Monday, May 1, 2017

eighteen.

So I just turned 18.
I am an adult now. (wait, what?!) I don't feel like an adult, but how many people really do when they are this age? *please tell me I'm not alone, peoples* 
As a little kid, I always thought that eighteen would be a magical age when you get all the answers and figure out everything for your life. In fact, if you talked to me a year ago, you would know that I had big plans for this year. I definitely had a picture of what my senior year would look like, but God has a way of showing us that HIS plan is greater and usually much different than our own!
To be honest, this year was tough. For a while, it seemed like nothing could possibly go right again. I felt stuck. I felt alone. And I struggled a lot with fear. I was worried and stressed about things that were quite insignificant, really. There were so many things happening all at once and everything inside of me was screaming against it.

No, I didn't know that I was going to struggle with fear. I didn't anticipate losing a pet. I didn't want to find out about that "friend." I didn't know that I would reach a point where I didn't have any clue what was happening or why it was happening.

But it happened.

And it was necessary, because God used my struggles for good. He is using them for good.

Through my battle with fear, I have come to know the importance of vulnerability. When we tell a trusted friend about the things that hurt, the things that we dread, and the things we struggle with, we expose them. We bring them to the light, and the darkness is dispelled in the blinding truth of the Gospel. The hurt is healed by the love and grace of our Heavenly Father, and we no longer dread what is to come because we are never alone.

After all that happened this year, I found it difficult to feel excited about next year. However, I have realized how important it is to remember that God is still in control. Everything is working out for good. Even the hard things that brought me down are shaping me into who He wants me to be, and they are bringing me closer to Him. I am learning to let go of my fear and hand it to God. On my own, I can't handle it. I really can't. But through HIS strength, I can. And so can you.

You can live loved, because you are. You can live confidently, because you have victory in Him. No matter how inadequate you feel, no matter how small, unimportant, or awkward you think you are, just remember this: If you are a follower of Christ, your identity is found in HIM, not what you feel like, what you did, or what people think of you. You are chosen. You are loved. You are forgiven. And you can't ever change that.
No matter what your year looked like, you don't have to stay in a place of doubt. There is grace for every day, and every morning, you can start over. Start each day with renewed faith in God, with hope, joy, and excitement for the amazing plans he has for you. Trust me, He has AMAZING plans for you! Not only that, He gives you just the right amount of strength that you need to get through today, and He is not going to abandon you.

It is hard, but I am learning this every day. I am learning to let go. I am learning to replace the fear with faith, the doubt with trust, and the dread with hope. But most importantly, I am learning to give my frustrations and fears over to the only One who can truly handle them. Because that is the only way to truly find freedom. 

♥♥♥

Thank you for reading this rather rambling post..I haven't blogged in so long, and it felt SO good to get my thoughts written down, no matter how un-sorted they may be. :p

Much love! ♥

20 comments:

  1. Happy birthday! I turned eighteen a few months ago, and believe me, I don't feel like an adult either. When I'm out somewhere with my keys in hand, I sometimes see younger girls giving me the reverent looks that I used to give older teenagers (tbh... that I still DO give older teenagers), and I'm like--no, wait! I promise, it's not what it looks like! I'm not really THAT grown-up! :P

    I've missed your blog posts and this is a really beautiful statement of what God has been teaching you!

    Hailey
    www.haileyhudson.wordpress.com

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    1. Yes YES I completely relate!! I find myself like "Oh, wait wait I AM the older one now! NOOOOOoo!!" Haha

      Thank you so so much!! I am sorry I have been off my blogging game...my family is in the process of moving and life is CRAZZZYYY.

      ♥♥♥

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  2. HAPPY BIRTHDAY MEGAN!!!!!!! You are the bestest(if that is a word) friend in the whole world. This post has been one of the most compelling posts that I have read. Mainly because I can relate. I'm not 18 yet, only 17; but I Love how God works out plans for good ALWAYS, and it seems that just when I am about to give up, He helps me. Beautiful Post! ~Abby <3<3<3

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    1. ABBY!! THANK YOU SO MUCH!! YOU are the bestest. (It's totally a word haha)
      Yes, so true. It can be hard to remember his promises sometimes, but He NEVER leaves, and there is ALWAYS strength to keep going, right when we think we can't anymore.
      Love you lots, girl! ♥

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  3. Happy 18th!! I'll be hitting that this summer and I'm like OMW THIS IS CRAZY but I legit understand what you're saying and thank you for writing it <3

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    1. THANK YOU JULIA!! I KNOW it's like that crazy season of life that I always dreamed about and now that it's here I'm like "Wait what no no no what happened?!"

      Thank YOU for being so sweet!♥♥

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  4. Thank you for sharing this, Megan!

    I deal with fear and worry a lot! This ministered to my heart.

    Happy Birthday!!

    - Lilly Shyree (alillyingodsgarden.blogspot.com)

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    1. Lilly! I'm so glad that it helped you. We're all in this together, girl ♥

      Also THANK YOU!! ♥♥

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  5. Happy Birthday, love! This post is full of so much wisdom, I love it <3

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    1. THANK YOU, Grace!! You are so kind, thank you!! ♥

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  6. Happy belated birthday! This is such a good reminder to remember (especially since I'm turning eighteen during the first couple months of college, gah)!

    xoxo Abigail Lennah
    Ups & Downs

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    1. Eeeek! THANK YOU, Abigail! Wow, congrats!! And happy early birthday! :) ♥

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  7. Happy birthday (a little late)! You're so right! Keep blogging and keep believing in His goodness!

    https://tizziestidbits.wordpress.com/

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    1. GAH thank you, Grace! You are so encouraging, I needed that. ♥♥

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  8. Happy (belated) birthday!

    Laura
    flowersinmybasket.blogspot.com

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