Faith, Perspective, and the Power to Choose

Of the many topics I’ve wrestled with, there is one that has been particularly difficult: You determine the outcomes of your life.

Like yours, my fate was written far before I came into this world. From the first breath, a life filled with innocence and curiosity shines through the flesh. As we grow, we are pulled in different directions, sometimes overshadowed by the hopes and dreams of our elders, but sometimes you feel the support, and with that support comes the possibility to chase whatever dreams flow through your head and connect to your heart. Under guidance (or misguidance), we are shaped to some degree into young individuals ready to make our own choices. So, at what point do we stop placing so much emphasis on our surroundings and the opinions of friends and family for the choices we make and the outcomes that follow?

Truth is, it’s easier to blame others for the tragedies of your life, even the small ones, without taking inventory of your part. Undoubtedly, some circumstances do not apply to this concept – and those circumstances should not need to be spelled out. To put it into context, if you wake up every day complaining about something and saying how bad the day is going to be, you will rarely have a good day.

Philippians 2:14-15 reminds us, “Do all things without murmurings and disputings: that ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world”.

On one hand, I have been told since I was a child that I possessed this light, bringing joy and connecting those around me. However, as I grew, I began to feel that light grow dimmer until all I could feel was darkness. Others relied on me for help and support, but my perspective was clouded by the negativity of the world, battles with my inner me, and the attacks of the enemy. Everything out of my mouth became bleak. I felt like I was running in circles between repentance and falling. The thing that shifted me out of this was a church sermon where the pastor said something along the lines of – if you are over 25, nobody cares about what you went through in your past. For the first few seconds, I was offended, but then it was revealed to me in all the ways I let my past act as an excuse for my actions in the present and how continuing on that path further derailed my future. It was a call to healing, correction, and moving forward.

I would love to say that I immediately corrected my actions and got myself together, but I am a stubborn child of God and cannot pretend otherwise, for the Lord knows. It took years for me to change my perspective, language, and bring myself back into alignment with His word. Even today, it requires daily surrender and prayer.

The journey is not easy nor swift, but it requires a grateful heart that still rejoices, even when it may seem like there is nothing to celebrate. It is not ignoring the challenges of life, but choosing not to let negativity define the day. When you decide to shift your focus from complaining to cultivating gratitude, you begin to notice that your outcomes often mirror your outlook. Life won’t always be easy, but your response to each challenge shapes the person you become and the peace you carry.

Reflection:

• What thoughts or words have you been speaking over your day or your life lately?

• Are they filled with faith or frustration, gratitude or complaint?

• How might your days change if you began them with thankfulness and trust instead of negativity or fear?