MEET MICHELLE

What is a barrier that hinders you from fully surrendering your life to God?

A lot of times I'm afraid people will slow me down. I'll choose to study by myself or eat a meal by myself because I want to move on to the next thing as quickly as possible without distractions. I believe it’s important to have some alone time, but I think this mentality to do things by myself negatively manifested in my relationship with God. Instead of inviting him into my thoughts and decisions, I began striving for my academic and professional goals with my own hands. I was studying the values of companies more than the values in the Bible to make sure my cover letter was just right.
Recently, I scheduled QT with one of my accountability partners. I remember right before our meetup I felt really stressed about meeting an application deadline and was tempted to call it off. I went anyway, and felt God speak to me through 1 Peter 1. In verse 13, God calls us to have "minds that are alert and fully sober”. To me, that means preparing myself by learning more about the Bible every day so that I can defend my faith and know why I believe what I believe. It means having a mind clear from distractions, ready to listen and follow where God leads. It means making time for Him even when it feels like there is none. In verse 17, God says to "live out your time as foreigners here in reverent fear". When I think of being a foreigner here on earth, I think of being a guest in someone else's home. There is a politeness and carefulness when moving around in a home that’s not yours. In the same way, I think that it’s important to remember that the dream job, the degree, the cute pair of shoes—all these things are of this world and not our own. I’m reminded to be grateful with what God has given to me and remember that my visit is short. 
Let’s continue to push each other to be faithful ambassadors of Him and not get too comfortable because this is not our home. Greater things have yet to come!