Let’s face it.
Life is hard.
Our identity as an individual is in constant strife–battling against the principalities of this world, and to top it off there is never-ending input from secular media, social surroundings, and false ideals that have been etched within the advanced first world society that we live in.
Is this introduction too raw in your opinion?
I think so too! But as I type this out, these are the very emotions and words that come to mind. Lately, I’ve been in deep reflection (when am I not?) of where I am in life and who I truly am. As I take my thoughts and questions to God in prayer, I constantly find myself concluding that no matter what I do or don’t do isn’t all that important.
That last statement doesn’t really make sense, I know. But let me clarify what I mean by it.
You see, there have been quite a few transitions in my life as of late! (And they’re all good ones) I can honestly say that I am infinitely grateful for those blessings in my life, but the fact of the matter is that my humanity can sometimes get the best of me. There are times when I need the constant reminder that this life isn’t about me or how I perform, and that there is more out there. More amazing surprises that God has planned out for me. I know that the more I grow in spiritual maturity, the more I will be available to hearing His voice as well as be an empty vessel for Him and for others.
My prayer and goal in this life [and particularly this week] is that I will be completely emptied of my own selfish thoughts and desires. Oftentimes that sneaky little voice will whisper to me that I’m not beautiful enough, or smart enough to carry out the things that God has in store for me. However, the one thing that has been getting in the way of His plans is me, myself, and I.
I (WE) NEED TO CAST ALL NEGATIVE THOUGHTS OUT OF OUR LIVES!
I’m not talking about just “positive thinking” type of practice. I’m talking about casting those things out in Jesus’ name! Because His name holds power, and His name is LOVE itself. One verse that comes to mind is…
“There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out all fear…” ~1 John 4:18~
And God is love.
I need to meditate on this verse whenever fear of the unknown creeps up into my thoughts. I need to “take every thought captive and make it obedient to Christ.” (2 Corinthians 10:5)
Obviously, not every one of us will agree on this whole subject simply because of the fact that our beliefs and world views may be different. Nevertheless, I challenge myself and you to call out to God in desperation whenever we’re hit with a force [negativity, fears, etc.] that’s “greater” than us because frankly, this has been my lifeline! 
By the way, if taking that first step to crying out to God is scary, then this might encourage you a bit:
I’m not trying to coerce my faith unto any of you because that’s not going to do any good; my hope is that you will give your struggles to God and know the same freedom that I have when I trust in Him. Now, when I trust my own wisdom, then I get in trouble. Heh…but that’s another story. 
He doesn’t promise us a problem-less life on earth, but He does promise us peace and stillness in the midst of the storm.
These very things I “preach” to myself as well because time and again I find that I lack in faith, even more than I thought I did. And I believe that’s the first step to discovering one’s true identity. Knowing that we fall short of perfection, and that we need Him to show us not who we are, but whose we are.
Really, it’s not about how much we accomplish or what we make of ourselves, but it’s simply about being still before Him and know that He is God.
Faith and trust in the Lord have been my anchor as of late–as it always should be. Trusting Him that I am His daughter and that I am worthy of His calling has been a challenge as I adjust to this new chapter in my life, but I know that He gives me joy, peace, and strength to take on anything that comes my way.
I apologize if this sounds like a vent session! I guess it kind of is, but I’m typing it out to process all my thoughts, all whilst hoping that somebody out there will be encouraged. 
Know that you are precious, beautiful, and worthy of God’s love! Have faith that He has a plan for you, and that He truly works out everything for the good of those who love Him. Please remember these promises, because I sure need to remember them and live by them as much as I can!
How have YOU been doing lately? I sincerely want to know!
Are you facing obstacles in your life? If so, have you been dealing with them?
Have a beautiful day and thanks for reading!
Love,
Ellie <33
{ 14 comments… read them below or add one }
Such a thoughtful post! My life has been a whirlwind of sickness, lost voice, and not being able to stay at home and rest because of interstate worktrips, running evening consultations, and hosting teleconferences. Right now, all I want is the couch, chocolate, and sleep!
Oh Hannah~I’m so sorry that you’ve been going through such a whirlwind! Thanks for sharing that, and I will certainly keep you in prayer~Hang in there and rest in your heart! and yes, chocolate definitely has a good effect on that!
What a beautiful post – sometimes we all need a reminder to slow down and focus on the important things, and that focus can make such a difference during the tough times.
yes, true that Kari!
Amen, amen, Ellie! Such a great post– and something I absolutely needed to hear this morning! Negative thoughts are absolutely no stranger to me either.
Thank you for writing this!
It’s so great and encouraging to hear fellow humans and lovers of God admitting these things~thanks for the love Britt. I hope you have a great day filled with joy!
sorry to hear that you are going through dome difficult moments, ad you day, that’s part of the life,of the journey itself. they usually leaves us with a good Lessing for the future andnin few years you will appreciate it more.
for me, whenever I find a life obstacle, I work on my attitude toward it, and when my attitude rest right, the obstacle disappear.
hope you find the way soon.
love
thanks for the regards Coco! It’s definitely not easy but everything is such a blessing and worth it because trials are what sharpen our lives/attitudes! I can tell that you’re always working towards better responses to circumstances in your life–that’s awesome!
getting married changes your whole perspecitive on life and sometimes satan can grab ahold of those thoughts. In fact, he can use them for self doubt. So true! Give your worries to God and let his word fill your mind and thoughts. AMAZING!
<3
Lindsay! Thank you sooo much for the reassurance! I wanna say though, although marriage has its challenges, but the good kind (not the draining kind), it’s mostly just the fact that every part of my life has been transitioning. But the thing that can get the toughest right now is education, job, etc., situations. And of course, if I don’t let God have His way in me then I can easily bring it into marriage! Love you sister!
Hi Ellie,
I just found your blog randomly looking for socca pancakes and am blessed that I did. Your post made me emotional because I’ve been going through something very diificult. I appreciate everything you said and it’s great to find someone who isn’t afraid to share their faith. Thank you so much. I will definitely be following you from now on! P.s. Your recipes look wonderful as well. I’m looking forward to trying your buckwheat crepes tomorrow!
Hey Lauren! Thank you so much for being here, seriously! Your words really strengthened me as I read your comment the other day. God is so good to me and it’s hard to just stay quiet!
And if/when you try the crepes, let me know how you like ‘em!
Hey Ellie, thank you for the encouraging post. I am in the midst of transition too and I am moving home really soon. It is something I don’t want because I prefer where I am now but I know God has a reason for calling me home. Thank you for reminding me that He has a plan.. a very good one :’)
Hi Yvonee! Thank you so much for leaving a comment! I will pray today that God will fulfill His perfect will in your life and help you to see through His eyes.
Where’s home, btw?
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