Happy Monday! I’m happy to report that I survived the last week. It was Homecoming (HOCO) and there were lots of festivities and themed dress days. It was fun. It was a lot and I was tired. #truth #isurvivedhomecoming
I don’t know about you but when I’m super busy I can get totally distracted about my mission. My mission is to serve Jesus. To love Him and love people and that sounds really simple, right?! Well, simple but not easy. Last week I found myself tired and stressed and not wanting to love anyone but me. I didn’t want to do what was right but instead what was easy. Guess what? I did the easy in many ways. I let my mind run away with my thoughts instead of taking them captive to Christ.
We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.
2 Corinthians 10:5
Truth. I struggled. I wish I had struggled well or better but let’s be honest. I did not. Yet, people loved me anyway. Friends checked in on me to see where I was and what was going on in my mind. Those are the kinds of people you want in your tribe. Real deal. Always faithful. Speak truth and life in your life.
Today as I sat in church listening to my pastor teach in Luke a verse stood out to me. He was teaching from Luke 23 and when he read verse 23 {Luke 23:23} my light bulb went on.
But they were urgent, demanding with loud cries that he should be crucified. And their voices prevailed.
This verse is about the crowds who were demanding that Jesus be crucified although He was innocent of any wrongdoing. The loud voices, those speaking the demands of the enemy were the ones that were heard. It’s like the squeaky wheel which always gets the grease. The demands of the complainers get heard. To be honest, I don’t like that…sometimes or all the time or anytime. It doesn’t seem right or just. But I remember that Jesus was unjustly accused and quietly went to the cross. He suffered for righteousness. He did what was right, not what was easy.
I’m called to a life of the same as his child. But sometimes {read a lot} I don’t like doing the hard thing. I want to do the easy thing. Why? Because it’s easy and comfortable. It doesn’t cause problems for me.
In the midst of my struggles last week, faithful friends prayed for me. Co-workers encouraged me. Parents brought me Starbucks. Yet, it took until today for the veil to be lifted and recognize the right voice. Why? Because sometimes I don’t listen. Yep, that’s true. Yep, I’m keeping it real.
Listen for the right voice, friends. It may not be easy to hear sometimes and the road might be hard but it will be worth it.
Have the best week!
~ Carrie
Linking up with Claire Justine, One Mother Hen, A Pinch of Joy, A Stroll Thru Life,
Kellyann says
Great reminder Carrie and I am so guilty of it too. Some days and some weeks I’m on it, I step up to the plate and do it because I know I am called to and I listen. Then there are other times when I am just defiant – I had a situation last week when I was and I’m not proud of it but it’s true. I am human and I am flawed, I thank God for his grace!
xo,
Kellyann
http://www.thisblondesshoppingbag.com
Carrie says
We are so blessed by His grace!
Living on Cloud Nine says
Sooo good Carrie. Sometimes it is so dang hard to listen to our inner voice. I am guilty! God’s grace is the ultimate adn I am beyond grateful for it and you!! xo
Carrie says
Thank you, sweet Andrea! I’m super grateful for you too!
Jodie's Touch of Style says
I think it’s hard in today’s world to focus on our mission all the time. But giving ourself grace is important!!
XOXO
Jodie
http://www.jtouchofstyle.com
Carrie says
It is so hard to focus on about anything with all of the distractions. I adore grace!
Nikki says
This is wonderful. Thank you for being real. So thankful for His glorious grace!!
Carrie says
Thank you for stopping by and reading my blog, Nikki! Hope you have a great week!
Shoes to Shiraz says
This just makes me want to be around you…you have such a beautiful voice!
Carrie says
Thank you, friend! I’m missing you something fierce right now. Hugs!
Brooke says
This is a beautiful reminder! Thank you for sharing Carrie!
Brooke
Pumps and Push-Ups