Simple

I recently accepted Jesus into my life. On one hand, it has been incredibly beneficial and has given me genuine joy and happiness. But on the other hand, it has been difficult. I didn't realize just how wrong I was in everything I used to be. I'm learning everyday that just being a good person isn't enough for Him. One lesson I've been consumed with all week, is the lesson of simplicity. Humans tend to make all aspects of their lives more complicated than God had intended. For example, if I have a problem with hanging around the wrong crowd, I'd probably give myself a hard time for leaving them by making excuses for their behavior. Furthermore, I'd probably say that God wouldn't know how to help my situation because there is nothing in the Bible that speaks about "leaving good friends I've known since childhood." Well, obviously that's not true. You won't find a verse speaking exactly on the issue of breaking off a bad relationship after years of knowing someone, but you will find this:

"Flee the desires of youth and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace with those

who call on the Lord out of a pure heart." - 2 Timothy 2:22

Leaving someone or something behind can be very difficult but if you're eager to change for the better, then meditating on this verse and putting it into action will be the first step to true happiness.  This verse isn't difficult to understand and it most certainly applies to this example especially if one is truly seeking God's help and love. Furthermore, God wouldn't have me join His cause unless he knew I'd be surrounded by people who love him just as much as I do.

Another lesson I'm learning, is how to look at the bigger picture. I recently got a midterm back that I didn't pass. It was the first major failure of the semester for me so I was really bummed. I went to sleep that night a little sad but not discouraged. I prayed and asked God to give me discipline and diligence to work harder for the next one. The next morning I woke up still feeling sad. Now that I sit here thinking about it, I let my emotions get the best of me. On Twitter, Joyce Meyer (who follows me by the way:]) tweeted:

'our emotions may be strong, but God is stronger.' 

It didn't strike me then but now it does. I never like waking up with the same attitude from yesterday so recalling Meyers' words were and still are a great source of truth and encouragement. My point is that while the Lord would love for me to be successful in school, He also wants me to be a devoted disciple. I can't possibly be that when I'm consumed in a test that I took three weeks ago! Living my life successfully is something Jesus wants for me but I'm pretty sure he doesn't want me losing my focus on something I'm still new to: Him!

I have another midterm in two weeks, and not only am I going to study everyday until that exam, but I'm also going to pass with a B or higher. I will not allow Satan to discourage me and tell me that I'm not cut out for political science. Since I'm kickin' it with God now, there's no way ANYTHING I do is going to fail...that's God's promise to me.

Song of the Post: Phil Wickham - The Light Will Come

**UPDATE** I got my 2nd midterm back in my political science class and I earned an 88! Thanks, baby Jesus!

[K]