9 POWERFUL LESSONS GOD TAUGHT ME ABOUT HIM, OTHERS, & MYSELF

As I reflect on the past year, I am reminded of the powerful lessons God taught me. These lessons included learning more about God, others, and myself. Since I am prone to forget quickly, taking the time to ponder these powerful lessons as I begin a new year can only help me as I prepare for the journey ahead. As you read some of these life lessons God taught me, I hope they inspire you to create your own list because God is always teaching us!

LESSONS FROM GOD ABOUT FAITH

LESSON FROM GOD #1: GOD HOLDS EVERYTHING TOGETHER

Many times in the past year, I felt like I was falling apart. Literally, figuratively, and in every possible way. And then, I gained a new perspective by thinking, “Maybe my world is not falling apart at all. Maybe (just maybe) it’s actually falling into place.”

I needed to fall apart to get to the place of trusting God, who holds all things seen and unseen, to put things back together as He designed and planned.

Christ is the visible image of the invisible God. He existed before anything was created and is supreme over all creation, for through him God created everything in the heavenly realms and on earth. He made the things we can see and the things we can’t see–such as the thrones, kingdoms, rulers, and authorities in the unseen world.

Everything was created through him and for him. He existed before anything else, and he holds all creation together.”

Colossians 1:15-17 (NLT)

LESSON FROM GOD #2: GOD CAN USE SUFFERING FOR OUR GOOD

I recently (and only half-jokingly) told a friend, “If God refines us through suffering, He must have a lot of work to do on me!”

But I have learned that God is close to the brokenhearted (Psalm 34:18) and seeks to comfort us when we are hurting (2 Corinthians 1:3-5).

God taught me the powerful lesson of His presence during my suffering and used my deepest pain to further my ministry of reaching out to those who need hope and encouragement.

In his kindness God called you to share in his eternal glory by means of Christ Jesus. So after you have suffered a little while, he will restore, support, and strengthen you, and he will place you on a firm foundation.”

1 Peter 5:10 (NLT)

LESSON FROM GOD #3: GOD’S GRACE IS ENOUGH

The obvious question might be: Enough for what?

I have learned that God’s grace is enough…

• When I am physically depleted.
• When I am mentally drained.
• When I am emotionally discouraged.
• When I am spiritually dry.
• When I am relationally damaged.

Yes, His grace covers all my weaknesses.

“…My grace us sufficient for you, for my power in made perfect in weakness.”

2 Corinthians 2:9 (ESV)

LESSONS FROM GOD ABOUT PEOPLE

LESSON FROM GOD #4: WHEN PEOPLE SHOW YOU WHO THEY ARE, BELIEVE THEM

I have often used the phrase, “Show, don’t tell,” when illustrating the connection between faith and life. I have applied this principle to my actions vs. my words.

But this year, I learned the painful lesson of using this to assess some relationships in my life. People are really good at telling you what you want to hear. But it is more important to watch what they do. And when their “showing” (actions) do not match up with their “telling” (words), you need to take notice.

God has opened my eyes to see (with clear eyes) some people in my life for the first time. And their actions spoke so loudly I could barely hear what they were saying.

When people show you who they are, believe them!

LESSON FROM GOD #5: PEOPLE CAN BE IN YOUR LIFE FOR A SEASON

This year I learned the art of the graceful exit.

Craig Cooney has helped me tremendously as I tried to process and practice walking away with grace and respect.

There are people, groups, streams, and networks you have worked with that have been wonderful in your journey up to this point. They brought life, covering, nourishment, and growth.But they simply cannot go where the Lord is leading you. They don’t have the structure or capacity. They can’t contain the new wine. Or they choose not to. You have sensed it for some time, but have struggled to express it or articulate it. Also, you do not want to appear ungrateful or disloyal…But you have changed. The Lord has developed you. He has opened your eyes. You see things differently. Your heart is drawn to new things.”

Craig Cooney

God has taught me this most profound lesson: While some people are a treasured part of my history, they may not be part of His destiny for me.

LESSON FROM GOD #6: RELATIONSHIPS NEED HEALTHY BOUNDARIES

Being Christlike means being tolerant and forgiving. However, Jesus had boundaries.

When Nazareth tried to kill Him, He never returned. He told Peter when he crossed the line. He called out leaders for hypocrisy. He refused to speak to Herod.

Henry Cloud defines boundaries in this helpful way:

They define what is me and what is not me. A boundary shows me where I end and someone else begins, leading me to a sense of ownership. Knowing what I am to own and take responsibility for gives me freedom. Taking responsibility for my life opens up many different options. Boundaries help us keep the good in and the bad out.”

Henry Cloud

This was a powerful lesson that God taught me this year: Clear boundaries are Christlike and essential for healthy relationships.

LESSONS FROM GOD ABOUT MYSELF

LESSON FROM GOD #7: ACKNOWLEDGE YOUR WEAKNESSES & INSECURITIES

Jesus says in John 8:32 that “the truth will set you free,” but facing the truth about who I am is not easy.

This past year as I spent more time with Jesus, reading His Word and listening to His voice through prayer, I got a clearer picture of who I am. And it was not always a pretty picture!!!

But when I offered the ugly, broken, and sinful parts of me to Him…He took them from me.

And gave me unconditional love, unbelievable grace, and unending faithfulness.

The lesson I learned: JESUS + TRUTH = FREEDOM (in that order!)

When we reject the truth, we miss out on the freedom God affords…We are often reluctant to admit the ugly, broken, and sinful parts of ourselves. But to the degree that we deny those realities we live in bondage to them.”

Dr. Rob Reimer

LESSON FROM GOD #8: CHOOSE COMMUNITY OVER COMPARISON

I have finally reached that point in my life where I am perfectly content to:

• Stay in my lane.
• Walk at my own pace.
• Enjoy the view.
• Help those behind me.
• Cheer on those ahead.

I have realized the truth of Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 (I love The Message version):

It’s better to have a partner than go it alone. Share the work, share the wealth.

And if one falls down, the other helps, but if there’s no one to help, tough!

Two in a bed warm each other. Alone, you shiver all night.

By yourself you’re unprotected. With a friend you can face the worst.

Can you round up a third? A three-stranded rope isn’t easily snapped.”

Ecclesiastes 4:9-12

God has taught me the powerful lesson that it is better to champion than to compare, collaborate instead of compete, and communicate instead of criticize.

LESSON FROM GOD #9: LEARN TO LISTEN AND BE A LIFELONG LEARNER

Aristotle famously said, “The more you know, the more you know you don’t know.” As I move into my fifties (realizing that I passed the midpoint of my life a few years ago!), this truth becomes even more evident.

Yes, I have experience, and maybe I have even developed some wisdom along the way, but there is still so much I want to discover and learn…about God, others, and myself.

So I want to listen more and talk less. I want to be open to new ideas and experiences. I want to see life with fresh eyes and never stop learning.

God gave me a simple prayer this past year that I will continue to pray as I walk by faith.

Lord, please give me:

WISDOM to KNOW what you want for my life.

HUMILITY to ACCEPT your will for me even when it doesn’t make sense.

STRENGTH to FOLLOW in your footsteps even when it’s difficult.

WHAT LESSONS HAS GOD TAUGHT YOU?

I hope some of these lessons resonate with you as you begin the new year and consider what God has taught you. Since I want to continue my quest for lifelong learning, I would love for you to share some of your life lessons in the comments so we can mutually inspire and encourage each other.

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