Step Up And Step Out

IT is a tragedy when one sees a defeated and dejected image regardless of the facade that is put up. Most bitter angry people are just people who have been hurt rather deeply in one way or the other.

Instead of going through life putting up one defence system after another, we ought to be breaking out of the niches that life in this world tries to box us into.

We ought to be striving to be as great as God intended each and every one of us to be. I was reading the other day and this quote my Marianne Williamson jumped out at me.

“Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people will not feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine as children do. We are born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It is not just in some of us; it is in everyone and as we let our light shine, we unconsciously give others permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.”

I think I speak for most people when I say that we all have big dreams. Even if you don’t now, there was a time that you did – most probably in your innocence (not naivety). And although you were told that life is hard you never knew how hard it was until you grew up. Well sometimes life sucks and it can be the most difficult thing in the world to encourage yourself especially when you’re being pressed on every side.

Most times, it is easier to throw your hands up in the air and give up … which is what we all have done at some time. Unfortunately, if not watched, out of many hard defeats some twisted theology finds roots and blooms. Like this one “If you can’t beat them join them” “Someone is holding unto my destiny”.

Even when it seems like the most difficult thing to do at the moment, strengthen ourselves we must. When we do we find that it was all worthwhile. Perhaps we should have hung around those who had experienced more victory – not a so called victory by deception, but pure old victory that comes through hard work, diligence and truth, patience and unwavering faith. Then maybe we would have learnt some of the habits that make for good success.

Perhaps we would have learnt how not to throw away the dream but to toughen up – enough to weather the storm but not to lose our humanity, our sensitivity and vulnerability but not lose common sense. Then we would have truly lived every moment and every trial would have counted for so, so much more.

Do I digress? Not at all. The problem with man and his dreams is that he has learnt how to fear. If you listen to news around the world and you aren’t sorely troubled, you were either not listening or you have learnt how to pray. It is fear that keeps you motionless and drains the spirit of strength. Troubles are what try to frighten us and deceive us. But if we decide not to be weary, no matter what the cost, at the end of the day we will learn that behind each trial is an opportunity and at the end of the tunnel is victory sweeter than we ever could imagine. And yes, sweet repose.

So no more excuses, no more self preoccupation; it’s time to step up and step out. (2 Chronicles 22:1-26)
Like Begets Like
Jesus answered them, Is it not written in your law, I said, Ye are gods?
(John 10:34 KJV)
We are life giving spirits. We are children of the Most high and therefore have the wealth of His nature within us.
With Great Power Comes Greater Responsibility
And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.
(2 Corinthians 12:9-10 KJV)

We are naturally inclined to do things we find appropriate and to do things the way we find most comfortable, but when it comes to doing the will of God, there are no excuses; Why? Because we are not to depend on our human strength or capacities but on His abundant grace that is more than enough for every need. In fact, the things that we do in our own natural energy are reprobate (rejected, unapproved and worthless) in His sight. (Titus 1:16) If even Jesus would not make an offering to God without the eternal Spirit, who are we to shun the gift and help of the Holy Spirit? We are not to be ignorant about what the will of God is, but to find out what they are and do them willingly – in all of His energy.

To be continued…
Image and Etiquette: As a young lady, I suffered much from inferiority and timidity. I had an unhealthy distrust of myself and God-given beauty. By God’s grace, I found answers in the Bible (especially the Songs of Solomon) which transformed me. His Word transformed me from a bitter, angry teenager to a cheerful, content, peace-filled and purposeful woman; Jesus changed me from the inside out. I have a passion for etiquette and image and I know that our outward image and our attitudes are influenced by our heart; therefore, image and etiquette is spirit, soul and body – just as it was in the beginning! Having been given the knowledge, experimental application and experience through His grace alone, this is what I teach. Unconventional…yes, but it remains the truth to the degree that I have understood it.

For this, I make no apologies. Website: www.regalgraces.com. Email: regalgraces@yahoo.com Phone Number: 08116706879 (text messages only).