Real Hope: The Goodness of GodSample

THINGS I WOULD TELL MY 18-YEAR-OLD SELF

Things I would tell my 18-year-old self: 

Number One. It takes longer than you expect. God’s timing will seem agonisingly slow. But the main reason for your angst is that you think God’s timing is all about you. God’s plans are much bigger than you can see right now. They involve people you haven’t even met and He is thinking years down the track. One day you’ll understand. Grow in patience and trust Him. 

Number Two. It’s harder than you think. You didn’t realise that when you prayed those radical ‘surrender-prayers’, He would take you seriously. That He literally asks you for everything. The steps of obedience will be painful, but they’ll become your deepest source of joy. They will open wide doors of opportunity and profound self-discovery that will transform you forever. 

Number Three. It’s better than you could imagine. God has a future that extends way beyond what you see. Your dream will grow in ways that will leave you breathless and in awe. Never stop following Him. You will receive deeply of His love and grace, you will witness miracles, and you will find knowing Him is the greatest reward of all.

wrtten by TANIA HARRIS