Hello, friends! I’m here today with another Biblical reflection. You ready?
Before starting, I’ll give you an overview of how this reflection came about.
Last November, my husband and I had our first child, precious Benjamin. Our lives completely changed with his arrival. We had to protect and care for him, making sure all his needs were met. Parenting is a steep learning curve where your primary focus is on the baby. Talk about adapting to a tiny human! 😅
Although it was one of the best moments of my life, it was a period when I felt very alone. I really isolated myself from the world to stay in the nest and take care of the baby. Not only is the arrival of a baby a big change, but there are also hormonal changes, changes in sleep, etc. Something else I started doing was questioning the relationships I had. Why are people leaving me alone? was a common question I asked myself. I’ve come to understand my expectations weren’t met. I thought people should call me and come to my house; they were supposed to help me somehow. If I was of any importance to them, shouldn’t they look out for me? I had the understanding that in a relationship, be it romantic, parent-child, friendship, etc., each party should give their 50%. I believed I was giving my 50%, but thought my family and friends weren’t.
These questions began to bother me and I became bitter. As a result, I distanced myself from people and felt even more alone. If people weren’t giving their 50%, why should I? 🤔
But today, as I was telling the Lord what was on my heart, the following thought came to mind: “Either you’re a friend or you aren’t. There is no such thing as 50%.” At the same time, I was brought to two passages from the Bible:
For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. (John 3:16)
If we are faithless, he remains faithful, for he cannot disown himself. (2 Timothy 2:13)
I knew it was God speaking to me by the impact it made on my heart. ❤️
Have you ever stopped to think? God in all his glory became man, lived on this earth as a simple carpenter, exercised a ministry of three years from city to city, submitted to crucifixion so you and I could be saved and become children of God. He did it all regardless of us wanting a relationship with Him. He did it all out of his deep love. He did it all with his 100%.
The way God is, thinks, and acts is very different from our human nature. If someone rubs us the wrong way, we tend to cut them out of our lives and even take revenge. In contrast, God remains the same, no matter the circumstance. If I wrong Him, He is still merciful, forgiving, faithful, good, savior, friend… the list goes on! ♾️
So how do I apply this truth to my life? As said, Jesus died for me, nailed to a cross. He accomplished so many wonderful things for me and I don’t want to miss out on EVERYTHING He has given me. If He gave me His nature and Holy Spirit, how can I not reflect that nature back? I refuse to be less than what He made me to be. I must give 100% in any area of life– if a daughter, I’ll give my 100% as a daughter and honor my parents; if a wife, I’ll give my 100% as a wife and help my husband; if a mother, I’ll give my 100% as a mother and care for my child; if a friend, I’ll give my 100% as a friend and love my neighbor; if a student, I’ll give my 100% as a student and learn well from my teachers.
And now this verse came to mind:
Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters. (Colossians 3:23)
After this lesson from the Lord, I’ve been trying to do my best in every area, leaning on Him for help to excel while also allowing for His grace when I fall short.
Finally, it’s important to clarify how blessed we were (and still are!) after Benjamin’s arrival. Many people brought meals and prayed for us, and we’re so grateful for their lives. I realized my thoughts about the relationships I had were wrong, and this time with God was truly healing and awakening for me– thank you, Lord!
Well, dear friend, I brought this reflection because this type of struggle is normal, and I hope it’ll help you look at the areas of your life with a fresh perspective and a “100% mindset”. Reflect on the unique, beautiful nature God has given you. After all, you were created in His image and likeness! ✨
A big hug and see you soon!
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