My goal was to make my mother proud.
I didn’t make much of myself during high school. Unlike my brother and sister, I didn’t graduate on time. Nor did I take the Olan Mills cap-and-gown pictures and receive the infamous “attaboy” handshake everyone gets as they stroll across the stage. Instead, I got funny stares of disappointment. So when I enrolled at Liberty University, I had my doubts.
I was excited about a new chapter in my life but also had thoughts of failure. I struggled with math and received Fs semester after semester. I stared into a book that made no sense and wanted to give up. But the thought of letting down my mom drove me to pass.
Perhaps you’ve struggled with heartaches. If only I didn’t have to deal with this one thing inundates your thoughts, causing you to feel inadequate. God places unique callings on our lives, and it’s not uncommon to feel frustration when life hands one downer after another.
The mistake comes when we allow our life to sink into a pool of self-pity, losing sight of God’s promises. God has plans to bless us in unimaginable ways. This is what He did for His exiled people. He invited them to return to His love and be led by His peace.
Problems may appear overwhelming, but God’s peace sustains throughout the struggles. If you accept God’s invitation, joy and peace will follow. No matter how much the enemy tries to sway your thoughts from God’s plan, God will cause everything to flourish and grow strong and healthy.
It wasn’t easy for me to overcome math, but I understood trusting God would lay the foundation for me to overcome my struggle. Don’t take pleasure in self-pity or delight in mediocrity. Let God’s peace enter your heart, and let the joy of the Lord strengthen your walk.
Remember, God’s will is to see you prosper and become successful.
(Photo courtesy of pixabay.)
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Terrance Moore McCoy holds a Bachelor’s degree in Religion and a Master of Theological Studies degree from Liberty University in Lynchburg Virginia. He enjoys writing devotions, lesson expositions, and Christian fiction. He and his wife Marquita reside in Atlanta, Georgia, where they manage The Priesthood Company and Always Moore Ministries. You can visit his website at www.iamalwaysmoore.com or follow him on Instagram at www.instagram.com/always_moore where he writes and maintains his devotional series, “With God There’s Always Moore.”