With growth comes the winds of change and the winds of change brings about growth.
Who causes the sun to shine? Who commands the waters to wave? Who is it that breathes the winds of change. . . my heavenly Father, of course! He is the Creator of heaven and earth and everything in it, including myself. There is nothing more comforting to me than knowing that I was created on purpose, with a purpose and for a purpose! I didn’t always know that nor was I always confident in the love of my heavenly Father.
Over the past 2 years, the “winds of change” have almost knocked me off of my feet, right onto my butt! I am normally one who loves change. I usually welcome change because it pushes me to new heights and challenges me to be a better person. This last season has shown me a new side of “change”. . . but it has also exposed me to new vulnerabilities – well, I guess they’re not new, just new to my awareness.
It is not to someone else’s credit that I am where I am today nor is it someone else’s fault when I’m not where I could/should be. While others have influenced my choices and advised me one way or another, I am responsible for my own choices. Obviously, seeking wisdom is wise; but when it comes down to it, the choice is mine. When I began to understand the importance of personal responsibility, I also understood that it’s not someone else’s fault that I’m stubborn and sometimes unforgiving. Nor is it to anyone’s credit that I am easy to talk to and that I love the Lord with all of my heart. When I put sole credit on others for my successes then I put sole blame on others for my failures, there’s no personal responsibility. Personal responsibility is a must in every person’s life and the reality of that pushed me into a new level of spiritual maturity like none other.
2 Major Revelations:
1. Identity in Christ – self identinty. I am not defined by what i do but by who i am. While what I do may bring definition to me, I am defined by Christ and Christ alone.
2. Personal Responsibility – owning my decisions and actions (or lack thereof) makes all the difference in the world. Honestly, it all comes down to obedience. . . am I obedient to my heavenly Father or do I delay in my response to His voice. No matter the case, I am responsible for myself and I will answer to my Creator for “me”.
I’m so thankful for the freedom of choice; and I am, too, thankful for the wealth of wisdom that surrounds me in the men and women of God in my life. May the winds of change continue to blow as I invite growth and spiritual maturity to be my constant companions.
