Erykah Badu sings a song, “Window Seat” where she describes the feeling of wanting to escape the life you are currently living, wanting to experience something new but struggling with leaving the familiar behind. In the song she wants to get away but she wants someone to love her enough to make her stay. She sings:
So can I get a window seat
don’t want nobody next to me
I just want a ticket outta town
a look around
and a safe touch down
Can I get a window seat
don’t want nobody next to me
I just want a chance to fly
a chance to cry
and a long bye bye..
Are you in that window seat, looking out so that you can hide your pain from others? Are you looking out of that window for reassurance that there is a better life for you somewhere out there? I have been in that seat plenty of times. There was activity all around me but I kept my face to the window so that no one would see my tears. I wished for a different life and a different me. I wanted to escape the life I had created for myself.
There was a young man in the Bible named Eutychus who secured himself a window seat as Paul preached one Sunday evening. I imagine Eutychus sitting off to himself in that window pondering Paul’s words and wondering if he could really have the life that Paul said he could have. As Paul’s message carried the congregation well past midnight, I think Eutychus must have been deep in thought or began daydreaming because he drifted off to sleep and fell from the window, three stories to his death.
When Eutychus fell, you can imagine that everyone was alarmed, but Paul ran down, threw himself on the young man’s body and declared, “Do not trouble yourselves, for his life is in him.” Acts 20:10 (NKJV) The congregation celebrated and rejoiced that the young man was alive, and Eutychus received an opportunity to live.
Paul said, “his life is in him.“ You may be searching for something to change or complete your life, but the Spirit of the Lord is saying to you right now, “Your life is in you.” You can change the location, the people and the circumstances, but you will still have the life that is within you.You will still have the choices that you make that render your relationships with people dysfunctional and your circumstances unbearable. You cannot change your location and thereby create a different life. Your life is in you, therefore you take that life with you everywhere that you go.
The question is, will you transform the life that is in you? You can be the person you desire to be and live the life you desire to live by taking actions that are in line with what you want. You can be who God created you to be. You do not have to sabotage yourself with sinful behavior and destructive thought patterns. You do not have to try to escape.
Simply be. If you want to be a writer, then write. If you want to be honest, then start telling the truth. If you want to be faithful then be faithful. Don’t do the things that are inconsistent with who you want to be. For example, if you want to be physically fit, don’t lay around on the couch watching TV all day every day.
Build yourself up in the life that you want to live. Read about it, talk about it, be about it, be around others who want the same things for themselves.
Don’t lose your life by pondering it away in that window seat. Get up and live!
Acts 20:7-12 (New International Version)
Eutychus Raised From the Dead at Troas
7On the first day of the week we came together to break bread. Paul spoke to the people and, because he intended to leave the next day, kept on talking until midnight. 8There were many lamps in the upstairs room where we were meeting. 9Seated in a window was a young man named Eutychus, who was sinking into a deep sleep as Paul talked on and on. When he was sound asleep, he fell to the ground from the third story and was picked up dead. 10Paul went down, threw himself on the young man and put his arms around him. “Don’t be alarmed,” he said. “He’s alive!” 11Then he went upstairs again and broke bread and ate. After talking until daylight, he left. 12The people took the young man home alive and were greatly comforted.
I just completed a 10 part seminar series over the last four months that has truly transformed my life. Our final lesson was “Acknowledgment.” It is so important to express appreciation for the people in your life who help you accomplish your goals. The truth is that none of us make it through life successfully on our own, we have people holding us up at various times and assisting us along the way.
The year 2010 has come to represent a year of completion for me. I have successfully navigated through the testing phase, and matured to the point where I am being promoted to the next level in several areas. I completed my MBA studies, completed my Landmark Forum In Action Seminar and will complete my life as a single woman this summer. I couldn’t be more pleased with the way my life is going right now nor with the network that I have been plugged into.
I acknowledge many people for their input in all that is going right in my life. My loving family, my wonderful fiancee, my children – natural and spiritual, my amazing friends, awesome co-workers, inspiring people that I have shared classrooms and seminars with, my Pastors, teachers, mentors, the people who prayed for me and held me up during times in my life when things were not going well, all the new people I have met who offer encouragement and support, the people who think they have done me wrong but have actually given me valuable lessons.
This may be contrary to popular belief, but the world is full of beautiful people who have much love and support to share with others. I’m grateful to be on the receiving as well as the giving end!
Hebrews 12:1-3 (New King James Version)
1 Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 2 looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
Sometimes the Lord requires us to strip down to the bare essentials so that we can focus on the task at hand. That is precisely what He is doing in my life right now. I was in a season where it was fine for me to be involved in several things because He was using me and training me in those areas.
Now He is directing me to focus on the vision that He originally gave me. At first I felt like I was being punished or put in timeout. I didn’t really want to put some of those things aside. However, I also see how focusing my energy in those areas was taking away from what He had given me specifically to do.
Lord, thank You for the seasons of training and preparation that You bring us to so that we will be ready when Your plan unfolds. Thank You for Your hand that both guides and provides every step along the way. I trust that every word You have spoken, You shall bring it to pass. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Hebrews 12:1-3 (New King James Version)
1 Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 2 looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
Even as my Pastor was encouraging us to move forward in obedience today, I thought about some areas where I had been dragging my feet. I knew what I needed to do but I kept putting it off as if things would change and God would change His mind. Really at the base of my reluctance to obey was fear. I was afraid of what I might lose or what certain people would think if I followed through.
It’s not like I don’t recognize the season that I am in. This is the season where God peels away the things that cannot come with me to the next season. If I don’t give up these things it will delay my entrance into the next thing He has for me. Every other time I trusted God and did what He said, the results were miraculous. So why is it still so difficult to trust at times?
From what I have observed, we as humans usually start from a foundation of lack. This is a behavior that many of us must unlearn. When things change we wonder if there will be enough resources or if we will be good enough to adapt. When God requires a sacrifice, we worry there won’t be enough left over us. Somehow we trust our own logic rather than the Kingdom principles that have been in effect from before the beginning of time.
What I have also observed is that there is no plan I could work that will produce better results than the plan that God has for me. In other words, when I do things His way, I find myself living the life that I truly want. When my obedience to His way is delayed, I find myself frustrated, aggravated, discouraged and ashamed.
I make this decision often, but I made it again today: I will move forward to the next level. The comfort zone is not good enough for me. I am living my life to make a difference – for me, my family and anyone else who wants it. This kind of life requires total trust in the Lord and submission to His Will. Are you in?
Deuteronomy 9:22-24 (New International Version)
22 You also made the LORD angry at Taberah, at Massah and at Kibroth Hattaavah.
23 And when the LORD sent you out from Kadesh Barnea, he said, “Go up and take possession of the land I have given you.” But you rebelled against the command of the LORD your God. You did not trust him or obey him. 24 You have been rebellious against the LORD ever since I have known you.
2 Corinthians 5:16-19 (New King James Version)
16 Therefore, from now on, we regard no one according to the flesh. Even though we have known Christ according to the flesh, yet now we know Him thus no longer. 17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new. 18 Now all things are of God, who has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation, 19 that is, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not imputing their trespasses to them, and has committed to us the word of reconciliation.
It is amazing the lengths we go to as people to hide who we really are, what we really feel and what we really think. We do these things under the guise of protecting ourselves when all we are doing is creating more pain.
Hiding cuts us off from full relationship with God and the people in our lives. Think about how it feels when something you love is withheld from you, or when you really want to be with someone and it is just not possible. What if someone you love cut you short whenever you tried to get close to them? After awhile you may begin to feel rejected and wonder why you make yourself available.
Imagine that this is what you are doing to the people you love. Not only are you shutting them out, you are cutting yourself off from experiencing the fullness of being loved by others. You have rendered yourself unlovable and you reject the world before it can reject you.
When will you understand that you are whole and perfect, created in the image of God? You are fearfully and wonderfully made. There is no need to hide or withdraw. Your family needs you, your loved ones need you and God needs you to be salt and light in this earth.
Talk to the Lord about your fears. Stop running from destiny and live free.
Matthew 5:13-15 (New King James Version)
13 “You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men.
14 “You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house.
Jesus said, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest… my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
How many of us are feeling light and easy on a Monday morning?
Do you find yourself in any of those categories? Are you in a relationship right now that is a constant drain on your time, energy and finances without adding anything valuable back into your life? Do you say yes to projects because you don’t know how to say no and then find yourself wishing you never signed up?
If you find yourself in a state of being perpetually tired and stressed, ask the Lord to reveal why you are experiencing that. Ask Him how you should address those areas. He will show you how to prioritize the activities and release the baggage you have if you follow His instructions.
To be stressed is to not trust God. Trust Him with every detail of your life. You have seen how the vision for your life is coming to fruition. Why would God leave you hanging now? Give all that doubt and negativity to Him and exchange it for joy and peace of mind instead.
Matthew 11:28-30 (New International Version)
28″Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
Are there things that you need in order to shape your life into what you want it to be? Do you have a list of items that are simply lacking or need to be replaced? Do you find yourself looking at others who seem to have all those things that are missing in your life and wonder when it will be your turn to receive?
If you are wishing and waiting for your turn to receive all these things that are “missing”, then I would like to remind you of the universal law of sowing and reaping.
Too often we get into the mindset of “lack” and begin to hoard whatever it is that we do have in order to preserve ourselves. We become stingy with everything out of fear that there will not be enough. Other people’s problems have nothing to do with us, we say we have enough to worry about. We say we cannot give to help another nation when we are starving ourselves.
While that perspective may seem perfectly logical, it simply does not work. The more one looks out for self, the more isolated you become. The more isolated you become, the list of things you lack begin to grow. When you cannot give of yourself, you cut yourself off from love, nurturing, support and countless other resources. When you feel you are entitled to receive help because of your circumstances yet are unwilling to help others, eventually your well will run dry. You will deplete your resources and be in an even worse state.
You may say, “I have nothing to give.” Too often we equate giving with finances. Every person has something to give. You can lend your time to help another person or people in need. You can donate your services when you have special talents and abilities. You can be a friend to someone who needs support. As you do this, you will become a bigger person as the seeds of love are watered in your heart.
Not only will you become bigger, you will become connected with likeminded people who want to help. Suddenly the things you need are being placed in your hands. The support you wished for is now readily available. With the help of others you have the strength to accomplish things you never dreamed of.
If you are in need, give something of value away. Test this principle in your life and see how it can change everything.
Mark 4:24-25 (The Message)
“Listen carefully to what I am saying—and be wary of the shrewd advice that tells you how to get ahead in the world on your own. Giving, not getting, is the way. Generosity begets generosity. Stinginess impoverishes.”
Luke 6:38 (New International Version)
“Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.”
God has a plan for your life and that plan never changes. What changes is you! You can ignore the plan, run from the plan, trip yourself up, get lost somewhere in the wilderness, blame God and everyone around you, but He still has the blueprint in His Hand. The longer you run, the longer you delay entering the blessedness of His Will.
The Lord has given you the ability to choose. Are you happy with what you have chosen? Do you see His peace, joy and love unfolding in Your life? Or are you experiencing the same things day in and day out? Do you find yourself continually caught up in drama and conflict with other people? Do you wish for the spotlight and the praise of others?
When your actions are based on a desire to please man rather than God, you are not in line with God’s will. You cannot receive God’s best for your life if you are trying to impress people! Is this hard to understand? Who gave you your life? Who has the power to transform your life?
God is the only One who can transform your life. However, this will not happen unless you really want it. If you want to change, you have to be willing to put people-pleasing in the past. As long as you are trying to impress someone, you are only performing. You have no real relationships because you are not real. Most of the people you are trying to please do not love you, possibly because they have never met the real you.
The God who loves you has a plan for your life that you may not even be able to imagine right now. He has the best things in store specifically for you. He is waiting for you to accept His Will. It does not matter how much time you think you have wasted or how much you may have messed up. God didn’t rip up the agenda. He knows how to redeem the time and get you up to speed. Just surrender to Him today.
Lord I thank you and I pray for my brother and sister reading this right now who genuinely want Your best for their life. I pray that You would remove the distractions and the voices that discourage them from being all that they can be. Help them to see themselves through Your eyes, Lord. Allow them to feel the warmth of Your love and know that You will be with them every step of the way. I pray that they would surrender to You and allow You to transform their lives. Remove the weights Lord, remove the shackles that hold them back . Free them to be complete in You today Father. In Jesus’ Name! Amen.
Hebrews 12:1-3 New Living Translation
1 Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. 2 We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne. 3 Think of all the hostility he endured from sinful people; then you won’t become weary and give up.
What are you willing to be in order to have the life that you want?
For years I said I wanted to be married and have a family but I was unwilling to be committed. I also wanted peace and happiness in my life yet I was not obedient to the will of God. I formed this belief that God was somehow angry with me and wondered if I would ever please Him.
Have you done this? Have you wished for your life to be different, yet failed to do what was necessary to bring forth the change?
Jesus told a wealthy young man that it was easier for a camel to enter through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God. I suspect that it is not the riches that prevent someone from entering the kingdom of God, but their unwillingness to give up their way of doing things.
You can be loving and have the relationships that you want. You can be creative and have the businesses that you want. You can be compassionate and make a difference in your world.
“Every man must decide whether he will walk in the light of creative altruism or in the darkness of destructive selfishness.”
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Matthew 19:23-26 (New King James Version)
23 Then Jesus said to His disciples, “Assuredly, I say to you that it is hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven. 24 And again I say to you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.”
25 When His disciples heard it, they were greatly astonished, saying, “Who then can be saved?”
26 But Jesus looked at them and said to them, “With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”
Imagine we were all born and assigned the task of designing the ultimate project: “Your Life”. We are all given different resources and materials to work with as well as people to assist us with our design. One thing we all have in common is our project partner, God. He created us and all the materials that make up our life. If we trust Him, we will learn how all the pieces and materials fit together for His best use.
The success of this project lies in how much we work with God. He shapes our lives as we allow Him to and He provides guidance for the choices we make in how to design them.
Perhaps you are discouraged with your project because the people who were supposed to help you early on interfered and offered little help. Perhaps they cursed at you and screamed that you would never make anything of your life. Maybe others came in and tried to destroy whatever you had already accomplished. Maybe you are so tired and frustrated that you don’t even want to work on your project anymore.
While it may be discouraging, it is also natural for challenges to occur while designing and building a project. It is certain that you will make mistakes along the way as you figure out the best way to do it. Through these obstacles and failures, God teaches how beautiful life can be and shows us how to move forward.
The most important part of this project called Life is to focus on the task at hand and trust God as your Partner and Creator. He will never leave you or forsake you. Allow Him to lead the way and trust Him that even if the design starts out shaky, you will have your greatest masterpiece in the end. Never-mind those who have tried to block your progress. They cannot stop your success. Forgive them and move on, allowing the Father to help you build a beautiful life.
Isaiah 64:8
But now, O LORD,
You are our Father;
We are the clay, and You our potter;
And all we are the work of Your hand.
