Reflecting on How Far You've Come

January 30, 2019

Reflecting on How Far You've Come

“Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.” - James 1:17


I looked at my list of goals and felt deflated. While I’m usually the most intentional with my time the first month of the year, I didn’t make as much progress as I thought I would. My emotions got the best of me the better half of the month, and I lost precious time feeling stuck or fixating on the past instead of focusing on my future. Ever feel like that?

There’s a Pinterest quote that says “Whenever you find yourself doubting how far you can go; just remember how far you have come. Remember everything you have faced, all the battles you have won, and all the fears you have overcome.” God has good things planned for you and me, but sometimes we need a little reminder that our present situation is not where we’ll be forever. For me to get out of my funk of feeling stagnant in growth, that took sifting through the Google Photos app on my photo and seeing how far I’ve come and how much I’ve grown in the past five years (not just the past month.)

I can look back on that photos and see how lost that girl was. I can see how she’s longing for something to grasp onto in her relationships, health, and career. But more than anything I can see how much she needs Jesus. While I’m still learning and growing in all those areas, I can see how far God has brought me through life. Praise the Lord for the gift of progress!

And here’s the big takeaway: I wouldn’t have experienced the payoffs of growth if I hadn’t waded through the confusion of it.

Even when we don’t realize it, we’re growing. I couldn’t see it at the time those photos were taken, but I was being molded into the woman I am today. And the same goes for the version of us today versus who the Lord is shaping us to be for the future. Don’t be discouraged if your growth feels stagnant. If we’re in the presence of God and walking with Him, we can be certain He’s making good use of the path. And no matter what we have to keep making the decision to be open to growth.

Whether you’re in a dark spot, needing a reminder that things will get brighter or you just need a reminder of how blessed you are and how far you’ve come, stop and reflect today, friend. Break out the photo albums, read through the journals and look back on how far you’ve come and how much God has brought you through. He’s always been with us, in the dark times and in the bright moments, and He’s never changed - even when we have.

Challenge: No matter how you choose to reflect, thank God for the lessons you’ve learned and for the growth you’ve experienced. Every good gift of blessing and growth is from Him!

With so much love,

Jantzen






Also in Wheatful Woman Blog

Obedience never leaves us empty - part 8 of 8
Obedience never leaves us empty - part 8 of 8

May 25, 2023

Despite how unpredictable (and almost always, uncomfortable) life is, our God is steady. Choosing to live out our belief that His goodness is worth choosing in the present changes everything. Trials will always be present but the same is true of His goodness. Let’s not miss the good stuff before us through the distraction of the search for it.

View full article →

Big dreams bring God glory - part 7 of 8
Big dreams bring God glory - part 7 of 8

May 25, 2023

Dream with God in mind and He will show you His glory. It’s a guarantee. You will experience the purest and most true form of love when you dream fearlessly with God at your side. How precious is this life that we get to use our unique talents, passions and dreams for His glory in this way? Our big dreams bring God glory. We must be bold, brave and accept His power as we dream of all the ways God desires to use our lives to make His Kingdom come.

View full article →

Refined by interruption - part 6 of 8
Refined by interruption - part 6 of 8

May 25, 2023

We all know what happened in 2020. We are all far too familiar. Uniquely for this business, 2020 was a year we were refined by interruption. Our first event was a success so this enneagram 3 entrepreneur subconsciously decided we’d be hosting similar events every year. Wrong. God keeps me humble when he throws a wall up right in the middle of my plans. This business has never been one to stay the same year-over-year, which is comical if you know my personality and preference for routine. I’v...

View full article →