Deon Kipping has a song titled “I don’t look like what I’ve been through.” You can listen to it on YouTube Deon Kipping When I first heard this song, I literally ran around my home. I can definitely relate to this song and maybe you can as well. We all have a past that includes various life experiences. A key point about the things of the past, present, and future is how we respond to it. We cannot change our past, but we can learn valuable lessons that will help us grow and be better prepared for other situations that will happen in our lives.
Someone said to me once “You don’t ever go through anything”. I was shocked! What did this person mean that I don’t ever go through anything? The individual further stated that I didn’t look like I ever go through anything. Well, looks can be deceiving. It was interesting that this statement was made to me during a time that I was going through a serious uneasy situation.
On another occasion, I was asked, “Why do you walk with your head in the air?” My response was simple “I am my Father’s daughter.” There was a time in my life when I felt and acted defeated day in and day out. Having gone through many life experiences and will continue to have ups and downs. I know that the downs only last for that season and I need to trust in what my Father (my Daddy) is doing in my life.
He has the final answer and knows the end from the beginning. Declaring the end and the result from the beginning, and from ancient times the things which have not [yet] been done, Saying, ‘My purpose will be established, and I will do all that pleases Me and fulfills My purpose. Isaiah 46:10 (AMP)
I have made a personal decision not to look like what I may be going through and what I have gone through in the past. The only thing I would be doing is drawing attention to myself by looking sad and withdrawn…. What good would that do? On another note, I make sure I don’t go around telling everyone about what I am going through. So, I’ll ask the question again: What good would that do?
Questions to ponder:
Is your response to life situations by…
- …walking around looking sad and defeated so that others will ask “are you ok?”
- …telling anyone who will listen about your situation?
If you answered yes to either of the above questions; I want you to reflect back on whether these responses to life situations were helpful. Be mindful that we are responsible for how we respond to life situations. We aren’t supposed to look like what we are going through.
“I’m not saying that I have this all together, that I have it made. But I am well on my way, reaching out for Christ, who has so wondrously reached out for me. Friends, don’t get me wrong: By no means do I count myself an expert in all of this, but I’ve got my eye on the goal, where God is beckoning us onward—to Jesus. I’m off and running, and I’m not turning back.” Philippians 3:13-14 (MSG)