I absolutely love being a teacher! As trying as it can be at times, it has way more perks. I love knowing that I can impact the lives of my students each and every day. I love seeing their excitement for life….it is absolutely contagious. I love getting to know them and feeling as though they are my family. I love being able to use my creativity in lessons in order to keep learning exciting for my kids; and I love anticipating a snow day!! Yes, the timing of the snow fell just right and we got “the call” that school was canceled today.
I knew without a doubt, I wanted to spend my snow day processing through what the Holy Spirit has been whispering to me lately. As usual, I have been holding the word patience in my hand and at times wanting to throw it at something. My excitement for life can get the best of me at times and I tend to want to rush through things. I’ve been trying to focus on enjoying the little things that I had talked about in my previous post, and not focusing on my plans for the future.
While I challenged myself to enjoy the little things, the Holy Spirit has thankfully and softly been calling my name. I continue to hear that I need to run towards the Lord and make sure I am living to achieve his will, instead of my own.
“Those who live according to the flesh have their minds set on what the flesh desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace. “ - Romans 8:5-6
I’ve found that even though the Holy Spirit may place something on my heart, and test me with what my flesh desires, I still have to make the choice of being governed by my flesh or the spirit. Romans states very clearly that “the mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace.” To me the choice is simple, but is a constant decision each and every day that can be difficult at times.
When I started to think about how I would feel if all my earthly desires were fulfilled, I selfishly thought that would be impossible. Yes, I know, that sounds absolutely human, and you’re exactly right. There will always be something else my flesh desires. Our hearts are wired to desire love and relationship. They are wired to have a purpose and direction. Our hearts are wired to love one another. All of our hearts desires stem from being made in the image of Christ, which is who we are called to mirror our lives after.
“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.” - Romans 12:2
Knowing God's in control is so freeing and can lift so much off our shoulders. Knowing God and spending time in conversation with him can allow us to know his pleasing and perfect will for our lives.
If we have accepted Christ into our lives, we may know exactly what this voice sounds like. God’s gift to us is the Holy Spirit. That little voice inside our heads will continue to push us towards Christ, but it is our choice to listen or ignore.
Take the challenge with me, to listen to His voice and say yes to His call for our lives. Let’s see what he has in store for us. I don’t know about you, but the words “pleasing” and “perfect” definitely have me curious!
CHALLENGE
What do you need to let go of and hand over to the Lord?
Study God’s will with the following scripture: