Take A Step Back, Now Move Forward!

Sometimes we need to take a step back.  You know how it is.  When we are too close to the situation, it is sometimes difficult to understand what God is saying to us.

As we ponder the events in our lives, it really helps if we give them an eternal perspective. When we are caught up in the “moment” it is difficult to think clearly. That is why it is so important to remain closely connected with Jesus.

Jesus gives our lives meaning.  When we live purposefully we remain content and at peace.  There will be times when we lose focus but it is so important to be conscious of what is happening in and around us.

It is so much easier to bounce back when we hold firmly to His hand no matter what happens in our lives. It is so much harder to find our “way” when we leave Him to wander aimlessly.  Sometimes because of pride we do not want to admit to family or friends that we are “lost.”

Friend, try not to go wandering off in the woods by yourself!  Too much precious time is lost that way.  Really, there is nothing new under the sun.  Really, Jesus does know the way better than you do!  A spiritually mature man or woman is one who has learned to lean on Jesus, as only by leaning on Him can you gain true independence, true freedom and a true sense of direction and purpose in life.  This is one of the paradoxes of life.  By leaning on Jesus we become tall and strong.

Jesus already has our lives all figured out.  Remember he was with God from the beginning!  He is the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end.  What better person to place our trust in!

It is so much easier to give him the controls. Show me a strong man and I will show you someone who has learned to trust in God with all his heart, and to lean not unto his own understanding.  Show me a strong woman and I will show you someone who has learned to acknowledge God in all her ways.  

When we allow God to direct our path we gain confidence.  We can move about and complete our daily tasks with the assurance that comes from knowing that we have placed our trust in someone who is all powerful yet who truly cares about us.

So take a step back, then move forward! Ask Jesus to take control of your life today!  Let Him lead you day by day.  Let Him give meaning to your life.  Give Him all your cares and trust Him to guide you each step of the way!

Leila Rose-Gordon

9-22-12

You can conquer this mountain!

The new year has started and some of us took a big leap of faith and started off with a bang, trying new things, taking bigger risks, forging new links, new friendships, starting new ventures.

A little scary, isn't it? But it sure beats straddling the fence waiting for something to happen. The status quo does not change without effort on our part. We have to step out in faith-walk on the water so to speak, answer the call and walk, not looking at what we can do, but on what God can do!

Truly, without faith it is impossible to please God. Faith is our acting as if God is in charge of our lives and we are following His lead. Doubt and fear is our cowering from life, convinced that God has left us alone to our fate, whatever that may be.

In 2012 I challenge all of us to move mountains with the little faith we possess. Let us remove the mountains of fear and doubt that block our path to success. Let us remove the mountains of negative thinking and fear of the unknown that hold us back. Let us remove the mountains of unbelief and cynicism that have shackled us for so long. Let us take the leap of faith now. Let us take up the challenge and move forward, confident that God is leading us and will never leave us!

I do not know what is your particular mountain that you are standing and gazing at. But you will not accomplish anything if you just stand there gazing upward. You have to act in faith. Start climbing. Even if you fall back a little. Rest if you must, but keep on climbing. Some are behind you. You give them courage when you keep moving. Take courage from those who are ahead.

I am confident that you will conquer your mountain when you move forward in faith. As you climb, stop often and help someone who is weary, or faint, or struggling in some way. Pause often to look at the view, and maintain your true perspective.

As you climb, leave markers so others will know that you passed that way and so receive comfort and reassurance as they too toil upwards.

Finally, when you reach the mountain peak, sit for a while, and give thanks. Revel in the moment, but not for too long. Do not forget that the challenge continues. The valley is beautiful, but remember there are other mountains waiting for you to climb.

To your success in 2012 and beyond!

Leila Rose-Gordon
1-2-2012