I first heard about Christ when I was 15 years old. True, I had heard of His name before, but the first time I truly understood what His name meant was when I joined a youth group in high school. Then came the world and I stepped away from what I had experienced there. I was captivated by all the different things that everybody around me was doing and I lost my way. I did not pick up a bible, say a prayer, or attend a church for nearly 5 years.
During this period, my aunt in Colombia was feeding my spirit, but I was dried up and I let my surroundings consume me. One summer night, I had a magnificent dream where I saw Jesus the size of a giant, He was at least 100-FEET tall, and He was looking down straight at me. I was marveled by His size and when I looked next to me I saw my aunt with my little cousin in her arms. I started crying. I felt God’s calling in my life and it was time to return. Months later while talking to my aunt, she described the very same dream to me around the same time and I just thanked God for choosing me. I still remember His face clearly.
Today I want to share with you the three stages I’ve learned that have allowed me to fight through a spiritual drought:
1) Examine Yourself
“Let us examine our ways and test them, and let us return to the LORD.” Lamentations 3:40
We all face challenges. Some are greater than others, but no matter who you are and what you do, you will face difficulties in your life. The verse above reminds me of the importance of reflecting often. I look at myself, at what I’m doing with my life, and at the direction I’m going in. It is usually when times get hard that we forget to do this because we either don’t make the time for it, or we just don’t feel like doing it. And I understand that, I’ve been there. Just remember that God is waiting for your return with arms wide open and it’s up to us to take the first step towards reconciliation.
Today I invite you to always keep in mind what is going on in your heart, your mind, and your soul. Every day. Wake up to this reflection and soon it will become like second nature, and you will be able to keep yourself in check. Do this and let me know how it goes for you, I would love to know!
2) Love Yourself
“See what kind of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called children of God; and we are. For this reason the world does not know us, because it did not know him.” 1 John 3:1.
I must admit I forget to do this sometimes. I go hard in every area of my life and I forget to love myself. This verse speaks volumes to me because it reminds me that I am a child of God. Just let that sink in for a moment. He chose you and I to be His children. God loves us in such a way that we cannot fathom, we can’t even begin to imagine what it must take to love the way He loves us.
Today I invite you to accept that you are not perfect, but neither defined by your flaws and mistakes. You are a child of God and He will be with you forever. The world does not know you the way He does. Return to His love and let His love overflow your shortcomings.
3) Encourage Yourself
“But from there you will seek the LORD your God and you will find him, if you search after him with all your heart and with all your soul.” Deuteronomy 4:29
Once you’ve learned how far you’ve gone and you accept your mistakes, the last stage is to keep moving forward. I’ve had moments where I just want to give up, I just want to stop trying so hard to do something I’m not seeing any results in. And then God answers me. God works in ways we cannot understand, but He will support you through the desert and He will see you through it. We just have to keep moving.
Don’t let your past mistakes slow you down and keep seeking God above all. Let him cleanse your soul and He will. Keep a strong mind and don’t fall to your surroundings. It can be easy to give up, but don’t stop moving closer to God. You will thank yourself once you’re done.
I know this message of liberation is for you today. I’ve learned that walking through a spiritual desert is not easy and that it’s also up to us to steer clear of this desert. Now I must ask you, will you keep your spirit fed and strong?
If you’ve found this enriching, please feel free to share it. Have a blessed day!