Private God, Public World
A few days ago, I was engaged in a wholesome conversation with a friend about how beautiful it is to be able to speak openly about our faith in God. Truth is, I have friends, peers and acquaintances who belong to different religions or none at all but one thing is for certain, they know I do not hide my Jesus. They respect me for how unapologetic I am about my faith and yet I don’t superimpose it on anyone.
It’s a personal choice, that if my character and deeds can lead you to Christ, then I’ll always strive to be a walking billboard for Him. I’ve had a chance to also meet several people who firmly told me that their relationship with God is private and no one needs to know that. So I asked them, you’re very confident about marketing the things of the world but you’d rather keep God private? I can understand the depth of personal conviction that makes some choose to keep their faith private. Faith is intimately connected to our innermost selves, and for many, it’s a delicate, sacred part of their journey.
I believe that we can live out our faith publicly without shoving beliefs down others’ throats or becoming preachy. Instead, we should embody Christ’s love in our actions, words, and presence. Our lives can serve as testimonies that speak louder than any words spoken from pulpits or on social media. When we act with kindness, patience, integrity, and humility, we become living evangelists, showing others the transformative power of faith without even saying a word.
Ultimately, I think the key is authenticity. Whether openly sharing our faith or maintaining a quiet humility, we should aim to reflect Christ in a way that’s genuine and respectful. Our private relationship with God fuels our public witness, encouraging others to explore their own faith journeys, at their own pace and in their own way.
I pray for you this week that you can boldly share your faith with others and be a great witness for Christ.
Let it be so and so it is in Jesus’ name. Amen.
XOXO,
Lady Abena.
The Path Less Traveled
I’ve spent some time reading about people - I mean people of different socio-economic strata and I found something striking about those who became great. They usually do what everyone will not dare to. They are very isolated in their ideas, thoughts and the processes they go through in doing life. You do realize that most of us like what is familiar to us don’t you? We feel more safe, more comfortable and I think a lot of us have settled for less because of comfort and familiarity. It could be human nature or it could just be the fear of the unknown.
Do you know that the majority of people spend their late-life in regret, when they take an inventory of their lives? They wish they had been courageous enough to do that thing that was burning in their hearts. Venture off into a place they have never been or probably gathered the courage to take a chance at something they desired. As I grow deeper in my relationship with God, I’ve come to understand that the path less traveled is marked by faith and courage. Matthew 7:13-14 explains how this path can lead to one having a full and true life.
“Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.”
Jesus reminds that the narrow gate, which few find, is the way to eternal life, contrasting it with the broad road that leads to destruction. Choosing a less popular path requires you to be intentional and steadfast in your decisions. The journey may be challenging but walking the path less traveled leads to a deeper relationship with God and a life marked by righteousness and purpose. Every day we are faced with decisions and the bigger question is, will you dare to take a chance or you’d rather stick to what is familiar?
I pray for you this week that the Lord will increase your faith and courage to walk the path He has prepared for you to experience your best potential. It is so and so it is in Jesus’ name. AMEN!
XOXO,
Lady Abena
The Volume Of The Book
Hebrews 10:7 KJV
“Then said I, Lo, I come (in the volume of the book it is written of me,) to do thy will, O God.”
Oh how I love this scripture - it emphasizes that Jesus’ coming into the world was not accidental but was foretold and written about in the scriptures, what the Hebrew writer refers to as "the volume of the book." For you and I, God confirmed a similar pattern about our lives through the prophet Jeremiah that even before we were formed in the womb, He knew us. Before we were born He set us apart and appointed us as prophets to the nations. (Jeremiah 1:5, paraphrased).
The question that’s on mind most often is whether we know what is written about us? What did God write about us even before He formed us? Our lives are scripted by God’s plan but we often miss it because of ignorance, impatience, disobedience, or just our lack of faith and trust in Him.
There was a season in my life when I walked through the furnace of affliction and boy did it feel like a lifetime. I prayed to God and asked Him to show me a token of His power so that no matter what happens or how far I stray from Him, I will always remember what He did for me and return to Him. He did and also in that moment He showed me what was written about me before I was formed. It brought peace to my life even in that season of chaos. As to when they will all happen, I do not know but I am trusting the writer of my book daily and taking it as it comes.
So, my dear friend - whatever God wrote about you is sooo good and it’s perfect. I pray for you this week that He will show you what is written about you so that you will remain steadfast, patient and strong no matter the circumstances.
Let this be so and so it is in Jesus’ name. AMEN!
XOXO,
Lady Abena.