Definitions

 It is so easy to get caught up in life.

Jesus knew it would be a struggle for us, one that could blot out the Son in our lives. That is why He gave us the parable of the sower and told us to watch getting caught up in the cares of this world.

Sometimes we are driven by cares and the things of this world because we've allowed them to define us--such as being a homeschooling mama. And letting go of that definition of who we are is a paradigm shift -- "an important change that happens when the usual way of thinking about or doing something is replaced by a new and different way."

God likes to shift our paradigms.

Especially when they start being set in stone and we define ourselves with them. And when change occurs, it is easy to panic. Especially when it is not a change you want or expect. But the amazing thing about our God is how He uses these changes to mold us into the image of His Son.

When something defines us, and that something can be taken away from us, we are left feeling like we're hanging off a cliff with no rescue in sight. And that's what satan would have us think--that we're hopeless.

But that's a lie.

Jeremiah 29:11 says:

" For I know the plans that I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope," (NASB).

Remember, faith build on the solid rock of Jesus is the only thing that will stand firm no matter what. If your life feels shaky, thank God for that! He is not in the business of ruining our lives, so He has a good plan for allowing the shaking to happen. You don't have to know what that plan is, or the final outcome, to trust Him (Isaiah 55:8).

You just have to know Him.