September Faith Challenge

We all have our weaknesses, despite our seemingly flawless lives on Facebook. Social media isn't typically the place we broadcast our illnesses, failures, and hurts. It's an outlet that most of us use to share our successes, exciting news, and idyllic pictures--myself included. 

I've often heard that people think Tim and I have "the perfect, all-American life," from what they see online and hear via others. My husband serves our country, I had a successful (albeit short) career as a teacher, we have a beautiful daughter, I have the opportunity to be a stay-at-home-mom, and we are rooted in our faith. Yet, we endure the same trials, and dare I say more, as every other family. Our closest friends and family know about illnesses, near-death experiences, and our struggles to live like Christ. We are real people that deal with real problems, but thank the Lord, we have His Word to strengthen us in our trials. 

I've been praying for years for God to work in a certain area of my life that lacks a resemblance to Christ. 
I know He is faithful and I am waiting for His answer. Recently, I began wondering if the answer I seek hasn't yet come because I'm not willing to do the necessary work. Maybe God has been speaking, but I haven't been listening. This thought came last week when I encountered Philippians 4:8: "Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--think about such things." In these fiercely wise words I find my answer. Now that I can finally see it, am I willing to do the work? When my thoughts turn from what is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, or praiseworthy, will I choose to live Philippians 4:8 instead? 

This month (and for the rest of my life), I pray for the strength and desire to live out the above verse. How much more glorious, fulfilling, and rewarding life promises to be if I keep Philippians 4:8 written on my heart. Despite our inevitable immersion in a world of sin and dissatisfaction, I hope you join me in September's challenge to be enveloped by this AWEsome spirit of Christ.