Friday Fight: The Do-Over
Every Friday, when I wake and pray, God places something on my heart to help fight darkness beginning in our minds. Today is FF206.
How often have we looked back on a situation and wanted a do-over? We all wish we could revisit a past situation to retrieve the words we have spoken and poor decisions we never considered. But what about the difficult season that was even more challenging because of our responses? We are left feeling like failures, claiming promises to do better next time. Then what? At this point, we have some decisions to make. If faced with the same circumstances, how can we learn from our past mistakes and manage our emotions and responses in a way that honors God?
The Do-Over:
We all go through seasons of uncertainty, change, and, at times, utter chaos. While gaining perspective is often easier in hindsight, how can we posture ourselves to handle things differently next time? We want an opportunity for a spiritual do-over, meaning acknowledging our mistakes and seeking God's grace for another chance to better reflect His character. We want another opportunity to reveal who we are in Him. Does that mean we are welcoming more chaos? Certainly not. But we know these situations are inevitable, and learning from our mistakes means recognizing how their impact will help us be more prepared. Rather than dismissing our poor choices and behavior, ask God and others for forgiveness and then begin forgiving ourselves. Next, do some reflective writing. This writing should include what we could have done differently and what we intend to change when it happens again. It should include our clouded judgment, poor perspective, or anything that contributed to our distraction and write an ending that will bring glory to God. Finally, sharing this reflection with a close friend can help keep us accountable. In Philippians 4:8, Paul encourages us to cultivate a mindset that aligns with the character of Christ. Focusing on things that are truthful, loving, and grounded in peace takes us from a place of uncertainty to living a life that honors God and is grounded in faith.
When our lives feel like they are falling apart and we face uncertainties, we can focus our attention on God and His attributes rather than the weight of our challenges. In that distraction, we are shifted from walking in the flesh to walking in the spirit. Our reward for that obedience is spiritual growth. Let's examine some of His attributes and unpack how our intentional focus can cultivate spiritual growth. Below are some of God's attributes to contemplate:
1. God is infinite – Through and after our painful season, God will still be holding everything together, and always in control.
2. God is unchangeable – While our situations fluctuate, God's nature remains constant.
3. God is self-sufficient – He relies on us for nothing, but we depend on Him for everything.
4. God is Omnipotent – His power has no limits; anything He desires will happen.
5. God is Omniscient – He is all-knowing. In our chaotic season, we can only see one perspective through our limited lens. He sees all, especially the bigger picture.
6. God is Omnipresent – He is everywhere, including in the middle of our problems.
God's grace continually offers moments for us to experience growth and redemption. Focusing on God's attributes during life's difficulties will transform our lives and lead to a closer walk with Him. Let's work to honor Him with our choices by being prepared for times when we are pulled away from His truths. Let our distraction in focusing on His character be what defines our character.
Pastor Shannon
River Church