My Personal War Strategy for Young AdultsSample

DAY TWO - The Skillful Teacher - YOUR PAST CAN MAKE YOU!

Have you ever looked back on something you’ve done and immediately thought “Why did I do that?” followed immediately by, “I will never do that again!” It’s funny how clear your vision can be when you look back on your past mistakes—especially when those mistakes occur in moments when it felt like you were living your best life. 

Remember when YOLO was a thing? I’m not saying we should bring it back, but there is something to be said about giving yourself grace because, well, you’ve only lived once. Why are we so hard on ourselves, as if we should already have the wisdom that is only deposited into our souls when God’s presence and our experiences collide? Errors in judgement have a funny way of leading us into a deeper knowing of God, self, and others. Sis, part of growing up is making mistakes. There will be moments when you ignore the whispers of God. So do I sometimes. The truth is that many adults do too. One of the lessons that my experiences have taught me is that God will not yell at us to be heard. We must submit ourselves to God’s voice so that we can hear from God. Eventually, your not so good choices, errors in judgment, and failures will be exchanged with God’s wisdom, keeping you from messing up in those areas again. News flash: the entire time you’re messing up, God still loves you because God chooses to see you at your best. And for the record, so do I. 

Your past will make you into an incredible masterpiece, if you just trust the process. The only time that looking back is required is when you’re taking inventory of how far you’ve come. Sis, we need you—the unique, beautiful, messy self that you are. The world impatiently awaits the highest version of you. 

Moment of Reflection: Marinate on the things that you wish you could change. Maybe it’s a past regret, a heartbreak, or maybe it’s something you should have done but didn’t. Now, allow grace to be the foundation of your thoughts. The past is like a buffet: take the memories you want to keep and leave what you don’t. You have to surrender the internal conflict so that you can receive God’s eternal peace.

Prayer: God, thank you for your perfect peace. I have internal conflicts that war against who you have called me to be. I pray that you dismantle every thought that doesn’t align with how you see me. Help me to align my thoughts with your thoughts. I trust that you will lead me, guide me, and protect me. Thank you for your covering. Amen.