A Note from Mary Margaret West: Kelly and I had lunch a few weeks ago and let me tell you this – she’s the real deal. I hope this post is one that you’ll not only find helpful, but that you can share with the girls you lead.
I am sure over the past couple of weeks you have seen plenty of posts that have been followed by #NewYearNewMe. This hashtag has been used over 1.2 million times on Instagram, many of which detail new goals, challenges, and dreams for individuals in search of a new sense of purpose in their life. Purpose is oftentimes the result of having a new sense of confidence and fulfillment. Nothing is wrong with having goals, setting challenges, and dreaming, but our purpose should be defined by more than a hashtag.
In everything we do, we are to bring glory to our heavenly Father. This is our purpose, yet many of us struggle with the idea that we even have purpose in the first place. As a daughter of the one true King, you sweet sister, have been created on purpose for a purpose. You are not an afterthought or a mistake. You have been created for more than watching tv shows on Netflix or to be distracted by all the drama that surrounds you as you walk in your school’s hallways. You were created to share love and to show love in all you do.
Many times, instead of being confident of promises we have been given, we settle for temporary happiness. This is a decision that we consciously make. We do all that we can physically do, but we still feel a void in our lives. This constant struggle becomes overwhelming and this is not the life we have been called to live. Your heavenly Father has immeasurably more planned just for you.
So what if #NewYearNewMe was more than a hashtag? What if you began to walk in victory and became expectant of the mighty works God will show you this year? What if we refused to let fear consume us, and demanded a bold lifestyle– proclaiming the gospel both in our words and actions? What if we stop making excuses, and started choosing selflessness? What if we began to live out the commands of scripture without doubting every decision we were making?
Philippians 1:6 tells us, “And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.” I love this verse for many reasons. First, let us recognize the fact that the knower of all things and the creator of all things wants us to experience His goodness. Second, may we never lose our confidence in the power of Jesus. Third, because of His faithfulness his plans for us are perfect. These three truths can be difficult for us to fully grasp sometimes, but those are the moments we continue believing and trusting even when we are faced with unknowns.
My prayer is this year you would wholeheartedly believe the promises of Deuteronomy 31:8 which says, “The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” Living out this verse will show ultimately others a “new you”, but it will be up to you if you continue to walk confidently in your purpose.
Kelly McKinley serves as the Middle School Girls Minister at First Baptist Church in Hendersonville, Tennessee. She loves iced lattes and is constantly in the mood for a random road trip. Her heartbeat for the gospel has lead her to ministry opportunities from Haiti to Memphis and many places in between, focusing mostly on reaching young women in the Nashville area. Her past is one that has been scattered with grief, loss, anxiety, and depression but has been captivated by our need for Jesus in a world where these ailments run rampant. Only by the grace of God is she now able to encourage individuals to be confident in knowing that life is truly worth living. Her heart’s desire is to point others to Christ while they are grieving in grace.
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