Lordship Over Friendship!

Deciding at a young age to walk with Christ has given me so many benefits. I remember praying the prayer to God that this time I was going to make my relationship my very own and not just my mom’s faith. And so, the deeper relationship began. I was either in 7th or 8th grade, and I truly felt like I had a friend in Jesus. I developed a strong prayer life, and singing was always a love for me. But if I am also honest, I have had many lows in my relationship with Christ through the years. Not all were detected by many, but God knew them. Experiencing disappointments, hope deferred, loss, and impatience of when it will be my time have been a part of my journey.

I confess I have struggled to not feel behind in many things and forgive myself when I think I wasted time not having the tunneled vision for my purpose. It is very easy to lose vision when you start offering sacrifices to God over being obedient to the first thing God told you to do. You may have some momentum because they are Godly things, but not the fullness until you decide, “Fine, I will go to Nineveh” (read the book of Jonah in the bible if you’re not sure what I’m talking about). I was reminded a few months ago of some clear instructions God gave me several years back to what my path would look like, but I had to follow His way of how to get there. Not going to lie, it was vigorous, and over the years, I have made up countless excuses as to why I wouldn’t do each part. “God, I know you understand I’m so tired, God can I sleep in? Did you say that or did I make it up, God not today, etc.” You see, it’s a beautiful thing to have Jesus as a friend but not at the cost of hyper-grace and taking advantage of the relationship. Friendship does not trump Lordship.

So here I am, in a season where I know God is calling me to do many things, and He actually desires to see my dreams come to fruition, but I have to be willing to be obedient and take some “losses” along the way. I follow His instructions and renew my mind so that I don’t take for granted His grace, His mercy, and His friendship. I am allowing Him to discipline my life and recreate the best version of myself so I can make an impact on the Kingdom. I’m praying bold prayers again, and I am asking God to expose my heart and the hearts and motives around me so that I won’t have any more excuses or trip-ups that would slow me down.

As you read this, I encourage you to reflect on any areas you are offering sacrifices up to God instead of doing the first thing He has instructed you to do. Our passions, purposes, business ventures, and desires to build a long-lasting legacy cannot happen outside of His way. Many successful-looking women out there, but that doesn’t mean they are all doing it God’s way. If you desire to be unique, a creator, innovative, or give this dark world something they’ve never seen or experience, I encourage you to reflect on your heart and actions and daily allow God to transform you!

Love,

Tiffany

Guest Contributor: Tiffany Hines, is a singer-songwriter, a creative, and a worship leader on a mission to spread hope by sharing her voice with the world. With her acoustic soul style, she wants to show just how close God is to the human spirit and loves to give a good spontaneous experience.

www.tiffanyhinesmusic.com