Word prompt--PICK
Five minutes to free-write about it
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I'm still picking perfect little tomatoes off the tomato plant on my balcony, despite it already being mid-September, and the hordes of lanternflies that are continuing to swarm--not just all over the plants on the balcony, but all over my windows as well. 
The lie I believed in late spring when I put it out on the balcony and the plague of lanternflies arrived and devoured most of its leaves, was that there was no way it would survive--let alone bear any tomatoes. And yet it did.
I'd been thinking about that as I struggled to complete my homework for one of my Bible studies on the topic of recognizing and breaking free from the lies we believe, and had been grappling to discern what on my list really was a lie, and what I wish was a lie but really wasn't.
And then I saw this week's prompt, and the first thing that popped into my mind was, "pick a lie." So the lie I am picking is that I've messed up my life and missed out on God's good plan for it due to the poor choices I've made, and now it's too late.
It's easy for me to beat myself up when I think of the squandered time, talents, and opportunities that led me to where I am today. However, the truth is that "[God] saw me before I was born. Every day of my life was recorded in [His] book. Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed" (Psalm 139:16, NLT). None of it came as a surprise to Him.
The truth is that each one of us is a Divine original, created by God for a special purpose that no one else can fulfill, and I am exactly what and where I need to be for this particular moment in His plan. The very things I feel most remorseful about are the very things that led me to Jesus.
Another truth is that God does not measure success in numbers. If I reach that one person He intended for me to reach, allow Him to use me to bring hope to that one discouraged heart, or lead that one soul out of the darkness and point him or her to Jesus, then my purpose will have been accomplished and my life not lived in vain after all.
Your posts have affected me deeply. I think this is a more personal medium than if I had read a book you wrote that was everywhere or heard your story on TV. Somehow this small venue is more effective.
ReplyDeleteWe posted almost at the same time!
ReplyDeleteI think you are a very deep thinker, and this always helps in our walk with Christ. We have all messed up in some way in our lives. Amen! God does not measure success in numbers!
This is such a beautiful, honest and heartfelt post. Thank you so much for this!
Oh my gosh Sandy! This is so powerful! It is a lie I've struggled with on and off for most of my life! Thank you for sharing His truth and for refocusing and redirecting the thoughts. What an awesome testimony!
ReplyDeleteSandra, this is so powerful and just what I needed right now as I'm worrying about one of my kids. A reminder that God is in control and I need to keep praying. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteYour post has been so uplifting for me!! We have Lanternflies everywhere!! And they love to fly and land on people, for some weird reason.
ReplyDeleteP.S. I suppose I should be glad they do not bite or sting...
ReplyDeleteGreat perspective!
ReplyDeleteThis is so encouraging. I love your insights.
ReplyDeleteBom dia, Sandra
ReplyDeletePostagem muito edificante, que o Senhor use sempre as nossas vidas para o Seu propósito, um forte abraço.
Your testimony is so powerful. Lies can be so devastating but knowing that God knew us before we were born and is in full control and anything we have done or thought isn't a surprise to Him. Thank God that He is the destroyer of lies .
ReplyDeleteSo meaningful today, Linda.
(((hugs)))
Sue