Don't misunderstand the highlight reel

It was my birthday on the 19 August. I had a week long celebration leading up to my birthday and 2 days of celebrations after my birthday! I was showered with blessings and felt very grateful! My cousin sent me the most beautiful message. There were two comments that made me realise that she might have misunderstood my highlight reel on social media. She mentioned that my relocation to Dubai has allowed me to find myself and that I was able to redefine myself because I was away from friends and family. Her message has inspired me to write...

My social media highlight reel above

Jesus said "The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may 

have life and have it abundantly" John 10:10. The thief is the father of lies John 8:44. 

Lie 1: Finding yourself 

I believe that the pursuit of my own happiness led to my unfulfillment. I thought the world revolved around me. I was self-centred, self-righteous and selfishly ambitious. I thought too highly of myself and was unhappy when things did not work my way. My move to Dubai made me realise that I needed to stop trying to find myself and find Jesus Christ. He is my creator. He wants me to see myself through his eyes. In his eyes there is nothing I can do to make myself better, more lovable or more valuable. By believing in Jesus Christ-  the cross, his resurrection from death and being baptised-  I became a new creation. God now looks at me and calls me his child, co-heir with Christ, righteous, blameless and forgiven Ephesians 1:4-6; Romans 8:1. He created me so he knows everything about me including what will bring me the most joy. God brought me to Dubai so I can lose myself and live to bring HIM the glory. Because he is the source of life, being plugged in to him allows me to be more alive. Jesus asks us to die to self so that we may find life in him Mark 8:35. So this is what you are seeing cuzzy, me trying to die to myself daily and be more obedient to the will of God. The joy comes because all good things are from God.

Lie 2: Re-define yourself by... Doing something - in my case leaving the comfort of my family & friends to find myself or getting a better job or a better car etc

Jesus himself is all satisfying John 6:25-71, having a personal relationship with him brings joy. He has authority over everything. You don't have to do anything to get your identity because the truth is that we are made in HIS image. His death on the cross has DONE it all. On the cross, he took away all failures so you can try something new. He took away loneliness so you can fellowship with him and others without fear of rejection. He took away guilt so you can confess and be free from condemnation. He is victorious and through him you can be to! We can have momentary happiness because of good circumstances but joy only comes from Christ. Joy is constant and not dependent on circumstance. It is powered by the Holy Spirit and allows you to endure any situation knowing that it's designed by God for HIS glory. In difficult times you know God is grooming you to be better. In good times, you give him all the glory because God is worthy. 

So cuzzy, I would keep the message the same:

1. You don't have to change countries to find yourself. Some people leave for foreign countries and come back worse off. Most of the time the environment is not the issue, the problem is within the individual. Moving often amplifies the problem. Seeking Jesus is the only solution. Give your life to Jesus Christ, he promises to give you a life in abundance.
2. Read your bible to know the will of God for your life. And if it's his plan for you, he may lead you to another country. All he does is aimed towards his glory. 
3. Find a church that is based on biblical truth
4. Make friends with Christians so that you can have people encouraging you as you lead a life that is obedient to the will of God. It's not an easy journey, that's why the bible says the gate is narrow and few walk this journey Matthew 7:13-14. Temptation is everywhere, so you need people who not only encourage you but who also pray for you.

I will keep you in my prayers.

Love you to bits,

God bless

Additional resource:
http://www.thevillagechurch.net/sermon/the-genesis-creation-and-fall/