Journal GIRL, DESTINY CALLS!
AUTHOR: SITHANDWEYINKOSI S SIVELA
Hey sis. This is a reminder that all the days you were ever going to live were written down in God’s records before one of them came to be. You may be in one of the pages where you do not understand where it is all going, but this is a reminder that brighter days are ahead, your story is still yet to get better, as you turn each page of your life story, one day at a time, remember that the best is yet to come.
May this journal be your journey companion to your brighter days. Come, let’s turn the pages sis.
THE PAST IS OVER Dear Girl.
Today is a new day, yesterday is gone. Maybe you do not feel that way inside. Perhaps you still hear those voices from the past, you still see those images from your yesterday. You wish to move on, but feel held down by those memories that still speak into your today. Today’s word is “Your Past Is Over”. Jesus died for you to clean and erase that past. He never consults your past to determine your future. He is concerned about who he wants you to be, and how he can help you walk toward that great you! Today, and forever, choose the future.
How will you choose the future today?
Write those dreams again
For I know the plans I have for you, ” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future - Jer 19:11
BRIGHTER DAYS ARE STILL AHEAD; PRESS
ON Dear Girl
Maybe today is one of those days where you feel like you can’t go on anymore.
Maybe you ’ ve been putting so much effort in that dream, yet you are not seeing results. Before you quit, look in the mirror say these words “You are almost there, press on!” That’s right, you are closer than you have ever been.
Remember, the darkest hour is just before dawn. So, today, and the next days, keep showing up, you will reap a great harvest if you don’t fail. And remember, you are not doing this alone. Jesus is right there next to you. Keep going girl:)
How will you keep going today?
Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, 14I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.
Phil 3:13-14
YOU ARE MORE THAN CAPABLE
Dear Girl.
Maybe it’s a lot for you to take in today.
You’re thinking of ALL the things you need to do, and it is overwhelming. Let’s go back to the mirror, say it loud “You have been equipped for this journey. You can ” That’s right girl, as overwhelming as it feels, you have the preparation, endurance already built in you, for this journey. Oh, maybe you feel unqualified for it -Girl, remember, God knew all your days before even day 1 began. He equipped you for this. And again, He is doing this with you. You will do great! Now, put on that confidence coat and get out and shine like the star God made you to be.
So, what will you shine at today?
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
Phi 4:13
YOUR DREAMS ARE VALID
Dear Girl.
Today is a reminder that your dreams are valid. Today is an assurance that your dreams are the photograph of the future you desire. Let’s go back to the mirrorWhat future do you dream for this girl in the mirror? Take time, look into her eyes, or maybe close your eyes, and allow your mind to go as far as it can into this girl’s tomorrow. Is she a speaker? Is she a business woman? Is she a doctor? Is she an author? Is she travelling the world? Is she helping the needy? Whatever it is, this is your reminder to affirm it. Before you sleep today, visit that world again. Dear girl, dreams come true. Just Believe.
What future do you dream about? Do not write only what feels possible. Write it all as it comes. That’s the beginning.
And the Lord answered me, and said, Write the vision, and make it plain upon tablets. Hab 2:2
YOU ARE WORTHY Dear Girl.
Maybe through the dreams and visions you are seeing for tomorrow, you have a voice within you, that tells you that could never be you. Girl, the fact that these dreams are within your mind, you visualize the moments and they feel so tangible. You see yourself in that class, or in that office. You see your books on those shelves, you see yourself so clearly in those moments. This is a sure sign that God put that desire in you, you need to embrace that and partner with him in believing that you will be all that he created you for. He chose you for this.
What are those dreams that feel to big? Write them down and next to them, write “God chose me for this”
Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart- Jer 1:5
YOUR TRUE IDENTITY
Dear Girl.
Maybe you do have big dreams within you, but you look at where you come from and cannot join the two together. Maybe you have had negative words spoken over you and they play over again and again in your head, to a point where you doubt that you can be all that God created you to be. Girl, your creator says that you are fearfully and wonderfully made. He died for you and has great plans for you. He is concerned about you. If there is one voice you should believe; it is God’s voice. When you make mistakes, he does not define you with them, but helps you get up. Your true identity is righteous, forgiven, redeemed, chosen.
What truth from God are you embracing about you today?
The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.
John 10:10
YOUR MISTAKES DO NOT DEFINE YOU
Dear Girl.
At times, our own guilt and shame keeps us from being who God called us to become, At times, the mistakes we made years back keep replaying and whenever you look in the mirror, you feel ashamed, you hang your head down, you feel as though that mistake is written all over you and that the world sees you through the lenses of those past mistakes. It’s a new day today, a day of freedom in knowing that we all have feet of clay and get at fault because we are human. However, through that, mistakes are correctable, and correction makes the future possible. We turn those failures into life lessons and press on toward the goal. So get up from that fall.
How will you get up from past mistakes today?
Jesus said, "Neither do I condemn you. Go your way.
From now on, sin no more." John 8:11
YOU CAN BEGIN AGAIN
Dear Girl.
..
You have been feeling a call to get out of the old and step into the new.
Maybe you have been wondering if you can, because you failed last time. Sis, despite how old you are, you can begin again. The past maybe dark, the mistakes may have been so costly, the wounds were deep; but through it all, you can begin again. Today is the day for you to begin again. If you make a decision to begin again, and ask God to help you on your new journey of restoration and rebuilding, his promise is your latter days will be greater than your former. So, get up, and BEGIN AGAIN!
How are you beginning again today?
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! 2nd Cor 5:17
WHAT IS MY PURPOSE?
Dear Girl.
Millions of people are wandering, lost and unfulfilled because they are not sure what their purpose is. Some are searching to fill a void, yet despite all the events they attend and all the relationships they have, they still feel empty. Look in the mirror. Do you know your purpose? Your name beyond your name? Your name beyond the titles and the awards or the history? Firstly, you were created to fellowship with God, then to show his love to those who need it and are lost, through the gifts he gave you. What are the things that give you joy and fulfillment and you could do for free?
What are the things that give you joy and you can serve others with?
Do you see a man skillful in his work? He will stand before kings; he will not stand before obscure men. Prov 22:29
FEAR NOT Dear Girl.
Millions of dreams are buried in the grave of fear. Fear of failure, fear of success, fear of the past, fear of what people around will say, fear has kept people in bondage, and the sad truth is that, while they spend their lives running away from fear, they end their lives in regret of what they could have been had they not let fear rule them.
Fear is a human emotion we all feel. However, one should never allow fear to cripple them from being who God called them to be. Never let the fear of failure rob you of the productivity of life. When we fail, we learn and do better next time. You should never worry about people saying... at the end of your life, you want to be proud you did all you were created to be, for the glory of God.
How will you overcome that fear today and from hereon?
For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but one of power, love, and sound judgment 2 Tim 1:7
PUT UP A FIGHT Dear Girl.
You have written down your goals, you have set your resolutions, and set out an action plan. Before you know it, there is a distraction. You fall sick, or someone close to you falls sick, or something unforeseen happens and it burdens your heart; a betrayal, a breakup, hurt, you name it. You ask yourself why it happens whenever you set out to follow your dreams. The truth is that we live in a world where the enemy of our soul will not just allow you to fulfill God’s purpose for your life without putting up a fight. When you take that step, hell breaks loose, its not time to give up or back down; it is time to put up a fight. All this hell is not that you are doing something wrong, in fact; its because you are doing something right. So, soldier on and fight for your destiny.
How will you put up a fight for your destiny?
Fight the good fight of faith. 1 Tim 6:12
FINISH STRONG
Dear Girl.
Almost anyone can start, but not everyone can finish strong. It is those who finish strong who create the history that will be read about them for generations to come. What is it that you began, but because the road got too tough, you let go? What is that project you were excited about, but when the road became tough, you dropped it midway? Remember, champions are not crowned by simply desiring to be champions; they are crowned because they fought their battle and won. Stay in the fight. You are not fighting alone. He who began the good work in you will see it to fulfillment, partner with him, believe for it, fight for it, show up for it, pray about and for it, work for it, pay the price sis, and finish strong!
What is it that you are still yet to finish? Work On It
being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ
Jesus Phil 1:6
DO NOT BE ANXIOUS Dear Girl.
With all that is happening around the world today, it is tempting to live in fear, worry and anxiety about tomorrow. You may ask yourself if your dreams will ever come true. You look around you and the situation may be testifying against your dreams, yet in all of it, Jesus said you should not worry about tomorrow, because he is with you even till the end of the earth.
A little bible story here, he was with the Hebrew boys when they were thrown into the fire and they were not burnt. He will be with you in every circumstance. Just trust in him. He is your friend, tell him all that you feel and trust that he has an answer, comforts and holds you through the storm.
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Phil 4:6
STRONGER IN YOUR WEAKNESS
Dear Girl.
It is so tempting, in this world that glorifies perfection and constantly posts supposedly “perfect lives”, that one may feel that their life is not in order or they are too weak, In the bible, Paul, the apostle, had a thorn in his flesh. We may not know what that was, but it also troubled him. He asked God to remove it, and God replied that His grace was sufficient for him, even in that weakness. In John, Jesus told his disciples that it was not because of sin that the man was born blind, but for the glory of God. Some situations in our lives are to build our character and grow our spiritual muscle. The bible says that even Jesus, as the son of God learnt humility through the things he suffered. What you are going through, what is it here to teach you?
Ask God to give you the wisdom to learn from the situation you are passing through
Yet Jesus submitted and “learned obedience from the things which He suffered Heb 5:8
GRACEFULLY BROKEN
Dear Girl.
Today’s different, we will start in the kitchen, before going to the mirror. In your kitchen, reach for the cooking oil, maybe olive oil, or whatever type. Look at it closely. You use it in most of your dishes. It was not oil before this. Let us take olive oil for example - the olives had to be crushed to extract the oil that was in them. Now lets go back to the mirror - look at the girl in the mirror. What treasure does she have within her? It has to be extracted. That oil within her has to come out, and like olives, it requires some crushing. You may have gone through, or are going through crushing seasons and you may not understand, but that is bringing the oil within you. Someone’s life will be changed when oil starts flowing from you.
Are you in a season of crushing? What oil do you think will come forth from it?
But he knows the way that I take; when he has tried me, I shall come out as gold Job 23:10
HEALING ONE DAY AT A TIME
Dear Girl.
Perhaps your journey has had many wounds, hurts, some of which are still bleeding, and some are scars of memory. Whichever you are at, healing is calling out. Wholeness is calling your name. You want to step out fully into who you have been called to be, however, at times, those words keep ringing in your head, those wounds bleed and you do not want to step out into the world anymore. Sis, it is true you were hurt, it may not have been your fault, but it is now in your intentionality to seek healing and wholeness so you can be all you were created to be. It may not happen once, but one day at a time, reflect on the girl you saw in your future, what will it take to reach her? Bring it all to Jesus, ask him to help you forgive, and where need be, to forgive yourself. You have a bright future, healed and whole.
How would you like God to heal you. Allow him into your heart. Give him those wounds, and he will heal you, one day at a time
The Lord is close to the brokenhearted; He rescues those whose spirits are crushed. Ps 34:18
LET GO Dear Girl.
Do you ever think of a person, or people, or a place and wish you could go back in time and change what happened there, what was said there, what was done there? Sometimes these thoughts become so vivid and you get scared that could happen again. You are living your life, trying to drive forward, yet constantly looking at the rear view mirror. You should always avoid the trap of looking back, except it is to glorify God. Where you have passed and learnt, let it go. There is such a great version of you waiting for you to let go of that yesterday and fully live in the today so you can fully bloom to the beautiful flower you see in your tomorrow. You can never rewrite the history, but you still have the chance to gloriously write your today and tomorrow.
What are you letting go of today?
Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing. Isaiah 43:18
REDEFINING YOU
Dear Girl.
Many at times our past may have a version of us that was attached to it. But there comes a time where we feel this strong sense of evolving into the woman God has called us to be. Of course, the enemy with his book of history records will come try to replay that past version. That is when you take your stand and say that version has been buried and erased, your future version is sprouting and God is here to incubate her till she is full grown. And yes, there also will be some who only got that past version of you, do not yield to that name, reintroduce yourself as the overcomer you are, as this focused girl you are. Redefine yourself and own it, let the world relearn your new name. Even in the bible, God gave people new names. Who are you evolving into now?
Who are you evolving into? What are your new names?
The nations will see your vindication, and all kings your glory; you will be called by a new name that the mouth of the LORD will bestow. Isaiah 62;2
SILENCE THE NOISE
Dear Girl.
when you turn your phone on today, there is a new trend, there is a new style, a new standard. When you turn on the television, there is a lot going on around the world. When you put all of these together, it is indeed overwhelming; how should you feel, how should you prepare? Then the societal standards - do you fit in? The world is moving too fast, do you catch up? It is all happening at once but do you have that peace within? Where is your peace? Where is your truth? Where is your direction? The word says that in this world, there will be tribulation, but Jesus has overcome. Firstly, make it your intention to remind yourself where your peace is, it is found in the word of God. Secondly, remember who you are, firstly in God, and your purpose, and run your straight race.
How will you find peace today and from hereon?
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. John 14:27
YIELD INTO YOUR INNER VOICE
Dear Girl.
Today we are going back to the mirror - Look at the girl in the mirror for 10 seconds. Have you ever had a voice from within her cheer her on? In those moments of self doubt, have you had that little voice say “ you can do it!”?
That’s not your imagination, that’s your destiny voice. That small voice; yet very powerful, if given space can be a strong driving force in the gut, pushing your forward. Are you giving the destiny voice enough space? If you yield to it enough, by day, it becomes louder to a point that there will be times you know without a doubt that this is the way you should take. As said previously, you need to intentionally reduce the volume from outside forces, to make room for the destiny voice within. That’s your greatestcheerleader.
What steps are you taking to hear your destiny voice much clearer?
For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God. Romans 8:14
THE UNSTOPPABLE YOU
Dear Girl.
Of course the world is imperfect. And as some would say, life is not fair. Your background may not have been the best, and all that could go wrong may have come your way. But through it all, you are still unstoppable. If there is one person in this world who could stop you from being who God has called you to be - it is YOU. That’s right, only YOU can stop YOU. If you set it in your mind and within you that you will accomplish your dreams and are willing to pay the price, nothing can stop you. On the flip side, sis, if you sit there, and count all the things that went wrong and affirm all the things that are stopping you and could stop you, then you will never accomplish your dreams. You may not have started well, but you still have the chance to finish well, if you put your mind, belief and faith into it.
What are you putting your mind to today? What are you believing for? What are you determined to achieve?
If you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes.
Mark 9:23
FACING THE GIANTS
Dear Girl.
As life unfolds, we face giants from our past, giants in our present, and giants in our future. Through it all, one should remember that life is a battlefield, where only the serious minded win. Your giants maybe from your past - fear of failure now because of the failure in the past, or past experiences - Sis, slay those giants. Giants in your presence - imposter syndrome, slay those giants, get up, and look that girl in the mirror, straight in the eyes and tell her who she isDaughter of a King, Greater is He who lives within her, she is never alone, she is chosen, anointed, blessed, equipped, more than enough, Jesus is on her side. Girl, never put those giants to sleep. Those giants that come up as triggersface them till you slay them, one day at a time, confront them, you have been made whole. Get up, face those giants.
What giants do you need to slay? Remember, Jesus is doing it with you.
Little children, you are from God and have overcome them, for he who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.
1 John 4:4
GETTING UP EVERYDAY
Dear Girl.
Not every day is sunny, not every season is summer. Winter days come. Snowy days come. Rainy days come and at times they pour real hard. In those days, where is your dream? Where is your purpose? Does your name change when it is raining? Does your last name change when it is cold? No, you are the same person in the rain, in the snow - you are still that same girl. So is your dream. The days will be snowy, rainy, windy - perhaps you are in one of those days today, do not change your profession about your dream. If you want to be a nurse, and you know deep down that is your Godgiven dream, do not change your profession when the road gets tough. Fight. Rainy days will not last forever. Get up girl, keep showing up in pain, keep showing up in that little strength. It will not last forever.
How will you get up for that dream?
Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up Gal 6:9
ONE DAY AT A TIME Dear Girl.
As massive and overwhelming as the dream seems, remember, even the tallest building on earth, started with the first digging, then the foundation and the cement, on and on. At times, you may not see that one big step that you hope to see. Remember that they say that the journey of a thousand miles begins with one step. One day at a time, as you stay true to your purpose, you will arrive. But remember, to also enjoy the journey, its rises and its falls, the slides, the mountains, the valleys, they all have a lesson. It is the processing that will teach you to maintain the result.
How will you enjoy your journey to the goal?
You know that in a race all the runners run but only one wins the prize, don't you? You must run in such a way that you may be victorious. 1 Cor 9:24
PURPOSE COSTS
Dear Girl.
Do you see the people you call role model? Maybe you have their picture somewhere in your room or in your phone. The people you call your inspiration - if you ask those people what it took for them to get to where they are today, you will realise that the journey to the throne is not a bed of roses, it is a tough road cushioned with thorns, serpents, scorpions, needles; falls, injuries, and one bleeds their way to that victory. As they sit victoriously on that throne today, let them show you their scars. Successful people do not just drift to the top, it takes discipline, unbroken focus, sacrifice, and a willingness to pay the price. Are you willing to pay the price for your dreams today?
What does your road to the throne look like? Are you willing to pay the price?
And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ, will Himself perfect, confirm, strengthen, and establish you. 1 Peter 5:10
THE EAGLE’S LONE PATH
Dear Girl.
When you look at the eagle, one of the world’s most powerful birds; you will learn a valuable lesson from this incredible bird. The eagle soars at very high altitude. The altitude at which the eagle flies does not have most of the common birds we see everyday. If you want to fly high sis, the path may be a bit lonely as few people are willing to climb higher, as that comes at a cost. You have to keep choosing those dreams God put in you. You do not want to get to the end of your life saying “I could have been”, “I should have been” Rest assured, when the time is right, you will find fellow eagles higher up. Keep climbing.
What does your journey of climbing high look like?
But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. Isaiah 40:31
FLYING THROUGH THE STORM
Dear Girl.
It is said that when there is a storm, the eagle, unlike other birds, flies through the storm, until it gets above it, where there is calm. What does this resemble in your life as a human being? Ordinarily, the storm destroys and at times, kills, but, as an eagle, the storm does not kill you; it elevates you, to a higher level of grace, glory and calm. What storm are you facing or have you been facing? What does it mean to fly through the storm at this point? It means that you do not allow the storm to detect your direction. You do not allow the storm’s winds to blow you away. It means you face it in prayer, in focus, in remembrance of your goal and belief that you will come out stronger and higher.
How will you face your life storms?
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go. Joshua 1:9
EAGLE EYES
Dear Girl,
It is said that eagles can see as far as 3.2km/ 2 miles away. This strong eyesight allows eagles to have great decision making even in their hunting and in the protection of their young ones. Bringing this to your life sis, what is your vision like? Vision, is said to be the ability to see beyond what your eyes can see. It is the ability to see your tomorrow, your future, in your heart and mind. What does your vision say? Where do you see yourself, most of all, are you focused on that vision? Because the vision stays the same, you fly towards it, through the winds, through the turbulences. Vision gives you your why, daily, even in the thick days. I challenge you to create a vision board that you will see every day.
Create a vision board, paste pictures if you need to. Look at that every day, before you leave the house. Then get out and fly towards it.
Where there is no vision, the people perish. Prov 29:18
IT’S WORTH THE WAIT
Dear Girl,
At times, on your journey towards your goal, it feels like it is taking forever. You look around, and perhaps your peers are taking shortcuts and you are asking God why he is not making it happen for you especially as you are “doing things right”. Well, sis, God loves us so much that he values processing more than results, He does not want us to get to the place of our destiny, and crash and explode and lose it all, because of lack of character. He wants to prepare you for that exposure and the weight it brings. He wants you to fully know him before he launches you so that even when the world comes with its opinions, you will not be derailed, you will stand the test of time and positively impact lives for his glory.
What are you believing God for? Ask him to build character in you now and teach you to make the most of the waiting season
Wait for the LORD and keep His way, and He will raise you up to inherit the land - Psalm 27:14
WRITE YOUR OWN STORY
Dear Girl,
As much as God knew the days he ordained for you, before you were born; he also gave you the gift of choice. All of us have choices. One can choose to live a righteous and straightforward life; while the other may choose to live a crooked life. Each day is another opportunity to make a choice towards the future you desire. God indeed has great plans for you; but it is not all up to God, as much as it is not all up to you, you partner with God. One has to work as if it all depends on them, then pray as if it all depends on God. In the end, God has to mark your work, and reward you accordingly. Get up everyday, and choose to run the straight race and fight for your destiny. Remember, Jesus is there to help you.
What
decisions will you take for your future?
I discipline my body and bring it under strict control, so that after preaching to others, I myself will not be disqualified.
1 Cor 9:27
Would you like to ask Jesus into your life today? He wishes to walk this path with you.
Let us pray together
“Lord Jesus, I am a sinner. Come into my heart. Wash me with your precious blood. Save my soul today. I give you my life, may you guide me, lead me, and show me the way of living for you and for my purpose. Write my name in the book of life. Thank you for saving me.” Amen