Change

Change is a big part of life. We grow up, we move, we get new jobs, we go to new schools, everything around us is constantly becoming different. The decisions we make lead us into new situations everyday and we have to make the most of these opportunities. Changes are tough to deal with and sometimes they do not always seem like the best thing but down the road it might seem like you would not have had it turn out any other way. I am learning that no matter what goes on, there is always a way to get through the roughest situations even though you do not always see it immediately. People will show you how to get through and they will provide support in the areas in which you need help the most. The best thing about change is you never know where things are going to lead, you get a fresh perspective and you get to step through the doors into a new world. God has a plan for you and the changes that occur in your life are only going to make you stronger even if they seem like the most crushing ones you have ever experienced. I know that over the past few months I have tested the waters in many different areas and as I said the other night, I am slowing things down, trying to move forward and making the most of where I am at. I am so prepared for the upcoming school year and I know that amazing things are going to happen. Everything is falling into place and I am ready to accept whatever is coming my way. Spontaneous moments have become my favorite experiences recently because they never seem to disappoint. We never know where they will lead but they have a purpose and God is right there in the midst of them. I have been blessed by God to be where I am today and to have the people that I have in my life. I have been progressing each and every day and I cannot be more thankful for the opportunities and changes that have taken place this summer.

Philippians 3:13-16 states, "Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. All of us who are mature should take such a view of things. And if on the same point you think differently, that too God will make clear to you. Only let us live up to what we have already attained." Try to not take your eyes off what is in front of you and remember that it is all going to be worth it in the end. The past is in the rear view mirror and you can see it but what is fresh today will be gone in just a short time. When you spend time thinking about what is going on and where you are going then you really begin to see what is going on around you and you are able to assess what you need to do next. If you pray about the changes that have occurred recently or are going to happen, then you will be able to better discern the situations and handle them better.

Keep seeking God and his plan for your life and you will definitely see the benefits. They might not always be visible but when God is involved in your life, it tends to make more sense in the end. If anyone needs prayer please let me know and if you could pray for me, that would be great.

God Bless,

Joseph Robinson

Slowing Down

The past week I have been extremely busy but in most ways I feel like my life is slowing down just a bit. I am finally settling back into being single and dealing mostly with the things in my own life. I am focusing on improving my alone time with God and I am trusting him with more and more every day. It is funny how you seem to have it all figured out and in an instant it all changes. It is times like these that we feel we have no sense of what is wrong or right but when we step back from the situation, we see how it all fits into the puzzle and we realize where to go from there. If we constantly try to improve without making changes, then we will always be stuck in the same spot. We cannot expect things to get better if we sit in the same spot and let things take their course. When you have God, you know that you will feel good today, tomorrow, and forever. It is the best feeling in the world knowing that somebody loves you consistently no matter what happens. I know we have all had those times when we think the world of somebody and yet we hardly know them. Well, a lot of times we are stagnant in Christ and the change comes when we begin to think the world of Christ and begin to pursue him more fervently. Getting caught up in the world turns peace into chaos and you know that the chaos will make you feel like you are not good enough for others. When you cannot get him out of your head, then you will know that you are headed in the right direction. You will not have to worry about him shunning you or making an excuse for not being able to show you how he feels. There is no disappointment in this department when it comes to God. Just lay it all on the line and he will be there for you no matter what.

A great example of all of this is Paul's conversion, he went from persecuting those he opposed but he later found that what they were speaking was the truth. In Ephesians 2:10 we see, "For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do." No matter what you are doing in life, there is a purpose and sometimes it just takes time to develop. Life is short but there is plenty of time for things to happen, I know it seems like you must have all the answers in front of you but if you are patient, then you will see that it works out in the end. It is not always easy to make it through the rough times but when you do, you will enjoy the great times down the road because overcoming the tough times brings sweet victory and confidence not just in ourselves but in Christ. Do not let anyone or anything hold you back from what you want most in life. Respect the rules and those who are in authority or control of the situation, but do whatever you can to attain what it is you want most. God's plan is the greatest ever and it trumps our wildest imagination's.

I hope you all are doing well, I know it has been a while but it is another post and something to chew on for a bit ( :P).

God Bless,

Joseph Robinson