If we be honest, deep down inside (and we don’t have to search too deep), we have a desire to make our “mark.” We want what we do to matter. If not for ourselves, then most certainly for the Lord.

Some may profess with their mouths that they do not care what people think; but that cannot be the total truth. You DO want others to care and take notice of your business, you would like for your manager to see your efforts at work to be considered for a promotion, raise or bonus, you do want your children to look to you as their role model, you do want Jesus to notice how you have upheld your integrity in Him. Yep, you care.

Have you ever in your lifetime envisioned something for yourself? Every time you think about this amazing plan, your heart races with excitement. Oftentimes, we become so beaten down with life that we stumble or even fall and that vision remains a dream or an after-thought in your mind. Well, yeah and it surely doesn’t help to receive negative comments or harsh opinions from those we thought loved us most. Their words hurt like a burn from am open flame. The reaction from that one person you trusted and thought would somehow fuel your passion for your vision was not what you anticipated. Their words had such an astounding impact that the passion you once had, fizzled.

Pretty soon, you begin to wander through life and you just exist.

Let me say this right here: criticism is not “constructive” when it does not motivate, stimulate, uplift, encourage and make a person more confident or enlightened.

No- ummm…that’s called nitpicking, or destructive criticism.

Your. Life. Matters.

You life became valuable when Jesus said and proved that you were worth dying for. Do not devalue yourself.

Why is it that when you think about your dreams, your heart burns with excitement? Then, your mind takes over and you begin to think of what it would take to put this plan in motion, and the fire burns out again? Let me tell you what I DO know. God will make provision for the vision. If He gave it to you, He will direct you on how to execute His plan.

Proverbs 19:21 (NLT)
You can make many plans, but the Lord’s purpose will prevail.

Oh yes it is His plan. Your own thoughts could not come up with something so elaborate and creative that no one else in the WORLD has this idea. Here is the beauty of it all: Jesus wants HIS plan to be carried out through YOU!

All wisdom and knowledge comes from the Lord. That is why it’s important to acknowledge Him and wait. It’s his plan fulfilled through you! Why would God tell you to write the vision down if it would not happen?

“Then the Lord answered me and said: write the vision and make it plain on tablets, that he may run who reads it. For the vision is yet for an appointed time; but at the end it will speak, and it will not lie. Though it tarries, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry.” Habakkuk 2:2-3

Love the Lord. Seek Him. Live your life for Him.

Remove the handcuffs of guilt and discouragement. Everyday speak life in and over your life:

• “I can make it”
• “I am the apple of the eyes of My Father”
• “He made me for a specific purpose”
• “He made me for a time such as this”
• “I am important”
• “I am an overcomer”
• “I can do this”
• “I am the work of Your hands”
• “I have no idea what today holds, but Lord I know you are holding me through the day which means it will all work together for my good and your glory.”

Your life matters and you are living a life that matters…because you are still living!

“The Lord will perfect that which concerns me: Your mercy, O Lord, endures forever; do not forsake the works of Your hands.” Psalms 138:8 NKJV