TimeOut

God put me in a timeout!

Timeout: a brief suspension of activity; a quiet period used especially as a disciplinary measure for children… Webster’s definition. Both applied to me because He had to sit me down and I had to get my mind right. I was wrapped up in what people thought…you know the “likes” and “shares” and missed the most important part about sharing my experiences…. to INSPIRE… to impact. So I believe God sat me down from blogging. But he did it in other areas as well. Seeking after opportunities, things to do, anything and everything really! Everything that I set forth to do on my own and then threw God’s name on AFTER the fact he blocked! And for good reason too… my motives were wrong.

God is our Father and as our Father if we disobey he will correct us, discipline us and as children we don’t understand. We get angry, confused, sadden… but those who have children know that disciplining though it’s hard is needed for children to think about their mistakes and to understand that their actions were not pleasing and must be changed. We also must accept correction from God.

“To learn, you must love discipline; it is stupid to hate correction.”

Proverbs 12:1 NLT

“A wise child accepts a parent’s discipline; a mocker refuses to listen to correction.”

Proverbs 13:1 NLT

“Only a fool despises a parent’s discipline; whoever learns from correction is wise.”

Proverbs 15:5 NLT

“My child, don’t reject the Lord’s discipline, and don’t be upset when he corrects you. For the Lord corrects those he loves, just as a father corrects a child in whom he delights.”

Proverbs 3:11-12 NLT

So during this time, I have had to examine my heart and my motives. Why am I doing what I am doing? For whom? Human approval? Or for God? I also had to realize that in order for me to be inspirational and impactful I must seek after the will of God, have the heart, and the character which will influence my actions and behaviors. Jesus was inspirational and impactful while he was on earth because he sought after the will of God. So his motives were always right. His behaviors and actions were influenced by the Holy Spirit who empowered him to be a witness and to perform signs and wonders and miracles. He was moved by compassion and showed and taught love for one another and displayed forgiveness! I wanted to be the next Sarah Jakes Roberts or Heather Lindsey! Though they are both great women of God, I had to learn and am still learning that I cannot compare myself to anyone on social media or in real life! I don’t know their portion! I don’t know what they had to sacrifice and I certainly have not counted the cost of what it will take to be where they are! It doesn’t mean I will not be able to be a big inspiration or impact as they, it just means I should have the right motives and do what I can right where I am! If I impact or inspire just ONE person then that’s enough!

I also must do as Matthew 6:33 (Amplified version) “But first and most importantly seek (aim at, strive after) His kingdom and His righteousness [His way of doing and being right–the attitude and character of God], and all these things will be given to you also.” I now desire to be like Jesus even more! To display his character. To have the right heart which will influence my actions and behaviors. To be an impact and inspiration to many as i submit myself to God. This is what I want. This is what I desire. If I have to go to the corner more often for God to work in my heart to ensure that I am ready for the next, I’m ok with it… because The timeout is necessary.

-Ashleynicoleinspires 💫✨