Yeah, so I’m 2 days into being 30. And guess what? I got older, and THAT’S FREAKING AWESOME!!!! Yeah, I said it. It’s awesome. I just wanted to address this because oftentimes in our culture we put such a focus on dates, times, age etc, that we forget the most important thing: GOD. And GOD IS GOOD! I’m so happy the Lord dealt with me to help me see clearly past myself and the traditions that we set up for such a “monumental” occasion. Want to know how I celebrated by 30th???
…I relaxed. And I worshiped. I ate. And I slept. And then I worshiped some more. That’s basically the gist.
It started last year, you know, the conviction to not celebrate my birthday in the manner I would usually do: Big dinner, party, or something consisting of a weekend of events celebrating…well ME of course! The Holy Spirit simply said to me, “If I live in you, and you say you are mine, then isn’t your birthday MY birthday?” Do you not know that you are a temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you? 1 Corinthians 3:16
I responded, “Well, yeah but it’s a special day for both of us”. He continued, “Are you mine? Then ask me what I want you to do. Why do you want to celebrate anyway? Who is it for? Me or for you?” In that moment, I had to be completely honest. Yeah, I want to look good! I want to have friends and associates come celebrate how wonderful, fabulous and fun I am…with me as I celebrate myself! AND, I get to put your name on it and share how much you’ve blessed me, all while being in the spotlight of MY special day.
Is there anything really wrong with that? Cue Exodus 20:3 “You shall have no other gods before Me.” Whoa, whaaattttt??? I’m not saying I’m trying to worship another god. I just wanted to have a party…like everybody else does. Especially all the other people I know who are turning 30 and going out of town, having photoshoots, parties, etc. OOOOOOOHHHHHHH SNAP! I am putting things: myself and people before you. But what you saying, I can’t ever celebrate my birthday??? That’s extreme, like some Jehovah Witness type of deal.
He told me, “I see nothing wrong with celebration, but it is the why that concerns me. What is your motivation? Where is your heart? When you put your desires before mine, you do not do this for me, but for yourself, for your glory. I want you to give everything to me, even your 30th birthday. Let me tell you what I want you to do.”
With much shame and sorrow, I sat there at 5am in the morning one October day and let the Holy Spirit show me his vision. It brought me to tears. At that moment, I understood what he wanted. He didn’t want to strip the celebration, just the purpose for it. HE wanted the glory, the honor and the praise. Cue Exodus again — for you shall not worship any other god, for the LORD, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God Exodus 34:14
You see, the word tells us:
- To do EVERYTHING In honor of God:
- Whether, then, you eat or drink or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. 1 Corinthians 10:31
- Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father Colossians 3:17
- To do EVERYTHING by faith:
- But he who doubts is condemned if he eats, because his eating is not from faith; and whatever is not from faith is sin. Romans 14:23
- And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him. Hebrews 11:6
Ok. Point made.
So, I made plans to do what the Lord had given me. But then I stopped. That’s a whole nother post. Anyhoo, after those plans were cancelled, I found myself stressing, because the desire to do something for me came back. And I almost gave in. Over and over again. Cabin trip, dinners, and then a potluck worship gathering with anyone who wanted to come. Nothing innately wrong with any of those things. But was it what the Lord wanted? NOPE.
All he wanted was me. On that day, he wanted my heart, my desires, my attention. So that’s what I gave him. Regardless of the temptation to make plans. All the phone calls, text messages etc, that kept asking if they missed the invite. With every one I just told them I was going to chill and worship. No plans. This marks the 1st year and the 1st time I’ve ever given God my birthday- fully surrendered.
So, what did I do? Saturday Night, I got a facial and “spa package” courtesy of Walmart and the High ladies, lol. It was awesome. Then I went home and popped a bottle of Sparkling grape juice with my father and Heather (who came to bring me some goodies). Then I soaked 29 away in a bubble bath and sugar scrub, listening to worship music. I said I wanted to smell and feel like a grown woman, lol. I went to bed feeling like a smooth baby and prayed, thanking God for everything He’s already done. And I asked him to continue to guide me throughout the day, to only do what he desires.
I awoke Sunday morning, did my makeup (even though he asked me to go without it…I’m still stubborn hence why I was late. Still wanted to look like it was my birthday lol) Got to church, sat in the back, and proceeded to bawl after hearing the word and being guided to ask for prayer from my sis in Christ. Hmmm, no wonder why he said no makeup. I said my hellos, and followed instructions as he told me not to go to brunch after service. He told me to go home. So I did.
That wound up being the best decision ever as my whole family wound up there. They cooked, we ate and sang as we listened to worship music. I shared with them songs that had been blessing me lately. Finally, my dad reflected and said, “as we sit here and I listen to the words of some of these songs, and I hear Faithe say these words, I know it is only by God’s grace that this could happen. We’ve always wanted to celebrate your birthday with you, but usually you were always so busy and gone with your own plans that we might get squeezed in. So, this is truly a blessing, that we are all here, like this. I can only imagine the praise your mother and brother are giving in paradise while we worship God here.”
And I proceeded to bawl again because it was so true. This is what happens when you obey and give it all to God, he reminds you of his faithfulness. Life is good indeed. I’m blessed and in the best peace of mind I’ve ever had. 30 is just 30. No stressing what I’ve yet to do. I’m going to continue to trust Him and let him guide me. It’s really the Best birthday ever, because I have access to this EVERYDAY.
“Therefore, if anyone cleanses himself from these things, he will be a vessel for honor, sanctified, useful to the Master, prepared for every good work.” 2 Timothy 2:21
“Now, Israel, what does the LORD your God require from you, but to fear the LORD your God, to walk in all His ways and love Him, and to serve the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul,” Deuteronomy 10:12
FINDING FAITH(E) 