What is Your Narrative?

Is the narrative running through your mind a positive or negative one?

Does your narrative say I am happy or that I am going to be successful despite any obstacles that come against me? Or does it say I'm not smart enough, pretty enough or skinny enough? Whatever you are focusing on make sure it's the truth and it aligns with Scripture. Make sure it's not your fears or insecurities talking. There is a great tool called the Listening Prayer which teaches you how to discern God's voice and determine if you're listening to His voice, your own, the outside world or Satan. If you want to learn more about it, contact me!

Trust me when I say it is imperative that we pay attention to who we are listening to because this will make all the difference in how you live the rest of your life going forward. Too often we allow our negative thoughts to control our lives and we miss out on so many of God's blessings because of it.

So today is the day!

Take a stand against the devil, don't allow him to steal anymore of your joy! You ARE smart enough and the reason I know this is because of what Psalm 139:14 & Ephesians 3:20 says.

Psalm 139:14

I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made: your works are wonderful, I know that full well.

Ephesians 3:20

Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us.

How many of us think like Moses and believe we're not eloquent enough? I will tell you I certainly felt like him when I began writing my daily emails to family & friends, but since then I have seen my writings evolve into more spiritual messages and I believe that is only because of God's guidance as I am trying to follow what he puts on my heart (regardless of my fears of what others may think or say). Remember friends Moses didn't think he was the best person to speak to Pharaoh or to accomplish the goals God put before him but God reminded Moses that he would help him and I can tell you for certain that God will help you too!!

Exodus 4:10-12

Moses said to the Lord, "O Lord, I have never been eloquent, neither in the past nor since you have spoken to your servant. I am slow of speech and tongue." The Lord said to him, "Who gave man his mouth? Who makes him deaf or mute? Who gives him sight or makes him blind? Is it not I, the Lord? Now go; I will help you speak and will teach you what to say."

At times our perception of a situation can be inaccurate or as Linda Dillow says in her book Calm The Anxious Heart we have a "Faulty Focus" because we are seeing situations through the lens of our own hurts, pain and insecurities. So it's imperative that we stop and pray often about our situations and ask God to clarify what we are thinking, seeing, feeling etc. ask God to help you change your negative mindset to a positive one.

Remember nothing is impossible with God we just have to let go of our control and allow Him to work in our lives. Trust me when I say this is a lesson that I just received yet AGAIN! God reminded me that He is working and I need to step back and trust His timing. I'm getting ahead of him and I need to stop trying to control outcomes. Hmmm.....BIG lesson for me.

Ephesians 5:15-17

Be very careful, then, how you live - not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.

This quote is a great reminder that we all have choices to make. Do we continue to allow negative experiences to keep us from God's plan for our lives or do we ask God to change our hearts and to give us His confidence and strength.

I love what Linda Dillow says "Many women today are nearsighted, not in the eyesight but in their life focus." "Their faulty focus makes contentment an impossible dream." "We must live as women who know the meaning and purpose of life." "We must correct our faulty focus and become women of purpose."

Our challenge today is to think about the narrative that plays over in our minds and ask God for his guidance and help to change it to a positive one.

Romans 8:28-29

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers.

Written by: Jill Theriault

Crossroads Coaching - @crossroadscoachingongodstime