When I was younger, I had the idea that God existed for my sake.
Now I see from God’s Word that I exist for His sake.
When I was younger, I had a passion to speak for God.
Now I am desperate for God to speak to me.
When I was younger, I wanted to glorify God by doing things for Him.
Now I understand that God gets more glory when I’m needy and plead for Him to do things for me.
He looks best when He intervenes and does what only He can do.
When I was younger, I figured the greatest test of faith was adversity.
Now I’m convinced that the greater test of faith is prosperity, even when it comes in the form of ministry fruitfulness.
When I was younger, I didn’t expect such a constant, fierce, lifelong battle with temptation. I thought warfare would lose its edge with maturity and age.
Now I’m learning not to expect on earth what God only promised for heaven.
When I was younger, I put lots of time and energy into honing my skills and cultivating my public roles in ministry, sometimes to the exclusion of my personal time with God.
Now I know that energy for and effectiveness in public ministry depend on my private times with God. Ministry is not merely a human endeavor.
When I was younger, I wrote books so others could benefit from my insight.
Now I read more books so I can benefit from others’ insights.
When I was younger, whenever a church or organization flew me somewhere to speak, I felt important.
Now when that happens, I just feel…tired.
When I was younger, I viewed a broken heart as a foe to be avoided at all costs.
Now I realize that a broken heart is the cost of loving, unavoidable in a broken world.
When I was younger, I wanted to be the best teacher in my university and church.
Now I just want to be the best teacher God gave me the potential to become, even if that means someone else is better.
When I was younger, I yearned to be a best-selling author.
Now I’m amazed when anyone takes the time to read what I write.
When I was younger, I had the audacity to think that God needed me.
Now I’m aware that God will exist after I die.
When I was younger–though I wouldn’t admit it–I subtly thought I was indispensable.
Now I know that cemeteries are filled with indispensable people.
How time changes things.
How has time altered your perspective on things?
If you added one short paragraph to this “when I was younger” list, what would it say?
When I was younger, I thought God would honor my fervent prayers of faith and grant what I asked for. Now I pray fervently and trust Him to know what is best.
A great additional line that fits the nature of my post….thanks for engaging with me, Maria.