Monday, June 29, 2020

Guest Post - An Urgency of Hope by Xariah C.

Today's guest post is an introspective journal entry from my niece Xariah on Galatians 5. Right before my senior year of high school, God began to center my life on Him. He brought me out of my dark teenage years into the marvelous light and grace of Jesus. Ever since I have been seeking God and receiving the ministry of His Holy Spirit. Right now, my life's mission is to help people acknowledge God during troubling times.

Xariah is an aspiring writer and singer. She recently graduated from HS and will be attending college in the fall. Though young, the depths of her thoughts belies her age. Read on.






"You were indeed called to be free, brothers and sisters. Don't turn this freedom into an excuse for your corrupt nature to express itself. Rather serve each other through love." Galatian 5:13
Lately, I feel the urgency of the Hope of Jesus more so than ever. I have noticed the world around me rapidly changing in response to the coronavirus. I am going into the 6th week of being at home, sheltered in place. My last year of high school is over. Even still, I’m very fortunate to have a home, food, friends, family etc. It’s easy for me to coast through life as others suffer through uncertainty, loss, and fear. My perspective of faith is not easy to describe or share in this situation, but I know that now is the time, if any, to be a messenger of the gospel.
As I am assessing my life and my own response to current events, I have selfishly mocked and belittled the lives and burdens of other people. Is this my heart towards other people who are not me? Why do I think of people so unkindly? My inability to treat people as God has treated me, my failure to love my neighbor as I love myself is overcome by the strong power of Jesus! 
The Holy Spirit has opened my eyes to my recurring pride, my impure and unkind motives for wanting to share the gospel, and the narrow-minded, discouraging, simply sinful overflow of my heart. It is natural for me to follow the desires of my corrupt nature...”selfish ambition”.
"Live your life as your spiritual nature directs you. Then you will never follow through on what your corrupt nature wants. What your corrupt nature wants is contrary to what your spiritual nature wants, and what your spiritual nature wants is contrary to what your corrupt nature wants. They are opposed to each other. As a result, you don't always do what you intend to do." Galatians 5:16,17
The Holy Spirit is always interceding in my inner conflict and bringing me to the feet of Jesus, to the surrender of confession and the freedom of repentance. Because of Jesus, the battle against sin is won forever. Always, no matter what, constantly, I can turn away from sin, away from jealousy away from conflict, selfishness, toxic words, harmful thoughts, away from lies, away from carelessness… I can turn away! Jesus is stronger than any stronghold of sin. Death couldn’t hold Him, my sin does not shock Him. Jesus is Lord, His is the victory! I will stumble and fall into sin. I will have trouble discerning between my own corruption and the pulling of the Spirit to be free. Truly, it is only by the Spirit of the Living God that I can even fathom freedom, that I can even hope to express the fruit of the Spirit.
"Now, the effects of the corrupt nature are obvious: illicit sex, perversion, promiscuity, idolatry, drug use, hatred, rivalry, jealousy, angry outbursts, selfish ambition, conflict, factions, envy, drunkenness, wild partying, and similar things. I've told you in the past, and I'm telling you now that people who do these kinds of things will not inherit the kingdom of God. 
But the spiritual nature produces love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There are no laws against these things." Galatians 5:19-22
Growing up, I would sing a song about the fruit of the Spirit at Sunday school. These words, love, joy, peace, etc. are often idealized, resigned to our imagination but not likely to actually exist in us or around us. It is easy to say these words or qualities, but living them is seemingly impossible. Still, there is a longing for the fruit of the Holy Spirit that cannot be ignored. The sinful human nature of weakness and captivity to judgement, self-righteousness, unforgiveness, hypocrisy, pretentiousness, sulking, and misery display that it is not well with our souls. There is active opposition between flesh and spirit, spiritual nature and corrupt nature. It is not an exaggeration to say that there is a daily, life-long war, waging in each and every human. Our instincts cause us to automatically choose corruption. No matter how much we do to fight sin, violence, conflict, desires, anger, you name it — it’s never enough. 
We need something supernatural, the Holy Spirit, to intercede on our behalf, to first bring us into awareness, because if we don’t see the conflict, how can we resolve it? Then, we need the Holy Spirit to begin an all-consuming work of transforming us. Yes, we have to change. This seems impossible, right? Like how could we actually love, be joyful, be at peace with ourselves and others? How?! And what if we mess up?
Mistakes are a given, and that is why God’s grace is unconditional. His mercies are new every single day (Lamentations 3:22,23). We are not expected to exhibit the fruit of the Spirit (love, joy, peace etc.) on our own because we can’t. Our humanity makes us weak, broken by sin  but Jesus saves us! And it is only by His Spirit, the Holy Spirit of God, that we can be fruitful. 

Please leave a comment below to encourage Xariah as she pursues the next steps on her journey.

--Nylse

Thanks for reading. Please take a moment to share using the buttons below. Like my Facebook Page and follow along on Instagram. Don't forget to subscribe. Stay Encouraged!

PS - My book is coming - The Comfort of Night; How Jesus Makes It All Right 
What's this book about? Based on John 13-17, before His darkest time, Jesus shone brightest for us.

16 comments:

  1. Wow! What wisdom! This is such a great post and it is very well written. Keep writing and keep shining bright, beautiful Xariah! Your voice is needed, Sis! Many blessings to you and to you as well, Nylse! :-)

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    1. Wow thank you so much, I pray that you have hope forevermore☮️✝️💟

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  2. This is awesome! Very introspective and written with the heart of humility with the aim of Christ-likeness. Keep writing and sharing 🙏🏿- Dad

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  3. Very well said little sister keep on shining your light Blessings to you !!!

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  4. Thank you so much for giving her your platform Such wisdom and holy direction on her already. I hope she keeps writing and keeps singing. God is working mightily through the gifts He has given her.

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  5. Xariah, may you be joyfully surprised at all the work God accomplishes through you as you follow Him.

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  6. Deep and wide - thanks for sharing your niece.

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  7. Xariah, your wisdom and maturity shine forth in what you've shared, and I'm so encouraged to know there are young women like you getting ready to enter adulthood at this time in history. Many blessings to you as you begin college and continue to trust God to fulfill His purposes in your life.

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  8. Xariah, your relationship with God is visible through your writing. Keep leaning into him. He has so much in store for you. I love how you allowed God to give you a introspective look at yourself that led you to action. We all need to do the same. Thank you for sharing and challenging us today.

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  9. Thoughtful and reflective, keep on searching God's word and He will continue to inspire you, blessings!

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  10. Isn't it wonderful that we don't have to do this life alone! That we have an amazing God full of grace to depend upon & guide us through life.
    You're both most welcome to join me in a cuppa at Tea With Jennifer,
    Bless you,
    Jennifer

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  11. I enjoyed this post, Xariah! Especially the thought about relying on the Holy Spirit to bear fruit through us. Blessings to you.

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