What Track Are You On?

I remember watching the documentary, Becoming by Michelle Obama on Netflix when COVID-19 originally locked us into our homes. She said something that will stick with me forever. Former First Lady Michelle Obama was asked, "How did you get back on track after being first lady?" Her response was so simple, yet so perplex. Mrs. Obama stated that there is no such thing as getting back on track; we must focus on aligning ourselves on the new track ahead of us. I thought to myself, what new track?

I began to think about that prophetically. Many of us have been stuck on our own track of normalcy and complacency for too long. COVID shook some things up for all of us and returning to normal is no longer an option. Many of us were just living life routinely and going through the motions. We were able to escape our pain and feelings by going to work, the gym, shopping, eating out, etc. When COVID came, it was sudden, and it was a wakeup call for many of us.

Some people were forced to realize their marriage was broken because they had to face their partner daily. Others concluded that they had been escaping themselves and their own issues. Well, that was me. I was putting all my time and energy into relationships and purposely neglecting myself. I realized that I had been operating on my own and I was not consulting God on anything. I thought that being on my own track was working for me, but it only led me to depression, toxic relationships, and heartache. I know that I cannot go back to that lifestyle of basing all my decisions on what Monica wants. I do not know what is best for me and I am also not aware of what lies ahead, but God does.

While studying the word of God, I was led to Colossians 3:1-10. The message I received was to release my old ways and set my heart on things above (God). I heard God saying that I should not be focused on getting back on my track; instead, I should be focused on getting on the track God has for me. Defiantly, I still tried to operate on my own as many of us do. However, God literally stopped me in my tracks. Every time I tried to move myself forward, it was as if my engine was stalled. Every decision that I made without consulting God was denied.

Initially, I was frustrated because I manifested happiness, abundance of finances and a relationship with someone that I knew was supposed to be my husband. Neither of which came into fruition. I thought I was doing everything right. I was putting good out into the universe and the law of attraction ensured that good was going to come back to me, but it did not. At least not in my timing. God was trying to show me that the only direction I would be able to go if I continued my track was backwards. I would not be able to go forward because there was nothing forward for me if I continued operating the same way I did in the past. God loved me enough to end my track before I derailed and caused myself to self-destruct.

I tried following God before, but the transition was very difficult for me. It required me to get uncomfortable and that was always something I despised. I had to ask myself, "Are you willing to go back into the pit just because you are comfortable there?". Colossians 3:7-8 (NIV) states, "You used to walk in these ways, in the life you once lived. But now you must also rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips." I needed to get rid of all the impurities that I learned to suppress. I also learned how to hide from myself by entering relationships and focusing my energy into trying to fix someone else. At the time, I could not rid myself of anything. I needed God to reveal those impurities and help me remove them. The only relationship that could help me do that was a relationship with God.

God was trying to work on me and that required me to get on his track, which required establishing a relationship with him. When I finally made the decision to do a track transfer and give my life to God it was not easy. If I am being honest, it still is not. Luke 9:23 states, "Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me." That is the truth, I have to die to myself daily in order to fully submit to God and his ways versus my own. No matter how difficult readjusting and realigning to God's track may be, it is worth it, and I know that I am not doing this alone.

Many of us do not feel comfortable with transferring tracks because it is unfamiliar. When I started learning more about God and transferring to his ways and leaving mine behind, it was stressful. It required me to leave my comfort zone and embark on uncharted territory which brought concern, worry and fear. I had to change my perspective, my relationships, my goals/desires, and expectations. There were times when I wanted to turn back, but God continued to speak to me and guide me. He told me that it is okay if the transfer process is not easy. It is okay if I made some mistakes and if the track felt a little rocky. I knew that once I got adjusted on his track, God would allow me to take off in ways I could not begin to imagine.

I am already reaping the benefits of being on God's track. I now realize that there are places that God was trying to take me on his track that I would have never had access to on my own. As I align myself, I also realize that if I would have tried to remain on that other track I would still be depressed, miserable, and stationary. This new track has joy, healthy relationships, peace, more opportunity, healing and so much more. Just wait until I get adjusted.

Advice: You should not focus on getting back on track; instead, you should focus on readjusting and realigning yourself on the track God has for you!