Serving By His Strength
I am not an expert. I do not have all the answers, and, truth be told, I probably get it wrong just as often as I get it right. Nonetheless, I live blessed. He has blessed me and continues to bless me beyond measure. I know the pain of mistakes and the heartbreak of hurt - especially hurting others. My heart desires to be consumed by all that is God (His will, His plan for my life) and to grow in relationship with Him. I am resolved not to wallow in defeat but to walk in Truth and promise, to embrace opportunities to serve Him, and to passionately share the Hope found only in Him with those He places before me.
Encouragement
I would love to tell you that I am filled with joy at each trial, but honestly, I can't do that. However, I can tell you that being able to use the trials I have faced and the messes I have too often found myself in the midst of to encourage others is one of the most joyous experiences God has given me.
Training (Education)
When we stop learning, we stop growing, and living without growth is sticky. We feel stuck in place, stuck in situations, and stuck with our circumstances. It becomes the proverbial quicksand of everyday life. Oftentimes, we need only to be pointed in the right direction, given the tools, or reminded of the truth. It isn't about having all the answers; it is about sharing what you have learned and holding one another accountable in love.
Application
Sometimes we feel we know the answers; we see the direction God is pointing us but have no idea how to get there or where we fit once we arrive. The problem isn't in what God has called us to; our vision gets clouded between who we are, who we strive to be, and who the world expects us to be. How freeing, it is to set those expectations aside and embrace what He is doing in our lives.