Pastor Tricia's Ramblings

In a world where challenges seem to multiply every day, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and alone. Yet, as history shows, each generation has faced its own trials, and the truth remains—we are not alone in our struggles. Philippians 4:13 encourages us to remember that “we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us,” and with His spirit within us, we have the power to live boldly for Him.

This week, we will explore practical steps to live out our faith with boldness, starting with a crucial foundation: discerning who we are truly trying to please in our lives.

Stop Pleasing People and Start Pleasing God

By our very nature, we often seek validation and approval from the people around us. Whether it’s friends, family, or colleagues, their acceptance can provide us with a sense of confidence in our choices and actions. However, chasing after the approval of others can lead us down a path of compromised values and tarnished integrity.

The first step toward living boldly for Christ is to resolve to please God rather than man. Galatians 1:10 reminds us, “If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ.” To be used for God’s glory, we must recognize that our focus should not be on winning the favor of those around us.

Consider Jesus, who chose to remain unwavering in His message despite the pressures from religious leaders. His mission was clear: to please the Father, not to garner the applause of the masses. If Jesus faced rejection and was misunderstood, why do we assume that our own lives should be free from such challenges?

Embrace Your Unique Design

Psalm 139:13-14 beautifully reminds us of our unique design: “For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made.” God crafted each of us with a specific purpose, intricately detailing who we are meant to be. Understanding this allows us to appreciate not only our own gifts but also the unique talents of those around us.

Not everyone’s journey of faith is the same; some might experience a dramatic conversion, while others, like myself, may find our calling in the most unexpected places—a simple park bench, for example. Trusting God’s plan means valuing our contributions and recognizing that we all possess unique gifts that can glorify Him.

Learn to Say No

Lastly, let’s discuss an empowering yet often challenging word: “no.” In Matthew 12:38-39, Jesus demonstrates the importance of discernment when it comes to responding to requests. His ministry was underpinned by a clear sense of mission, leading him to decline distractions, even if they appeared to be good opportunities.

As followers of Christ, it’s essential to seek His wisdom in determining our commitments. Not every request is a God-ordained opportunity; some might distract us from our true calling. By learning to say no to these distractions, we open ourselves to fully embrace our God-given purpose.

Conclusion

As we embark on this journey of living boldly for Christ, let us first focus on who we are seeking to please. By prioritizing our relationship with God, embracing our unique designs, and learning to say no to distractions, we can make significant strides toward fulfilling God’s purpose for our lives.

Stay tuned for step two, where we dive deeper into living with boldness and conviction as we navigate our faith in today’s world.

Together, let’s remember that we are called to be bold, not for the approval of others, but for the glory of God.