Y’all. God is so so good. 

But I forget this WAY more than I remember it. I mean this life is so distracting. I get overwhelmed by the flood of assignments, tests, volleyball games, meetings, and not to mention the necessity of a social life (am I right?).

The devil constantly surrounds us with things that will distance us from God. These things are not necessarily bad, but they aren’t pushing you to Jesus either. You might not be actively running from God, but if you are not intentionally pursuing Him, what’s the difference?

It is so easy to forget who God is when you are not spending time with Him and reading and discovering His character.

Well, this week has been a time of reflection and reminders. I have had a rollercoaster of emotions. Bad things have happened, things that make me angry and frustrated; things that make me homesick and sad. But good things have happened too; things that make me laugh till my stomach is in knots, things that fill me with hope and potential, and things that make me cry out a big “thank you Jesus.”

But y’all, this week I have also learned that I cannot just say “thank you Jesus” in the good times.

I can’t just mope through life and wait for the circumstances to align the way I think they should.

I can’t be so self-centered that I am only concerned with my personal life and not the lives of those around me.

I am a KINGDOM MAKER guys!!! That is what you become when you choose to be a Christ-follower. You are to act on the great commission and make disciples of ALL nations to further HIS kingdom (Matthew 28:16-20). Therefore, you are a kingdom maker.

And because I am a Kingdom maker, my life is NOT my own (Romans 8:9). Everyday, every second, I should be thanking Jesus for SAVING me, for giving me new life in Himself and for the ability to have a relationship with the Father and glorify Him forever. No matter my circumstances HE is my joy and my salvation and my song and I should be saying “thank you Jesus” all the day long. I might not be able to see his plan in the moment or in the situation I am in at this time, but I know his promises are true and that He works out things for the best for those who love Him (Romans 8:28). And guys, I am choosing to trust Jesus because He is the one individual who has NEVER let me down and never will (Deuteronomy 31:6). And even though the circumstances of this world will still, sometimes, get the best of me (I mean I am only human), I know that God’s plan is so much greater than my plan (Isaiah 55:9).

I also think of the verse that reminds us to consider it JOY when you face trials because it produces perseverance (James 1:2-4). It is an HONOR to suffer for Jesus. He gave his LIFE for us, so to have the slightest opportunity to live for Him seems like a no-brainer, and yet we are still quick to complain, to talk back, and to explain why we know better and why this should not be how things are. God tells us to be slow to anger and quick to listen (James 1:19). So instead of freaking out about a no good, terribly bad Monday, why don’t we stop and think “How can God be using this for His glory?” or “Thank you Jesus, for another opportunity to grow.” Well God gave me this reality check this week and I have found a new joy by refocusing my eyes on HIM. I cannot wait to see how God’s plan plays out in my life and in the lives around me because I know it will be breathtaking, miraculous, and unfathomable.  It may start with a little discomfort, or even heartache, but the end result, as in everything that comes with hard work, will be well worth the struggle in this life.

I just hope that today you are reminded of how AMAZING our heavenly Father is and how much He loves you. Remember to keep your eyes vertically focused (On the Lord) and not at the fluctuating circumstances that surround you.

No matter your situation, He is sovereign and He is good. 

Thank you Jesus.

-Megs