Help the Inside Out!

     I want to spend just a bit more time on the "Inside Story", but from a different angle! As I mentioned in the last blog, we need to get our inside person right before  anything else! That is why we are upon the earth. But how do we go about getting us right from the inside out? Well, there are many words to describe it, but I think self-evaluation is one of the better ones. And to do that we need to LOOK inside of ourselves honestly and sincerely. We need to consider our weaknesses and our strengths. When we have decided what those are, it is always a good idea to write them down. Then take the time to ponder on how we can overcome our weaknesses and send them sailing out of our lives! At the same time we need to ponder on our strengths and give the Lord thanks for giving us those abilities! We should also consider how we can make them better. And a big key to all of the getting rid of weaknesses and improving our strengths is seeking the Lord's help through prayer. Seek His guidance in setting goals to overcome those weaknesses and building those strengths. And then work on them step by step! 

     Now that being said, let's not think we have to overcome all of those weaknesses at once OR build on our strengths and abilities in one big leap! Life doesn't work that way! As you consider your lists of each you can put them in order: For the weaknesses put them in order from the one you most want to overcome to the least. Of course, you want to eventually overcome all of them, but some may be causing you bigger issues and may be more serious in your life. Those you definitely want to work on first. BUT again it is up to you to decide the order with the help and guidance of the Lord. Do the same with your strengths: the one you want to improve the most right now to those you want to work on a bit later. There are times that weaknesses can overlap with one another as can strengths. But as you work your plan and seek the Lord's help you will be able to see more clearly what is what and how to work on each one step by step.

     Again, we need to remember that nothing good comes easy nor will it happen in a great big bound! And sometimes we may do great for a while and then slip. Don't let the slips break you! Get back up, dust yourself off, ask the Lord to forgive you and help you get moving again. If you don't give up you will eventually be able to look back and those items on the list have changed! The weaknesses list has some weaknesses crossed off! The strengths list may have stars by them! And as you think about it overcoming weaknesses does add more good qualities into our lives as does building those strengths, for example patience and perseverance!!!

     So let us patiently persevere and we WILL eventually get it right! And that is okay because we know that the Lord likes effort!!!