I recently celebrated a milestone birthday (can you guess which one by looking at the title of this post?) I learned a few things on this journey, most by experience, and some by God-given wisdom and insight.
If you’re anything like me, when receiving information, you value courtesy and mildness – but you also like to cut to the chase, and have a sense of worst-case scenarios.
You prefer authenticity and realness so that you know exactly what you’re working with and what you need (or don’t need) to do, or look forward to.
You’ll save yourself A TON of heartache and healing time once you realize and accept the following harsh (but very real) truths and reminders that cut right to the chase and may even keep you a little leveled to the ground:
- You can do good for people who won’t do good for you.
- People can turn on you without just cause, no matter how close you all are.
- People won’t always remember (or appreciate) what you’ve done for them.
- People don’t owe you anything.
- You won’t get all your needs met all the time.
- Nothing lasts forever.
- It takes time to heal.
- Don’t try to help people in areas that you are still sinking in.
- Watch what you say.
- Watch what you think.
- Stick to the script and don’t cut corners.
- Speak up. Despite your fear or reservations.
- Don’t go against your gut. The Holy Spirit gives discernment for a reason.
- Believe people when they show you who they are.
- You aren’t an exception to the rule.
- Stay humble.
- You’ll give an account. For everything.
- There are repercussions for losing your temper.
- God’s commands bring protection and provision. Obey them.
- Your first ministry is to those who live under the same roof as you.
- If you are a true child of God, you can’t lose, even if it seems you might be losing at the moment.
- Suffering is a part of the Christian’s journey.
- Suffering should be building character, perseverance, and hope within your spirit (for the Christian).
- Love, without expecting anything in return.
- You will reap what you sow – even if it takes a lifetime.
- Just because you’ve prospered doesn’t mean God has blessed you.
- God won’t fill you if you’re already full of yourself.
- You do have to forgive everyone if you want God to forgive you.
- Unequally yoked partnerships will eventually begin to strain and impact your spiritual walk. (this includes friendships, relationships, business, church, etc.).
- God isn’t nearly as concerned as you may think He is with your agenda, plans, activities, or title(s). He’s been looking at your heart the whole time.
- There is a reason some of your prayer(s) aren’t being answered.
- A constant laboring and pursuit of achievements may be due to pride, inner rejection, and a grasping for identity.
- You’re not as blameless as you think you are. Check for the possible beam in your eye.
- There’s a huge chance that the majority of the things you’re chasing after and consumed with hold no eternal value.
- We want God’s blessings without meeting His conditions.
Do any of these harsh but real truths and reminders ring true for you?
Most of them you may have heard before (I’ve lived all of them and am still learning from them). Some truths you may have accepted, and some are still downright hard or even foreign to process, I know.
The Bible tells us in John 8:32
“And you will know the truth and the truth will make you free.”
Knowing the truth, no matter how harsh it may be, sets us free.
Free from false comfort. False connections. False hope. False strength. You name it. Once you begin living in freedom, you are positioned for God to begin rebuilding you with His truth, which doesn’t always seem so pleasant, but it is always sure, and always the ultimate best in the long run.
Why does truth hurt?
Truth hurts because it goes against our envisioned (and preferred) definitions of what is good or desirable (to us). It reminds us that we don’t have as much control as we might have believed. It upsets our plans and sometimes our worlds.
God’s truth keeps us anchored to the ground. It braces our backs against a solid and immovable foundation (Jesus) for the days in life that bring tremors and shakes. It clears the cloud around us that tempts us to become selfish, naive, and trapped in a ton of emotional and mental (and even physical) deceptions. The best part about God’s truth, is that it grows and matures us – and it’s easily accessible to us in His word (the Bible).
I recently came across this brief read from Author, Pastor, and Podcaster, Andi Andrew, and I value her perspective on the truth that will set us free.
These are some harsh but real truths that I have lived and personally learned from in my journey. What are some of yours?
Hey there! Moved by what you’ve read/heard? Subscribe to this blog by adding your email address here: https://wordpress.com/view/markedlife.wordpress.com (be sure to scroll down after clicking the link!). You’ll be the first to hear about updates as they are posted!
Never miss an episode. Visit www.shesmarked.com to listen and subscribe! (Available on all major platforms).
Follow me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HannahtheBrand/
Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/hannahskyye
The Marked Life Blog 