It's a Process

I'm not quite sure how to start this post. I guess I should start it by saying that I've been thinking everything that's happened in my life this past year. God has changed me a lot this year, and I've learned many things about myself. Probably one of the biggest things I've learned is that my faith journey is a process. God is not going to change you overnight. Sometimes it can be very hard. I want to share with you guys some truths that I've learned and am continuing to learn.

1. Don't be afraid to let people in. I'm one of those people that knows when I need help. If you're struggling with something, don't just keep it all inside. I know that it's hard to open up and be transparent with someone, but having that trust and support is such a blessing. One of my friends put it this way: "God will not make us perfect overnight because that will not give Him the most glory. Letting others in on your struggles and letting them help you grow will give God so much more glory than you becoming perfect and never messing up." That being said, that does not mean you have to tell the whole world your problems! Go to someone in your life that you trust and know will be there for you. Even if you feel like you're having trouble talking about what you're going through, God will give you the opportunity to open up. You just have to trust Him. God has provided wonderful friends to me that give me so much love and support. I don't know what I would do without them.

2. Cut yourself some slack. Realize that you're not perfect, and that's ok. We're human. We're sinners. We mess up. Trying to be perfect all the time doesn't work. In Romans 7 Paul states that we do what we do not want to do because we are ruled by human nature. Don't put so much pressure on yourself. God is shaping you into the person He wants you to be. Know that you're not alone in this.

3. Be patient. Like I said before, this is a process. God is not going to change you overnight. It's His timing, not yours. I know that this one of the things I've struggled with the most. But God has been teaching me that I just need to give everything up to Him. That's a scary task. We like knowing how things are going to turn out. There have been many times when I've given it to God said it's in His hands, and then I turned around and took it all back. But I'm here to tell you, God knows so much better than you do. He has amazing plans for you. I know that giving Him control is hard, but it's the most rewarding thing I've ever done. He will bless you in ways you never imagined.

I don't know everything, and I'm still learning. I'm looking forward to seeing what God has in store for me.