A New Beginning - 10 Steps to Destiny!It's hard to believe that we're already at the midpoint of 2010. At the beginning of the year, I adopted the mantra, "You're destined to win 2010," and I resolved, with great determination, to see some great things manifest in my life….this year. And guess what? So far, so good!
A major part of my life's purpose is to encourage others. After experiencing and overcoming some of the most devastating disappointments one could imagine, I survived. But I didn't survive for my own benefit alone. No, now I must do all I can to help you understand that you can survive as well. Not only can you survive, but you can also thrive!
If you've been following this column since I began in February, you already know that I've stood firm on assuring that you know that destiny is an inevitable part of your life. I've shared with you three obstacles that stop many of us from reaching our destiny: fear, poor self esteem and negative words from others.
But if I had to summarize a direct path to destiny, I would share what I call "10 Steps to Destiny." They are: (1) Understand it; (2) Faith; (3) Know and love yourself; (4) Work with your gifts; (5) Guard your surroundings; (6) Deal with obstacles; (7) Never stop learning; (8) Stay healthy; (9) Get a coach and (10) Never give up. We've pretty much covered the first step of understanding destiny, and as we continue with this column, we'll discuss the others in further detail.
So, for now, let's start with step number two, Faith. This step is two pronged in that you must first believe in a power that is higher than yourself, and you must also believe in the path that you are taking to reach your destiny. Let's talk about the power that is higher than you. For me, that power is Jesus Christ. As disciples of His, we must believe in what He says to us through His Word. It's invigorating to know and to share the fact that He believes there is destiny for those who believe in Him.
There are many pieces of evidence that point to this fact, but for the sake of time and space, allow me to share a few of the ones that have meant most in my life. The following scriptures have served as reinforcements that let me know He wants to see His children win:
(1) Jeremiah 29:11 - "For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end." God definitely has a plan for your life. It's a good plan that intends for you to have hope and a future. When confusion and evil come your way, this verse should serve as a reminder that they are not part of God's ultimate plan. This is not to say that adversity will not come, but it's certainly not intended to stay and become an integral part of your life. When we face these things, we can take comfort in knowing that they are only a temporary inconvenience for a permanent improvement.
(2) 3 John 1:2 - "Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth." Many times people get the wrong impression when they hear the word, prosperity. But what we must understand is that prosperity is not only pertaining to finances; it is related to every area of your life. This verse, first, reminds us that God loves His children dearly. And more than anything, He intends for every area of our life to be in good order, and for us to do well, to succeed. He also intends for us to take care of ourselves - mind, body and spirit because as we do so, there's no way we cannot prosper. God intends for us to take care of ourselves, watch the company we keep, be careful about what we allow to enter our bodies (which are the temple of the Holy Ghost), stay in His Word, keep our relationship with Him strong, and stay close to Him. This is a wonderful formula for walking into the destiny He has for us.
The second aspect of Faith tells us that we should believe in the path that we are taking to reach our destiny. In order to do this, we must first seek the counsel of God to see what it is He would have us to do. Then, we must have the courage to obey. Many times we ask God for direction; yet, when He gives it, how often to we do exactly what He tells us to do? In far too many instances, we figure that it's much easier to do things our way. Why? Because we figure we've lived long enough to know what to do and what not to do. But Proverbs 3:5-6 is a great corrector when we find ourselves doing things "my way." We've got to trust in the Lord with all our heart. We can't afford to lean to our own understanding. If we would only acknowledge Him --- that means seek Him, obey Him, remember Him, honor Him --- He will tell us exactly what to do. Oh, yes, He will tell us. But it will take much fortitude for us to actually do it.
So, my dear friends, if you get nothing else from this message, just know that Faith is a very key component of your journey to destiny. I believe you can make it. The question is, "Do you?" God bless!
Pushing You Towards Destiny, I am
Pastor Alonia Jernigan