22 Lessons Learned

Greetings and salutations to all who have decided to take a peek at my blog! I'm definitely praying that you will continue to keep reading and feel inclined to read my previous and future blogs. So it's been a minute since I've created a blog, but I've decided that because my 23rd birthday is on Thursday, to make one pertaining to the 22 lessons I've learned during this year. 22 is definitely A LOT but God has taught me so much about myself and life altogether during this year, so I will make an attempt lol.

So here we go with the lessons learned:

(Btw there is not a specific order of how I'm typing these. I'm just typing as the Spirit leads me)

1. Life is a journey, not a race!

A lot of times when it seems as if God isn't moving in our lives, we begin to compare ourselves to the next person. We see all of their accomplishments and blessings and think that God has forgotten about us and/or that we are behind in life. But even though things may seem stagnant in the physical, know that God has everything already figured out for you in the spiritual. You may not see the work that He is doing behind the scenes but that's why we must have unwavering faith that believes in the unseen.

2. God's timing is perfect!

Sometimes, we as humans have selfish motives and want our blessings and opportunities when we desire them to. But when God does not come through for us right at that moment, we fail to understand His "no" or "wait". The "wait" is pretty self-explanatory, but please understand that a "no" is not always rejection. Sometimes it's simply a redirection or protection at that moment. But know that if God has promised it, then it WILL come into fruition and let's be honest, the wait is always worthwhile. When God makes you wait, know that you're getting way more than you imagined.

3. Faith without works is dead!

In life, it's so important to have faith that God will come through for you regarding whatever you're desiring. BUT what's the point of having faith, if you don't trust God enough to move? There are many situations where God simply wants us to be still and allow Him to work but He also can't order our steps if we are afraid to take them. It's like believing in God for a job but not applying for it. Of course, God is able to do miraculous things as such lol but sometimes we just have to take that first step.

4. Humility will always be the key!

Sorry to burst your bubble lol, but you are NOT the reason for your success. Those talents, gifts, accolades, positions etc were not given to you because of who you are but because of who God is. He is the one who opens and creates doors for us and gives us promotions. So always remember to thank Him because we are truly nothing without Him.

5. Tone is essential!

Especially as a Christian, watching your tone while having a conversation with others is vitally important. You could have the best intentions in the world and mean no harm at all, but the way you deliver your approach matters the most. We as Christians are God's reflection, so it's key to think about how He would respond in a particular circumstance.

6. I'm a follower of Christ, NOT people!

This is definitely one of the greatest lessons I've learned during this year. As a Christian, I'm not called to answer to people because we all are imperfect and need Jesus each and every day of our lives. I'm called to follow Christ because He is the One who created, saved and knows me perfectly.

7. God's words never return void!

People will fail you in many ways but God will never lead you astray. If God has promised something for you, believe in your heart that it will happen. It may not happen today, tomorrow, next week or even next month but don't become discouraged by what you are not seeing. Know that it will happen when He believes that it's best for you.

8. You can't pour from an empty cup!

A lot of times we want to be everything for everyone, but God did not call us to do so. God is the only person who can simply be all that a person desires and needs. But when we try to take on His position, we then realize how draining and frustrating that can be, leading to physical and mental exhaustion. There's absolutely nothing wrong with caring for other people but we must remember to care for ourselves first. & That does not make you selfish at all because if you don't keep yourself up, who will?

9. It's either God's will or your own!

A lot of times we pray for His will to be done in our lives, yet we contradict that by doing our own thing. It's either that you're going to allow Him to work in your life or you are going to be the one in control. But you can't say that things are in His hands, but constantly remove them.

10. Community is so important!

This does not have to be about your physical community (where you live), but it could be if you stay around family, like I do lol. I more so was talking about the spiritual and/or those who surround you daily (family and friends). A lot of times we want to be solely independent which is great to a certain extent, but you will not progress spiritually without accountability partners and those who will encourage you to be better in every way possible.

11. Prayer works!

I've heard many people say "praying is good but what will it do? We have to do more than that" and it kind of makes me sad. Prayer does everything and I definitely can attest to that. As long as you're praying with faith and for things that aren't contrary to what God stands for, prayer will always work! There is not a certain formula to praying either. As long as you're being genuine with God, that's what matters the most to Him.

12. Know God for yourself!

It's so important to know the Lord for yourself and I can't stress this enough. There are many people out here who claim to have great intentions but really will lead you astray, if you're not careful or spiritually attentive. Go to church, read the Word, and simply spend time in His presence because you're responsible for your own walk with Christ.

13. Image is so important!

I've always heard that your image was so important, especially when it came to branding and networking in college. But I never realized how important that was spiritually as well. With us being Christians, we will always have people watching us, whether their reasoning is to become inspired or to simply bash. But we have to remember that we are reflections of Christ and we have to carry ourselves accordingly. Because we can't lead people to Christ if we are carrying ourselves in a similar manner as they are.

14. People are temporary!

This lesson definitely sucks because nobody actually wants to lose their loved ones, especially to ignorance and petty drama that could be resolved. But the harsh reality is that nobody is promised to be in your life 24/7. As much as it sucks, God knows what He's doing in our lives so if He removed someone from your life, know that it was for a good reason. Elevation requires separation and not everyone you love, can go where you're heading.

15. Being content is key!

One of the reasons why God was not elevating me as quickly as I desired, was because I was not content with where He currently had me at. We can't pray for more or even better, when we aren't appreciative of the little. A lot of times we don't want to be where God has us, but instead of whining about it, pray and ask Him to reveal why you're there to begin with.

16. God is my provider!

It does not matter if I have a job or not because God always takes care of His children. At one point I actually did believe that the job was my provider and I solely became dependent on it. But when I went to school and left my summer job, I realized that God took care of me in spite of not having a job at the time.

17. Spend time with God because you desire to!

A lot of times we try to squeeze quality time in with God when we have free time in our schedules or even force ourselves because we feel the need to. But spending time with God should be something that you desire to do because you want to know Him better and be more like Him.

18. Obedience is better than sacrifice!

When God instructs you to do something, in spite of not understanding or thinking that you're not fit, remain obedient. Sometimes we wonder why God chose us to perform a certain task but instead of questioning, we should be honored that He saw fit for us to even do it to begin with. You may not have the money or "qualifications" in your opinion, but God will always honor obedience.

19. Fear is not of God!

There's so much going on in the world and sometimes, it gets so overwhelming to the point that you become cautious in all that you do. But I pray each day to remember that fear is not of God and that He will continue to keep me covered in His precious blood. God has not called us to go throughout life with doubts, anxiety and fears but to live in the victory that He has destined for us.

20. Tomorrow isn't promised!

Life isn't promised to anyone so give people their flowers while they are alive. Tell your loved ones how much you love and appreciate them while you can because you just never know when God will call either of you home. Not only that, but if you have an issue with someone, solve it today because you don't want anything to happen and end up remembering that you left off on bad terms.

21. Fasting is essential!

Personally, the best fast for me in this current season is taking a break from social media. Sometimes, the enemy can use social media as a tactic to make you compare your life to the next person or even seek validation. So sometimes, it's very critical to get away from social media because even though there are perks about it, if you aren't careful the negative aspects can be a distraction.

22. Lastly, joy is sent from God!

A lot of times we try to find our happiness within people and/or material things but the truth is that joy only comes from our Heavenly Father. Only He can complete you and fill any voids that are within your life and heart. When you begin to seek Him, you will notice that He is the source of your positivity.

Well by the grace of God, I was able to come up with 22 lessons that I was blessed to learn during this year. Of course I'm sure that I learned way more than 22 lessons but these were the ones that was laid on my heart to share. I pray that the lessons I've learned are able to help you all out in any way, shape or form. God bless you, I love you and let me know what you think :)