Your Daily Devotional :
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Just yesterday, I kicked off my journey at THE Spelman College as a Leadership Coach for Spring 2024. Can you believe it? Little Miss Procrastinator is now stepping up to the plate and leading a course on career readiness. It's absolutely mind-blowing, and I'm still in awe of this opportunity.
You know how sometimes life throws you a curveball and puts you in a position you never saw coming? Well, this is one of those moments. It's like God looked at me and said, "Hey, you might not think you're qualified, but trust me, I've got your back. You were made for this, even if you didn't see it coming." It's crazy how He qualifies us for things we never even imagined doing, but here I am, ready to make a difference.
This morning, as I woke up, you know what hit me? A wave of gratitude that transitioned into deep reflection. It's been nearly 6 years since I was in college, and back then, I had this wild idea of intentionally flunking out because my dad wasn't going to be there for my graduation. The pain of him missing yet another important milestone in my life overshadowed any joy I was supposed to feel for graduating. It was a tough pill to swallow, envisioning everyone with their families by their side while I stood alone, staring out at a massive crowd, and not seeing one of the most important people in my life...missing, once again.
But you know what? Those dark times eventually led me to this very moment. It gave me the determination to prove myself wrong and pursue my dreams. It taught me the value of perseverance and made me appreciate the opportunities that come my way even more.
Life can be tricky like that. Sometimes our lowest moments turn into the stepping stones that lead us to greatness.
Now I've realized that procrastination isn't just about being lazy, it's also a tool from the enemy. It's all about the fear and anxiety we have about what the future holds. It's like we secretly think that if we put things off until tomorrow, we can somehow control the outcome. We wanna be the boss of our future.
It's this sneaky way of thinking that if we intentionally self-sabotage and avoid taking action, we can dodge the heartache of disappointment caused by others. We get tricked into thinking that if we're in control of our own destiny, we won't have to feel like that little girl who desperately needed her parents but they just weren't there. It's heavy stuff, procrastination digs deep.
But guess what? We were made for so much more than just avoiding stuff. God designed us to be fruitful, and I'm not talking about having a whole nursery of babies. I'm talking about bearing the fruit of the spirit and the fruit of life. It's about being productive, fulfilled, and making a positive impact in the world.
Yesterday also gave me a revelation of The Great Commission that we're all responsible for achieving so we can hear the words "well done, my good and faithful servant"
Matthew 28: Jesus dies and comes back for his disciples. Right before he ascends to the Heavens and speaks these final words to his followers, and it's called the Great Commission.
"Then Jesus came to them and said here's the Great Commission, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always to the very end of the age."
We've all been called to go and make disciples. No matter your business or your brand, the top of your strategy pyramid is to make disciples. Think of all the opportunities that exist when we remove out desires and follow Jesus.
So as I embark on this new journey at Spelman College, I see it as another addition to my Great Commission. Not only to influence my students to live a godly life, but also to impact the way my clients and audience overcome perfectionism to answer the call has over their life.
Now as for how my personal college story ended. I was in my final semester, ready to peace out and stop attending classes. Right at that moment, some seriously miraculous stuff went down. First, I got accepted into this epic study abroad program in South Africa. Then, when I returned to the states, BAM! I found out I was pregnant with my daughter, Elle.
Now, here's the thing. This turn of events ignited a fire in my soul. It was no longer just about me and my education. I had a whole new motivation to finish what I started because now, I had to do it for my little girl too.
And hold up, because the miracles didn't stop there. We serve a mighty God. Exactly one year after I graduated (with a little bundle of joy named Elle in tow, about 4 months old), my father was released from prison. Can you believe it?
It's like God conspired to bring everything together in the most mind-blowing way. So, yeah, my college journey had its ups and downs, but in the end, it all fell into place. And you best believe I'm grateful for every twist and turn that led me to where I am now.
Life, huh? It's a wild ride, but one thing's for sure: when you trust the process and believe in something bigger than yourself, extraordinary things can happen.
Before we wrap this up, let's take a moment to pray.
Dear Abba, Pater (Father), bless your daughter Reader with an abundance of mercy and grace as she starts her day with a focus on you and the assignment you've given her. May she let go of the grief of the pass and step into your holy presence. Let her experience your loving-kindness and know that you have steadfast love for her. Help her trust in the fact that Jesus Christ died for her sins and that God has saved her by HIS grace.
Grant her the grace she needs to break those stubborn habits so she can live peacefully in your ways. Reveal to her the assignment you have given her to fulfill the Great Commission. Show her during prayer that when she works diligently to pursue you and do good works, she'll hear those amazing words: "Well done, my good and faithful servant" when it's time to stand in front of her Father.
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