chosen

Does it?

6 months back, my family and I got our first foster placement. It was an answered prayer, a gift from God. We were told this was likely going to end with us adopting this baby, because we were told that no-one else had a chance to adopt him. And up until 2 months ago, that’s what we thought was going to happen. And then our worlds were crushed. Our foster baby was being replaced with his biological father, something we didn’t know was going to happen until it was already happening. Even though we were happy for our baby that he would grow up with his father, we were going to miss him very much.

It felt like God was ignoring my prayers. I wanted this baby to stay. We all loved him so much. He wasn’t just a foster baby, he was family.

Question after question & tear after tear went by.

After 1 month (felt like eternity), we finally got to see our loved baby again. The amount of grief felt before couldn’t even compare to the amount of joy felt now.

God showed us how He was answering our prayers through it all. He wasn’t ignoring us, He was comforting us. He wasn’t letting us cry for no reason, He was letting us realize our need for a savior like Him.

Is this you today? Are you wondering why it doesn’t feel like God is answering your prayers?

Take hope dear friend, joy is coming. God is answering your prayers in the midst of your heartache.

He is with you right now, wherever you’re reading this.

“who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. For as we share abundantly in Christ’s sufferings, so through Christ we share abundantly in comfort too.” 2 Corinthians 1:4-5

Where are you going?

Where are you going?

In Genesis 16, Abram and Sarai try to speed up the process of their promise.

Sarai hands Hagar, their slave, over to Abram to birth a child.

They quickly feel the consequences of taking control.

Sarai mistreats Hagar, pushing her to run away from the pain and shame.

The Lord asks, “Hagar, slave of Sarai,

where have you come from and where are you going?”

Hagar knew where she was coming from.

She knew what she was running from.

She was fleeing miserable mistreatment.

She was attempting to escape pain from being used.

Most of us know what we’re attempting to outrun and avoid.

We know we are running from confrontation of our sin and shame.

We know that we are outrunning pain from our past.

We know that we are avoiding discomfort.

But like Hagar, we don’t know where we are going.

We are running full speed, ninety miles an hour, headed nowhere.

We are tired, burnt out, burdened, searching for the path of peace.

We are running, rerouting, and then running some more.

Can you relate?

Is there something you are trying to outrun?

Maybe it is a marriage that isn’t living up to expectations.

Maybe it’s generational cycles or habits that you can’t break.

Maybe it’s sin that keeps creeping in and controlling you.

Maybe it’s a job that feels like more of a burden than a blessing.

Hagar couldn’t outrun her past, but she did find the right path.

She found purpose, a promise, and a new direction.

She found healing, freedom, and salvation.

Right there in her running, she found Jesus.

The Jesus that had been with her all along.

The Jesus that was waiting for her surrender.

The Jesus that saw her in her deepest path.

The Jesus that had a future prepared for her.

There is only one Way.

There is only one Path.

There is only one Name.

His name is Jesus.

So, ask yourself,

Where are you going?

If you aren’t walking towards the Lord, turn around.

Ask Him to lead you and show you the way.

Ask Him to give you vision and direction.

Ask Him to point you to your promise.

Keep fighting

Philippians 1:6 being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ;

Sometimes I think I’m too real on here, but do you ever just mess things up?? This mouth y’all. Stuff just flies out sometimes. Don’t get me wrong I’m thankful I am not where I used to be, but I have a long way to go.

A few weeks ago, two days in a row I was convicted over things I said. I have a tendency to replay conversations in my head and sometimes it’s just not good. One of the things was an innocent, joking comment and the person accused me of being a fake Christian and the next day I was in a high stress situation and may or may not have said a bad word. What. In. The. World. I was feeling pretty defeated and then driving along I heard a song I’ve heard a million times and these words just hit home.

🎶Sometimes on this journey, I get lost in my mistakes

What looks to me like weakness is a canvas for Your strength

And my story isn’t over, my story’s just begun

And failure won’t define me ’cause that’s what my Father does🎶

Cory Asbury was singing right to me.

The enemy wants nothing more than to back us off the plate. He doesn’t play fair. Two small mess ups had me feeling totally unworthy and useless. Thankfully Jesus has bigger plans, He knows exactly who I am and what works He has prepared for me.

I can’t waste time feeling defeated. I have to repent, move on and keep fighting the good fight. I was able to use the first situation and hopefully turned it to good. A bonus was that the Lord revealed something I needed to put out of my thought process. In the stressful situation only Jesus heard me and I’m confident He forgave me.

Today is a new day; whatever is holding you back. 🗣️ Let. It. Go.

I can’t say it better than Jeremiah.

Lamentations 3:22-24

Through the Lord’s mercies we are not consumed, Because His compassions fail not They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness. “The Lord is my portion,” says my soul, “Therefore I hope in Him!”

Hallelujah 🙌🏻

Worthy

I’ve been in a state of panic for the past week. I was supposed to start working out hard again 2 months ago knowing that I was going on a river trip with a group of people over Memorial Day weekend. Ugh. I’ve failed again to meet people’s expectations of what I’m “supposed” to look like (in my mind, anyway).

In today’s age, where social media and popular culture inundate our minds with images and expectations of perfection, it’s not surprising to find that many women are battling insecurities. The continuous exposure to such unrealistic standards can fuel feelings of unworthiness, inadequacy, and self-doubt. However, as Christians, we are privileged to have a different frame of reference for our worth, one that is rooted not in the transient ideals of society but in the everlasting love of God.

Scripture offers numerous affirmations of our worth in God’s eyes, and it’s through understanding these truths that we can start to unravel the knot of insecurities. Psalm 139:14 says, “I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.” This scripture emphasizes that you were not created by accident, but with intentionality and precision. God crafted you uniquely, making you one of a kind. So, when you find yourself struggling with the insecurity of not fitting into societal standards of beauty or success, remember this verse and take solace in knowing you are wonderfully made by the Creator himself.

I yelled at my kid today and immediately felt like a horrible mom. Romans 5:8 tells us, “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” This scripture reveals the depth of God’s love for us, a love so profound that He was willing to sacrifice His only Son. When the world’s measure of love is often conditional, based on appearance, achievements, or status, God’s love is unconditional.

If you find yourself feeling unloved or unlovable, lean into this truth. In Luke 12:6-7, Jesus said, “Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? Yet not one of them is forgotten by God. Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.” This passage underscores the value God places on each of us.

Despite feeling overlooked or undervalued by the world, we are reminded that God cherishes us deeply, to the extent of knowing the number of hairs on our head. You are always seen, always remembered, and always valued by Him.

I often feel like everything I do is a mistake or not good enough. Then, God reminds me that Ephesians 2:10 declares, “For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” We all have a unique purpose, a divine calling that God has prepared for us.

If you feel a sense of worthlessness or aimlessness, remember that you are created with a specific purpose in mind. Embrace this purpose and strive to fulfill it; it’s not about worldly achievements, but rather doing God’s work in the way only you can. Embracing your worth in God is a journey that requires constant reaffirmation through scripture, prayer, and fellowship. It involves replacing the narrative of insecurity that the world has scripted for you with the narrative of divine worth and love that God has inscribed on your heart.

As Christian women, we must remember that our worth does not lie in our physical appearance, social status, or accomplishments, but rather in our status as beloved children of God, created with purpose and valued beyond measure. When we embrace this truth, we can combat our insecurities and step into the fullness of our identity in Christ, confident of our infinite worth in God’s eyes.

Puzzle

God is writing and creating your masterpiece. It may not be the puzzle you wanted to assemble, but I assure you it is a masterpiece.

Handcrafted and knitted together by a King who loves you.

“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.”

– Jeremiah 29:11

We hear this scripture a lot. Especially during the graduation season. We bring it to memorization. We trust in it. My question is do we really listen to it? Listen to the meaning?

He has plans for you.

They might just be totally different than your own. That is beautiful. Often times our life can feel like a messy, messy, out of place puzzle.

There are so many good pieces that we hold close to our heart. Then there is the group of bad puzzle pieces that a lot of the time we just rather not speak of. We would rather them get lost within the rummage of life. As we listen to the love of Christ and walk with him, entrusting that he knows the plans he has for us, know that the puzzle may be full of pieces we want to get rid of.

You can’t get rid of them though.

You have to hold on tight for the ride. Allow the Holy Spirit to walk you through those tough moments within the masterpiece. You have to trust his plans will prosper. I am so confident that when you trust his plans and trust in his will for your life that you will back up and realize one day that it is a masterpiece hand knitted by a loving God. Realizing in order to walk according to his will it took some ugly puzzle pieces to complete the puzzle. Be thankful for them. It’s not what we would call a masterpiece within our human selves, but it is very much crafted by the almighty King. He’s a redeemer and covenant maker.

I want more of you Jesus. I want more of your plans.

⁃ More of knowing that you know what’s best.

⁃ More of knowing that you know what I need.

⁃ Knowing that you designed and know me better than I know myself.

I could never get enough of you. I could never get enough of trusting in the masterpiece you are knitting together.

Control

Control has always been something I crave. When it comes to the sequence of events in my life, I need to know exactly how it’s going down…like every little detail. I get filled with anxiety when things don’t turn out exactly how I planned in my head and try my very best to get back on track before I have an actual meltdown. Even with all of my best efforts, there are some circumstances and situations that I just can’t change. There is a greater power who does have the control and strength needed to deal with any and every circumstance. His name is Jesus. I’m thankful this pressure to control doesn’t rest on my shoulders.

 

We can find peace in learning to surrender to God’s timeline. No matter who you are and what you have done, God loves you and has a unique plan for your life. That plan is perfect in his eyes; even if it does not line up with what you had in mind. What if everyone around you seems to be thriving while you keep getting handed one bad situation after another? God remains faithful and cares for you. He knows the bigger picture and sees it clearly. As we know, this life is unpredictable and that can be unsettling at times. God may be using your current situation to prepare your heart for something greater. Today, you can choose to let go of control and cling to God, He’s got you. 

 

“The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. “The Lord is my portion,” says my soul, “therefore I will hope in him.” The Lord is good to those who wait for him, to the soul who seeks him.” Lamentations 3:22-25

Heart change

Did you know as Christians we are to live on earth as citizens of Heaven? God expects us to conduct ourselves in a manner worthy to spread the gospel of Christ His Son. We are to stand together in the faith, encouraging one another, agreeing wholeheartedly with one mind and one purpose. It is a privilege to trust in Christ and to have the ability to spread His word. It is even a privilege to suffer for Him! In order to carry this out we must always have the attitude of Christ.

What does it mean to have the attitude of Christ? First of all, we must walk in humility. Humility is an attitude of spiritual modesty that comes from understanding our place; freedom from pride or arrogance. It means that our hearts should always be tender and compassionate with no selfish ambition, free from trying to impress others. We should always think of others as better than ourselves. Jesus was the perfect example of humility.

“Though He was God, He did not think of equality with God as something to cling to. Instead He gave up His divine privileges; He took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being. When He appeared in human form, He humbled Himself in obedience to God and died a criminal’s death on a cross.” Philippians 2:6-8

As human beings our nature struggles with pride. We tend to feel like it is weak to be humble especially in situations or circumstances when people attack our beliefs and motives. We may really be trying to do the right thing and when someone questions that we go straight to wanting to defend ourselves. That is PRIDE!! Jesus was attacked in every way that we are and more. He still chose to die an embarrassing and painful death on the cross. He was beaten and ridiculed for us, knowing that we would continually sin against Him, but so we can be forgiven. That is HUMILITY!!!! We struggle with forgiving people who just simply hurt our feelings 10 years ago. Pride hinders our spiritual growth and causes strife, but humility helps us grow in the truth and grace of Christ, who saves our souls.

Having the attitude of Christ is also having love for one another. God is love and sent His only Son to die so we can have eternal life. There is no love greater than this. God commands us to love each other to show others that this is the characteristic of a Christian. It is how the world can and should be able to identify us. To love like Christ we must experience a true heart change. This does not come naturally but as a result of the Holy Spirit coming to dwell in us. We are to have a love that is unconditional, sacrificial, and forgiving and it should be for everyone, even those that may not love or like us back. The more we surrender to loving others the more God lives in us and our love becomes more perfect.

“If someone says, “I love God,” but hates a fellow believer, that person is a liar; for if we don’t love people we can see, how can we love God, whom we cannot see? And He has given us this command: Those who love God must also love their fellow believers.”

1 John 4:20-21

So remember to walk in humility and encourage and love each other in the faith! Have a tender heart and compassion and a little extra grace for each other, knowing just how much grace we receive from the Heavenly Father everyday!!! Let’s have the attitude of Christ!!

Unless

Then he (Moses) said to Him, “If Your Presence does not go with us, do not bring us up from here.”

Lord, I’ll just stay right here, unless You’re going with me. What if I kept that desire for His companionship burning daily in my life? It would be life changing!

I see Moses’s relationship with God as amazing and one to be desired, but that can only happen if I make God the center of my life. I know Moses may not have actually seen the face of God, but he experienced a level of intimacy with Him that can only come from 2 people having each other’s full attention.

This is the kind of relationship that God desires to have with each one of us.

Exodus 33:11 says the Lord spoke to Moses face to face, as a man speaks to his friend. That my friend, had to be an unforgettable moment in time! Moses and God were so deeply involved that he could not imagine proceeding without His Presence.

And although God had promised him success, Moses didn’t want just good results, He wanted God. Once we become so involved with Him and experience His Presence in our lives, we begin to realize that we cannot ever be satisfied with a life outside of His Presence.

Jer. 29:13 “And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart”

I believe that if we take the time to search Him out, get to know Him so well and feel like He can talk to us like a friend, sharing His heart with us as we share ours with Him, ‘we would trade in everything just to be In His Presence.’

This Moment

The word “ministry” has sort of been “boxed in” to be a word that requires a professional title.  We think of pastors, small group leaders, and other leaders of the church body to be the people doing “ministry”. However, ministry requires no title at all. Instead, it requires a call, and the good news is we’ve ALL been called to ministry.

In The Great Commission, Jesus tells his disciples “go and make disciples,” (Matthew 28:19-20). If we are going to call ourselves disciples of Christ, then we can’t just ignore this call to ministry. Let’s break this verse down a little more to see how we can apply this daily. The first word Jesus says here is “go”. This doesn’t have to be across the world, to a foreign country, or leaving your job to become a pastor. “Go” can be to Motiva, or being a truck driver, a mail man, a CEO of a tech company, a stay at home mom, a teacher, anything! You can reach people and spread the good news of the Gospel wherever you are planted.

The next thing we are called to do is to “make”. Now, we can’t be effective at making disciples if we’re harsh and act like we know best. Instead, we are supposed to love them where they are at in that very moment as Jesus would. Be the one who goes the extra mile for someone. Smile at a stranger. Leave a large tip at the restaurant. Hold a door for someone. Share your faith publicly. Be unashamed of the Gospel. Ask someone you see struggling if you can pray with them.

Through these actions, people will want to know why you’re living this way and how you’re so full of joy doing it. You’ll lead people to Jesus best when you’re acting like Him and walking with the Holy Spirit.

This is ministry.

All of those acts that I mentioned above and so many more can be ministry. Don’t put the work that Jesus has called us to do in a box. We were created for more than that!

Fill the bowl

Filling up the bowl.

This is a phrase I use often when it comes to praying. Sometimes I have to remind myself that my prayers are being heard and that eventually, the answer will come. In the meantime, I’m filling up the bowl and at a set time, it will be poured out.

It comes from Revelation.

“When He opened the seventh seal, there was silence in heaven for about half an hour. And I saw the seven angels who stand before God, and to them were given seven trumpets. Then another angel, having a golden censer, came and stood at the altar. He was given much incense, that he should offer it with the prayers of all the saints upon the golden altar which was before the throne. And the smoke of the incense, with the prayers of the saints, ascended before God from the angel’s hand. Then the angel took the censer, filled it with fire from the altar, and threw it to the earth. And there were noises, thunderings, lightnings, and an earthquake.”

Revelation 8:1-5 NKJV

This thought carried me through last year when my sister was in an extended and unexpected stay at the hospital. I knew many prayers were going up from numerous people and it gave me faith that the more that went up, the sooner her healing and recovery because the bowl was filled faster. It was a constant request in that season.

I fail to be so diligent in my own prayer life. I fail to make requests with others. I fail to bring matters before the Lord with such persistency or consistency. This was a needed reminder.

And it occurred because of a silent Sunday service at church. As I sat there experiencing this holy hush, I thought of heaven being silent for half an hour. My spirit was stirred in that pew with excitement — God was up to something BIG! Correction: God IS up to something big. Our prayers are tipping the bowl. The pour out is happening. Heaven and earth are stirring.

Our moments or seasons may be filled with silence, but the heavens are shaken. I’m finding more and more that it’s in those quiet times, those moments heavy with a hush, the seasons of silence, that God is working the most. Our hearts continually crying out in those seasons, filling up the censor, an incense before the Lord.

But how often do we remain so desperate in seasons that aren’t silent? I know for me personally, I’m not likely to push through as much when it’s “mountaintop” moments with the Lord. I ease off. But I should continually be entreating the Lord. For His promises to come to pass, for salvations, for healings, for guidance, for His presence, for His will.

This reminder to keep praying set an excitement and expectancy in me. A desire to keep seeking, asking, knocking. Where I was weary, I am now encouraged to press through. The prayers are filling up the bowl. Where I was once disheartened with time, I am now expectant for God to have perfect timing and at peace knowing He is lining it up even now. It will be poured out. Where I was once disappointed, I am now excited to see His hand having guided it along the whole time. There is a fire to the prayers that bring along a preparedness for when the time comes. Things are moving.

It’s beautiful the way He works!

So, my friends, may I encourage anyone who is weary or disappointed or discouraged to pray without ceasing — in the high or low. Your Heavenly Father is listening. It’s joining with others prayers as well and others join along with yours. What a beautiful thing to think and picture in our minds! Like smoke rising up, our prayers are lifting up. Like a bowl being filled with water, each prayer a drop. And when many voices are lifting up a certain situation, name, desire then it’s a downpour in the bowl. How exciting!

Be encouraged.

Keep asking.

Keep seeking.

Keep knocking.

The door WILL be opened to you.