You can spend your time worrying about a problem or

I wanted to answer the phone call. However, I was scanning groceries at the self checkout. Me: Do I answer, finish checking out, or multitask? 🤔

I decided to finish checking out, and then return the call. Turns out it was a very important call, and as much as I was grateful for it, I was also left in awe at the opportunity God had granted me. The call was about a job offer at my previous place of employment.

You see, I’d chosen to have faith that God would bring job opportunities my way. I’d never experienced this much faith before in regards to finding employment. As opposed to last year when I spent some time worrying about whether or not I’d find a job.

When I got the job offer, I thought about how growing in faith helps one trust in God’s plan and timing. I’ve been growing in faith the past year for multiple reasons. And as a result, I’ve been learning how to apply God’s word in my life.

To help me further understand how God wants me to put my faith into practice, I’ve been reading a book called The Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren. I learned that God uses one’s circumstances to transform one’s character and that I have power to choose my reactions to everything going on in my life.

For example, when I head into my impatient mode, I remind myself of the things I am grateful for, and I thank God for them in that present moment. I’m also reminded of how I can turn my self-centered attitude into a considerate one, such as by putting more interest on what’s most important to other people.

I’ve learned about the importance of meditating on God’s word. According to Rick, if one can spend their time worrying about a problem, one can learn to focus on God’s word throughout the day. The difference is what we choose to focus on. To put this into practice, I wrote down a bible verse that I wanted to meditate on. I reflected on that verse throughout the day for a week.

This practice isn’t perfect (to my dismay, I realized how easy it is for me to not follow through with God’s teaching…and do the entirely opposite). But it did challenge me to keep God’s word in mind throughout the day and to find ways to apply it. Challenging myself to bring my thoughts and focus back to God throughout the day is something that’s new to me.

With practice and dedication, I hope that it’ll help me continue choosing faith over worry. What has helped you the most in strengthening your faith? How has God used your circumstances to transform your character? How have you been practicing the word of God lately?

Published by The Hummingbird's Journal

Here at The Hummingbird’s Journal blog, you’ll find the perfect read that goes with your cafecito ☕ . The read's secret ingredients? Positive vibes & rays of hope. Welcome.

21 Comments

  1. Hi Andrea

    I hope all is well and you’re in good health I see you been busy as well.

    I honestly didn’t see lyrics I laced as something I would be open to make public but I have gained a lot traction and have had few bands reach out from you tube about them didn’t see as that being something.

    As my writing helps me cipher through the many dips in the fire I have been scorched from as does writing lyrics was away of letting me escaped the fucked sense of reality I have myself completely isolated from rescue.

    luas dia I do thruas Andrea

    Alex

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    1. Hi Alex

      I hope you’re in good health too. Do you play music in addition to writing lyrics? What music genre do the bands play? It’s good to hear that the bands reached out to you about your lyrics. When you’ve used the word lyrics in your replies previously I thought you meant writing in general. I didn’t know you meant literal song lyrics. I agree with you that writing is helpful. Do you believe in Jesus Christ? Have you read the bible? I ask these questions because growing and strengthening my faith in Jesus has helped me stay afloat during times of difficulty. There was a time in which I strayed away from my path with God. I’m still growing in my faith, still have questions, and I’m far from perfect like life. I feel like my faith has helped give me a new perspective in life–one in which I have found hope and strength through God. Dear friend, I pray that God helps rescue you from the fucked sense of reality that you’re experiencing, I pray that God may help you find hope and strength in the name of Jesus Christ. Speaking of lyrics, you reminded me of a song called Rescue by Lauren Daigle. It’s a beautiful song that I listen to when I need hope and strength.

      Andrea

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      1. Aye thanks Andrea

        Thank you for reaching out I am glad that you have found solid ground in God. I to, do believe that God lends helping hand and there in your time of need. Well not mine for long time I was questioning and very bluntly fucking mad at him how he could let such unspeakable to flourish or even breathe.

        The Bands that have reached out are Hard Rock and Alternative

        Writing and lacing lyrics is something I have done for very long time. My thoughts and the solace of the welcoming Dark hiding me in the shadows was on means of comfort and serenity. When those that knew about the Hell I was cast into turned an eye and did nothing,

        So forgive me for not being so radiant and raising my hands praising him.

        I am better than I have been you know me never will surrender or say I FUCKING QUIT ……No Matter What.

        I will check out that song thanks I find music very moving has so much meaning for me and a lot of ways without it I would be lost and the world be empty and corrugated vessel.

        Lá Fhéile Pádraig sona duit Andrea

        Slainte

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      2. I see your point, why does God let evil exist? Those who knew about the Hell that you were cast into shouldn’t have turned an eye. They should of helped you. I agree, music is moving and meaningful. Wishing you a wonderful day and week ☘️

        Liked by 2 people

      7. Thank you Andrea

        Yes Motion of Vision is new aspect I have infused into Evolution of Self ( E.O.S)

        It is memorizing how when we see the images of depicting in each frame you always see the indifference how each one of us deciphering to bring all images together that unfold the story.

        One of the reason I am really captivated by abstract backgrounds and artistic creativity.

        The crude slapping reality is the world we are surrounded by is filled with so much ill will and acts of senseless destruction.

        Oscar Wilde said it best ” Out of all creatures man is the only that is cruel takes pleasure in doing so”

        Give him a mask to hide his true wicked and sadistic nature they will stride with their serpent tongues as Raw Truth remains concealed by their masquerade ” Primal Repr

        Slainte

        Alex

        Liked by 1 person

      8. I see your point Alex. Abstract backgrounds and artistic creativity allow us to express ourselves and emotions. They also help us to understand where other people are coming from and their stories. Despite the difficulties you face and continue to face in the future, may your days also be filled with compassion, kindness, and goodness 🌼🌸🌷 .

        Liked by 1 person

      9. Thank you Andrea

        Thus why I created my Motion of Vision they’re the fragments that tell the story.

        Putting the bread crumbs to pieces that emulate the whole expression of reflection.

        What is very unique and daunting at the same time is how vivid one’s creative expressionism can resemble to their quandary eye.

        Slainte

        Alex

        Liked by 1 person

  3. I’m glad to hear that you got some good news.
    God and faith are very important to me.
    They say that faith tests are meant to either break you or make you. I found that my faith strengthens when I’m hit with difficult situations.
    I’m not perfect but I try to listen to Him and follow His guidance.
    We had a couple of great preachers in our church. Unfortunately, they got swapped recently and the new ones seem… off. I have to remind myself to give them a chance.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. Thank you, Sam! For sure. I hear you on strengthening your faith when facing difficult situations. And of listening to Him and following His guidance even though one’s not perfect, I’m with you on that one. Yes, for sure! I’ve always liked the preachers that have a sense of humor, and when there’s new ones I also find myself remembering to give them a chance.

      Liked by 1 person

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