things that I need to leave in 2014. I'm quite excited and yet nervous about the places He's taking me and the doors He's opening but one thing is certain, when I place my trust in Christ, He allows my hard goodbyes to become easy. So today I leave you with this:
1. Say goodbye and thank you.
Remind yourself the year is OVER. It has ended. Whether it was a great year or not, the past is the past. It does not define your future - unless you let it. God has the final say so.
2. Don’t look back!
Now it’s time to LET GO. Forgive yourself and forgive others. Imagine any regrets you have turning to dust and being gently swept away by Christ, out of your body and your mind – never to return.
Embrace Jesus. You will have a great year next year by starting the New Year with your father who loves you. He will never fail you.
Let go and say Goodbye and thank you to 2014 for all that it gave you...good and bad, and trust Christ to continue to guide you into 2015.
-Mo'Nique B