I wonder if you have ever wanted to jump into a time machine and try to reverse a decision you have made in the past. Or plant an idea you wish you’d had back then.
If you could send a message to your younger self, what would you say? What Godly advice would you give?
Here’s my thoughts. Warning Mr younger self – this could be confronting!
- Don’t be so sensitive!
- Be true to who you are; share your heart from time to time but never play the victim.
- You can be a real idiot sometimes, can’t you? You know that!
- Take responsibility for the decisions you have to make but listen to alternative perspectives. If the decision is a big one, actively seek out the wisdom of others. Especially those who might know stuff.
Now, remember this…
5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart
and lean not on your own understanding;
6 in all your ways submit to him,
and he will make your paths straight (Prov 3:5 – 6)
- It’s not a case of whether you can trust God, it is more about whether you choose to. God is not limited, but you are. You are limited in your imagination to really grasp how big and powerful God is; how wise and loving and kind He is. So, stop basing your faith on your tiny knowledge and understanding. Base it on the truth of God’s Word.
5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart
and lean not on your own understanding;
6 in all your ways submit to him,
and he will make your paths straight.
- Stop being such an idiot (I know we have already had that one!)
- Remember that human beings are complicated (like you). They are never black and white, and you have not taken the journey that they have been on. In fact, cut them some slack, because some people will do that for you when you least deserve it.
- God will send you people who will be a blessing, people who will challenge you and some who will do both. Treasure each one.
- At this stage, I don’t know how things will end, but aim to finish well. All the best Christian leaders are saying this: be consistent, show up. Whether you find yourself thirsty in the desert or swimming in the season of miracles, keep the daily disciplines (of love, faithfulness, prayer and God’s Word) until your time is up.
- In all things, your number one priority is that The Lord’s name is glorified. Pray for this, that in times of challenge, heartache, conflict, misunderstandings and even betrayal, your response to each will be one that is honouring to God.
I wonder what messages you would send to your younger self.
I would love to know what your thoughts would be. Feel free to write back and let me know. I am hoping to include the best of others’ thoughts in part 2 of “Things I would say to my younger self”, scheduled to be published in the next few weeks.
Republished with permission from Blogs.crossmap.com, featuring inspiring Bible verses about Things I would say to my younger self – Terry Nightingale.
