Breaking The Habit

     In my last post, I briefly mentioned the practice of focusing on the resurrection instead of the crucifixion. Here's where I've realized this can become a bit problematic. We have an awful habit of planning our own resurrections. I know most of you will read this and probably blow it off thinking, "Nah, I never do that." I'm here to tell you that you're wrong. We all do it, and we do it constantly.

"I'm going to keep my faith strong during this time of unemployment. I just know that if I do, I'll get the position I've been wanting."

"I know that if I just keep praying, my relative will be healed from his life threatening illness."

"I'm sure that if I'm just patient and trust in God's timing, I'll end up dating (insert name)."

     In each one of these scenarios, the desire to keep the faith and persevere though rough waters is there... and that's lovely! But what follows is the belief that we know what the resurrection will look like. Let's be real for a minute, how often in life do things work out exactly according to your plan? God's plans are not only usually very different than ours, but they are so much better.

     This is quite possibly the most difficult thing for me in my faith journey - attempting to strive toward a resurrection God has created for me, instead of one I've imagined myself. How fitting that I be writing this at the very end of the year. Looking back at 2013, I never could have predicted the events of my life throughout the past 12 months. I mean that with every fiber of my being. The current status of my life is 100% different than it was this time last year. And let me tell you, the resurrection I'm currently living looks nothing like the one I had imagined a year ago - it is a million times more wonderful!

     My advice to you, as we begin a new year, is to let go of your image of the perfect resurrection. Give yourself the freedom of watching God do His best work. Don't hold Him back with your amateur blueprints. Take a minute to define the areas in your life right now that feel like moments of crucifixion - your crosses, the difficulties you bear. Then, become aware of your ideal way to "fix" said difficulties. Lastly, let all of those go. I'm totally serious. Every time you find yourself daydreaming about your ideal resurrection, force yourself to think about something else. Offer up a prayer and let God do what He does best. I am promising you right now that you will not be disappointed. He will not only meet your expectations, He will surpass them.