Learning to Trust God

Several years ago we were at the beginning of a long walk through health-related issues with a loved one. It was recommended that we visit the Mayo Clinic, so we made the appointment and waited three months until the scheduled date. In the meantime, I worked with the insurance company to request the necessary preapproval.

When I finally received the letter, I was disappointed to read that our request had been denied. Disappointed isn’t the right word. My immediate physical reaction, without being able to control it, was panic—stomach in knots, hands shaking, light-headedness—panic.

While my body took longer to settle down, my mind knew immediately to turn to God. I prayed and told myself we had time, but more importantly, God had a plan. 

I consciously reminded myself of what I knew to be true—God had this under control. I didn't know how and it didn't matter. The more I prayed, the calmer I felt and that sense of peace stayed with me. {Tweet this}

And then one day, in a conversation, I caught myself saying, "I really hope I'm not wrong, but I have a feeling God has this under control."

Even while I was in the middle of the conversation, it troubled me… I really hope I'm not wrong?!?

Where was the confidence I'd had? Why was doubt creeping in if I really believed? {Tweet this}

Please join me at Candidly Christian to continue reading where I'm sharing three things to remember when learning to trust God.

In Christ,
Laura

[Photo credit: CandidlyChristian.com]

Linking up with: Kingdom Bloggers, #TeaAndWord, #TellHisStory, Purposeful Faith, InstaEncouragements, #RechargeWednesday, Let's Have Coffee, Worth Beyond Rubies, #TuneInThursday, #HeartEncouragement, #FaithonFire, Faith 'n Friends, Grace & Truth, Spiritual Sundays

Don’t Let Fear and Self-doubt Kill Your Dreams

I recently spoke at a women’s event, presenting a 45-minute Bible study I wrote myself. It wasn’t my first time speaking to a group of women, but you might not believe that if you saw my hands tremble and heard the nerves in my voice. Every time I speak, I forget to breathe for the first few minutes. Then, I get into a groove and I’m able to relax. Somewhat.

For years, after I began writing to encourage women in their faith journeys, I wondered if God might ever lead me to speak. I’m not sure why I felt like this was something I wanted to do because holding a microphone made me panic. (And that’s before I even tried to speak into it.)

But God has a unique way of putting a dream in your heart that terrifies you. Those dreams are not meant be accomplished alone. God designs them so that you can work on them together—with Him.

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 NIV

How often do we forget that wherever He leads us, He will continue to walk with us every step of the way? {Tweet this}

I'm happy to be sharing over at God-sized Dreams today! Please join me there to continue reading... Don't Let Fear and Self-doubt Kill Your Dreams.

In Christ,
Laura

Linking up with: Moments of Hope, #glimpsesofHisbeauty, Purposeful Faith, #TellHisStory, Coffee for Your Heart, Recharge Wednesday, From Messes to Messages, Writer Wednesday, Porch Stories, #HeartEncouragement, Rich Faith Rising, Grace Moments, #ChasingCommunity, #FreshMarketFriday, Faith 'n Friends, Grace & Truth

Hope When You Can’t Fix It

Some situations feel like a never-ending circle. I go around and around never getting anywhere. But still, I feel like there must be something I can do. So, I keep trying. And I keep getting nowhere.

One situation has been going on for years. I’ve been praying. I’ve been searching Scripture. I’ve been having frank conversations with God, asking Him to show me what to do. I’ve wondered if I’m praying for the wrong outcome. And some days, I don’t even know what to pray for. I simply think Please help us Jesus over and over.

As a mom, I want to be able to fix this. I want to make it all better so we can all move forward. But, despite all of my research, trying different resources, and putting everything I have into it, it appears that I can’t. I’m left feeling frustrated and discouraged.

I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.

John 16:33 NLT

Many trials and sorrows. Isn’t that the truth? Some go on for so long I start to wonder if there is any hope for change.

Some days I might be tempted to answer no. I can only do so much and if nothing I’ve done has worked by now, change looks like a slim chance.

The good news is—I can only do so much, but God can do So. Much. More.

I don’t know when and I don’t know how, but I know that He can. And He will. It may not look the way I expect, but that doesn’t mean He’s not at work.

Jesus overcame the world, so how could He not be able to handle this? Our situation feels huge to me. Overwhelming and heartbreaking at times. He knows that and He’s not insensitive to my feelings. Maybe that’s why Jesus reminds us that we can have peace through Him.

Though He warned us life would be far from easy, He promised us peace. Not because of anything we can do, but through Him. {Tweet this}

Through Jesus, there is peace. We can take heart, be courageous, confident, undaunted, and filled with joy because Jesus has overcome the world. (John 16:33 AMP)

If my hope rests on what I can do, I will be sorely disappointed. When my hope rests in Him, I feel comfort and peace. {Tweet this}

Waiting on what God will do is not easy. But neither is waiting to see if I can come up with any workable solutions.

But, where waiting on myself makes me worried, afraid, and filled with anxiety, waiting on God allows me to breathe. {Tweet this}

It’s a choice, and I choose to wait on God and let my hope rest in Him.

What do you choose?

Hold on to the
One Whose
Promises will never be
Empty.

In Christ,

Laura

Linking up with: Coffee for Your Heart, The Consilium, Thought Provoking Thursday, #livefreeThursday, #GraceMoments, #ChasingCommunity, Grace & Truth, Faith 'n Friends, #FreshMarketFriday, #DreamTogether, #glimpsesofHisbeauty, #momentsofhope

Be Still

“Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!” 

Psalm 46:10 ESV

I woke up this morning with this verse going through my mind. Not a coincidence, I suppose, for the day after the election.

I wonder if sometimes we breeze over this verse. Be still, and know that I am God. In our world today, be still makes us think of doing nothing, but doing nothing hardly seems accurate here.

The Hebrew word raphah (raw-faw') means to release or let go; refrain from or let alone; to relax or wait for. Causing yourself to let go of something is hardly doing nothing. Letting go can be hard work.

Children often struggle against their parents, thinking they know what’s best and wanting to do everything themselves. As a parent, I remember all the times I wanted to cry out, “Stop struggling! Let me help you!” Or when I explained, “I know you don’t agree or understand, but you just have to trust me on this.”

Don’t we do the same as adults? We want what we want, and we want it now! We want to understand. We ask When? Why? and How?

I imagine if we stopped struggling and trying to comprehend everything, we might hear Him say, Stop striving and worrying. Let Me be God. I know you don’t understand why or how…you just have to trust Me with this.

It’s not easy, but it is freeing. God is on His throne, no matter what happens, personally or nationally. And for that, I am forever thankful. (Tweet this)

Shout joyfully to the Lord, all the earth.
Serve the Lord with gladness and delight;
Come before His presence with joyful singing.
Know and fully recognize with gratitude that the Lord Himself is God;
It is He who has made us, not we ourselves [and we are His].
We are His people and the sheep of His pasture.
Enter His gates with a song of thanksgiving
And His courts with praise.
Be thankful to Him, bless and praise His name.
For the Lord is good;
His mercy and lovingkindness are everlasting,His faithfulness [endures] to all generations.

Psalm 100 AMP

Dear Father in Heaven, thank you for your everlasting love, truth, and mercy. Please help us to remember that no matter what happens, You are in control. You are on Your throne. May we learn to be still, let go of all we’re struggling to hold on to and worrying about, and let You be God. In Jesus’ sweet name we pray, Amen.

In Christ,

Laura

Linking up with: #TellHisStory, Coffee for Your Heart, #RaRaLinkup, Mondays @ Soul Survivor, Thought Provoking Thursday, #HeartEncouragement, #FreshMarketFriday, Faith Filled Friday, Grace & Truth

It Was by Faith…

I’ve been thinking lately about things that get in the way of our dreams, goals, work we’re trying to accomplish, and even relationships. Sometimes it’s not necessarily an obstacle that gets in our way, it’s more nerves…because stepping out in faith can do that.

Taking that first step out of our comfort zone not knowing where the second step will lead is unnerving. The more steps we take, the further we get from the safety of our zone, and that can be frightening.

I want to step out in faith, but I want to stay within reach of the place I’m used to.

Picture a baseball player trying to steal second base. When he sees he’ll be out at second, he tries to get back on first before the ball gets thrown to the first baseman and he’s tagged out.

That’s me trying to step out in faith. I want to get to the next safe place, but if I can’t get there I want to know my position in my comfort zone is secure.

The problem is, I can’t have it both ways. I can’t stay safely in my comfort zone and still step out in faith. It doesn’t work that way.

Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. Hebrews 11:1 ESV

The note for this verse in my Bible says…

Faith is a settled confidence that something in the future—something that is not yet seen but has been promised by God—will actually come to pass because God will bring it about. (Crossway ESV Study Bible)

The ability to take that step in faith comes from our faith in God Himself—believing God is who He says He is, knowing that God keeps His promises, and having the confidence that God is in control in all circumstances. {Tweet this}

The book of Hebrews is filled with examples of faith heroes—people from the Old Testament who walked when God told them to walk, stayed when He said to stay, and obeyed even though they couldn’t see what was ahead.

It was by faith that Abraham obeyed when God called him to leave home and go to another land that God would give him as his inheritance. He went without knowing where he was going. And even when he reached the land God promised him, he lived there by faith—for he was like a foreigner, living in tents. And so did Isaac and Jacob, who inherited the same promise. Hebrews 11:8-9 NLT (bold mine)

It was by faith that Moses left the land of Egypt, not fearing the king’s anger. He kept right on going because he kept his eyes on the one who is invisible. Hebrews 11:27 NLT (bold mine)

More than 15 times in Hebrews 11, great stories of moments and journeys start with It was by faith, and it has me asking myself how my It was by faith story will read. How will yours read?

By faith these people overthrew kingdoms, ruled with justice, and received what God had promised them. They shut the mouths of lions, quenched the flames of fire, and escaped death by the edge of the sword. Their weakness was turned to strength. They became strong in battle and put whole armies to flight. Hebrews 11:33-34 NLT (bold mine)

Their weakness was turned to strength. They didn’t walk in faith because they were already strong. God gave them strength because they trusted Him and took that step. And He will do the same for us. {Tweet this}

Our stories are not yet complete. All of our By faith moments make up our journeys, and our By faith journeys will be great stories to be told.

Where are you in your It was by faith journey? What’s keeping you from crossing your comfort zone boundary?

In Christ,

Laura

[Photo credit: K. Rath]

Linking up with: Give Me Grace, #LifeGivingLinkup, #DreamTogether Linkup, Moments of Hope, #RaRaLinkup, #TellHisStory, Intentional Tuesday, Coffee for Your Heart, Thought Provoking Thursday, Grace & Truth, #FreshMarketFriday

God-sized Dreamers Are Stronger Together

Two months ago, I was invited to join the team of writers at God-sized Dreams. I was thrilled! And surprised…because only a week before, I’d been wondering about the writing team and how often new writers are added. God at work, right?

After a few days of praying and thinking about it, I gladly accepted. And then…I panicked. Self-doubt kicked in (complete with dizziness and nausea), and I felt like a fraud. How could I write about dreams when sometimes I’m not even sure what mine are anymore?!?

That’s the beautiful thing about God-sized dreams…

When I’m too weary to dream, God is still at work on His dreams for me.

I know from experience that I have seasons when God is telling me to rest. I’ve learned that it’s best to yield during these seasons because there is a purpose. It’s a time for growth and renewal in ways I might not have realized I needed. But He knows.

Please join me at God-sized Dreams to continue reading...God-sized Dreamers Are Stronger Together. 

In Christ,

Laura

Linking up with: #GiveMeGrace, #RaRaLinkup, #TellHisStory, Coffee for Your Heart, #LifeGivingLinkup, Moments of Hope, #FreshMarketFriday

Five Years and 500 Blog Posts

This is my 500^th blog post. I wasn’t counting, or even paying attention. I just noticed it when I posted my 499^th post last week and realized it’s been five years since I felt God “suggest” that I start a blog and host an online book study for women.

By “suggest,” I mean the idea came completely out of nowhere—I hadn’t even thought about it before that moment. But, as will happen when God whispers a part of His plan, the idea didn’t go away.

Here I am five years later. I look back at those first blog posts and cringe, but then I see how I’ve grown as a blogger and a writer, and how I’ve grown personally. Blogging has been a way for me to process and share what I’ve learned, and what God is still teaching me.

It’s been five years of walking outside of my comfort zone…because every time I start to feel comfortable, God stretches me in a new way.

This past weekend, I attended my first writer’s conference. At times, I felt overwhelmed and intimidated. I questioned why I was there and doubted myself—but I never regretted my decision to go. Instead, I moved forward through all of those feelings, speaking with editors, publishers, and fellow writers. I left having made new friends and with some new goals in mind.

Clicking “Publish” on that very first post five years ago was a big step in faith, and so was registering for a conference where I knew no one. But God’s plans are like that—they require stepping out in faith, even when that first step is all you can see.

For you, it might not be writing, but something completely different. No matter what it is, if you feel God has called you to something, trust Him and don’t let fear overwhelm you. If you let it stop you, you will miss out on where God wants to take you.

Although I would like to know all of the details in advance, I’m learning that it’s not necessary when it’s God’s plan. He leads at just the right time—His time, not mine. Then one day I look back and see how far we’ve come…and I realize time flies when you’re walking in obedience to the One who has called us.

In Christ,

Laura 

Photo credit: FreeImages.com

Linking up with: Intentional Tuesday Linkup, #TellHisStory, #RaRaLinkup, Winsome Wednesday, Coffee for Your Heart, Grace & Truth

Why We Need to Know and Believe God’s Promises

I’m in a season I’m not enjoying. It’s a season of difficulty and looking for answers. But receiving none.

I’m full of questions.

Why God?!?

When God?!?

How God?!?

But I’m not hearing much from God lately.

I know He’s with me because He promises to never leave me, but so many times, I wish He’d be a little more obvious about His presence.

I’ve realized again why it’s so important to be in God’s Word and to know His promises—before a season of waiting on my part and silence on His part.

We must know and believe God’s promises to us before we’re in the desert. The desert ground isn’t fertile for much, but it’s the perfect environment for doubt and disobedience.

The Israelites learned that the hard way. When they refused to enter the Promised Land with God’s blessing the first time (after 40 days), their time in the desert became 40 years. (Numbers 14:34)

Not much grows in the desert, except doubt—it flourishes.

So, before I start doubting God’s presence, I must know and believe the promises He’s made to me. And to you.

Before fear takes hold, God tells us…

Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.” Deuteronomy 31:6 NIV

Before discouragement sets in, God says…

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 NIV

Before we decide we can’t do what God asks, He reminds us…

The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” Deuteronomy 31:8 NIV

When the situations seems impossible, Jesus assured us…

Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” Matthew 19:26 NIV

Before hopelessness can grow, God’s Word blesses us…

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13 NIV

And when we think we just can’t do it anymore, we are promised…

I can do all things [which He has called me to do] through Him who strengthens and empowers me [to fulfill His purpose—I am self-sufficient in Christ’s sufficiency; I am ready for anything and equal to anything through Him who infuses me with inner strength and confident peace.] Philippians 4:13 AMP

There are so many more promises God has made to us. These are just a few I’ve been praying and reminding myself of.

Oh, and this –

God keeps His promises. Always.

For your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom. You rule throughout all generations. The Lord always keeps his promises; he is gracious in all he does. The Lord helps the fallen and lifts those bent beneath their loads. Psalm 145:13-14 NLT

What promises from God do you know and rely on? Would you share them here with us?

In Christ,

Laura

[Photo credit: K. Rath ©2016]

Linking up with: Faith 'n Friends, Grace & Truth, Coffee for Your Heart, Faith Filled Friday, #RaRaLinkup

For the Caregivers

Many days you wonder. You wonder if anyone sees all you do in caring for someone else.

The days that seem endless. The tasks that feel monotonous.

Let me remind you...God sees. He sees it all. What you do for someone else, you do for Him.

That someone else sees it too. It may not be acknowledged. It may seem unappreciated. But it is felt.

And that matters.

Some days you feel the blessing. Other days you feel exhausted. It is okay to care for yourself too. No, it's more than okay—it's necessary. Feeling drained leaves little to offer to others.

You may never hear a thank you—but how wonderful it is when you do. To know your work matters inspires you to keep giving.

But know this...caring for another is some of the most important work there is.

You are making a difference in someone else's life.

An impact that won't be forgotten.

A lasting impression that will have a ripple effect.

The King will reply, “Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.” Matthew 25:40 NIV

In Christ,

Laura

[Photo credit: Freeimages.com]

Linking up with: Give Me Grace, #RaRaLinkup, Sharing His Beauty, #TellHisStory, Coffee for Your Heart, Thought Provoking Thursday, Grace & Truth, Faith Filled Friday, Faith 'n Friends

Joy Robbers

Last week, I wrote about joy robbers—people or situations that threaten our joy. I thought I was finished thinking about it, but a couple of days later, I realized joy robbers are not new. 

Jesus was surrounded by joy robbers.

The Pharisees

They were constantly trying to test Jesus and trap Him in His answers. When that didn't work, they plotted against Him.

When the Pharisees heard that Jesus had arrived, they came and started to argue with him. Testing him, they demanded that he show them a miraculous sign from heaven to prove his authority.

When he heard this, he sighed deeply in his spirit and said, “Why do these people keep demanding a miraculous sign? I tell you the truth, I will not give this generation any such sign.” So he got back into the boat and left them, and he crossed to the other side of the lake. Mark 8:11-13 NLT

Jesus didn't worry about what they said; He knew the Truth. He knew they would never believe, no matter what He said or showed them. The Pharisees’ verbal attacks never caused Jesus to doubt or question who He was or why He had come.

Jesus stayed focused on God.

Jesus knew His Father intimately, and He was constantly connected with God. 

Where is our focus when criticism and nasty comments come our way?

As hard as it is not to listen and wonder if they’re right, the Truth of who we are is found in God. That is where our focus needs to be to keep the joy robbers from getting to us.

Demands and Expectations

Crowds followed Jesus all the time. How draining must that have been?

The apostles returned to Jesus from their ministry tour and told him all they had done and taught. Then Jesus said, “Let’s go off by ourselves to a quiet place and rest awhile.” He said this because there were so many people coming and going that Jesus and his apostles didn’t even have time to eat.

So they left by boat for a quiet place, where they could be alone. But many people recognized them and saw them leaving, and people from many towns ran ahead along the shore and got there ahead of them. Jesus saw the huge crowd as he stepped from the boat, and he had compassion on them because they were like sheep without a shepherd. So he began teaching them many things. Mark 6:30-34 NLT

We know from experience that when our time and energy are drained, our joy can slip away from us.

Jesus gave His all. He gave His full attention to everyone He met and talked with, but He also took time to rest (or at least He tried to.)

With all of the demands on our time, and expectations people have of us, how often do we push ourselves for too long without making time to rest? 

Taking care of ourselves isn’t selfish. It’s necessary. {Tweet this}

Human Emotions

Jesus even experienced the joy robbers of emotions. During His time on earth, Jesus knew anger and sorrow. He knew grief.

When Jesus saw her sobbing, and the Jews who had come with her also sobbing, He was deeply moved in spirit [to the point of anger at the sorrow caused by death] and was troubled, and said, “Where have you laid him?” They said, “Lord, come and see.” Jesus wept. John 11:33-35 AMP

Jesus didn’t dwell in His human emotions. He turned again to God.

So they rolled the stone aside. Then Jesus looked up to heaven and said, “Father, thank you for hearing me. You always hear me, but I said it out loud for the sake of all these people standing here, so that they will believe you sent me.” John 11:41-42 NLT

Jesus was in constant communication with God. We can be too. {Tweet this}

                       

What if we determined to follow Jesus’ example? To talk to God right away, before our emotions get the better of us. To pour out our hearts, to ask Him for wisdom and direction, and to praise and thank Him.

Joy robbers change our focus. They take our eyes off of God and direct our focus to ourselves. We worry about what someone else thinks or says, how we feel, or the fact that nothing seems to be going our way.

Joy robbers threaten to take away our joy, but we don’t have to let them succeed. We can choose joy by keeping our focus on God. By remembering who He is and who He says we are in Him. {Tweet this}

*****

Thank you for joining us for the study of the book Fulfilled by Danise Jurado. Thoughts? Please feel free to share in the comments.

In Christ,

Laura 

Linking up with Everyday Jesus, Thought Provoking Thursday, #RaRaLinkup

Every Little Thing {Book Review}

Over the years, there have been times when I wondered if there was something more. More than what I was currently doing…because whatever I was doing at the time seemed insignificant.

Other times, I just felt lost in what I was doing…I knew it was important, but still there had to be more. There had to be something I was missing.

But just in the last few years, God has been showing me that there is more…and it’s found in Him.

Importance and significance are not supposed to be about me. (Although we all struggle with wanting that, don’t we?) It’s about Him, and through Him, whatever we do does make a difference.

No matter how big or small, public or private, what we do matters. Every. Little. Thing matters.

I didn’t see it when I felt lost as a stay-at-home mom, but I see it now. I see it in my daughter and the time we spend together, even when we aren’t really doing anything.

My friend, Deidra Riggs, has written the book, Every Little Thing: Making a World of Difference Right Where You Are. Oh, this book! It’s encouraging and inspiring.

It reminded me that…well, every little thing matters. Right here. Right now. Wherever you may be today.

“Celebrating the significance of this one, ordinary, average life shifts our perspective and starts us on the road to God’s adventure for our lifetime. This book invites you to the celebration of every little thing that makes your life spectacularly breathtaking and of the fulfillment of all God has in store.” –Deidra Riggs, Every Little Thing (pg. 25)

What seems like an ordinary day to me, is not just same old same old to God. When we follow Him, God adds the “extra,” making the ordinary extraordinary. {Tweet this}

I wish I’d had this book all those days I felt like what I did didn’t matter. Those days I thought no one would notice what I did or didn’t do anyway. God notices. He sees. He cares. Nothing is too little to be seen by Him.

“God sees things differently. With God, the small things matter for bigness too.” –Deidra Riggs, Every Little Thing (pg. 149)

Every. Little. Thing. It’s a message we all need to hear…and be reminded of again and again.

Don't miss this! Every Little Thing is available now, both in paperback and on Kindle. And maybe
grab an extra copy for a friend too.

In Christ,
Laura

[Image credit: Deidra Riggs, #EveryLittleThing]

Linking up with Sharing His Beauty, #RaRaLinkup, #TellHisStory, Everyday Jesus, Faith Filled Friday

When God Thinks You Can

Many years ago when my daughter was young, we would spend Wednesday evenings at church for mid-week Sunday school. I would stay to help with her rather large preschool class—not really because I wanted to, but because the church was a bit of a drive from home and it was easier to stay.

One Wednesday, I received a call from the children’s ministry director. She said the teacher for the preschool class was sick and asked if I would teach the class that night. She probably explained what the lesson was for that night, but I don’t remember that part of the conversation. What I do remember is the panic I felt as I agreed to fill in.

Let me tell you, this was far outside of my comfort zone. So far that I don’t think I could even see it from the edge of my comfort zone.

I barely had enough patience for my one child, much less a room full of children. Did I mention this was a preschool class? A large preschool class—ages 2-5? Attention spans were all over the place, including mine.

As I hung up the phone wondering why I couldn’t think of an excuse to say no quick enough, I remembered something. Just the previous night I’d had a dream—a dream that this director called me just hours before the class and asked me to teach that night.

I hadn’t thought about the dream until that moment of stunned silence. I knew there was no way this was a coincidence. This was God warning preparing me for this challenge.

I distinctly remember the thought that gave me confidence that night. The thought I spoke aloud as I surrendered to Him.

God, if You think I can do this…then I must be able to do it.

After all, God knows better than I do.

Was I nervous? Yes. Stressed out? Most likely. Looking forward to it? Probably not. And yet, it felt different.

I had a confidence that didn’t come from me. It was from Him.

God had the confidence I didn’t have, and when I chose to trust Him, His confidence covered me. {Tweet this}

All afternoon, I reminded myself that God knew I could do this. What I thought didn’t matter. I knew He would be there with me.

I don’t remember that night’s class at all, but I know I got through it. And I remember telling the director about the dream and seeing her look of awe.

As I look back, I realize now that it was the first time I can remember when I stepped forward in faith to do something I would never have volunteered to do. God wasn’t calling me to be a teacher.

He was teaching me to trust Him and walk in faith.

And when you follow Him once into the uncomfortable unknown, each time after that gets a little easier.

*****

If you are reading Fulfilled by Danise Jurado with us, we are in week 4 with Chapter 6—Identity and Chapter 7—Confidence. The pages of my book are filled with underlined parts I don’t want to forget, along with notes and little stars next to Scripture verses.

How are you doing with the reading? What specific parts have grabbed your attention, and maybe kept you thinking about it for days?

In Christ,

Laura  

Thank you Jenn!

Linking up with #TellHisStory, #RaRaLinkup, Thought Provoking Thursday, Everyday Jesus, Faith Filled Friday, Grace & Truth, Faith 'n Friends, Weekend Whispers

I Want to Be Frustrated With God

Last week I wanted to be frustrated with God.

I’ve grown tired of one-step-forward good days being followed by three-steps-backward bad days. And I want to know why.

Why God?

I told God I was frustrated with Him. And as I stood at the kitchen sink washing dishes, I asked Him, Where are You?!?

At that moment I saw new purple flowers had bloomed on the African violet that sits in my kitchen window. Five perfectly formed violet flowers with tiny yellow centers…and I saw Him there.

It’s not where I’ve been begging to see Him, but it’s His beautiful work regardless. And, it reminds me that His ways are not my ways, and His time isn’t mine.

I want to be frustrated with God, but somehow I can’t be. My emotions say I am, but my head and my heart refuse to agree. Because I know better.

I know it’s what the enemy wants—for me to think God is not for me, but against me. That assumption can happen quickly when discouragement and anger grow.

I look at the purple blooms and realize it’s not God I’m frustrated with, but rather life and our humanness.

It’s illness and disease.

It’s strained and broken relationships.

It’s trauma and tragedy.

It’s that we often turn to God as a last resort, instead of our first thought.

I don’t understand His ways or His timing, but it’s not for me to know. He’s working on things I can’t even imagine, and I can only see what surrounds me.

What I know is I believe in miracles and the impossible…because that’s where God works.

I know I believe in Hope because I believe Jesus died for our sins and conquered sin and death when He rose from the grave.

I believe Jesus is Hope.

I want to be frustrated with God because He knows and sees it all. He is in control.

But, it’s really life and this world we live in that I’m discouraged with.

I know I can’t be frustrated with God because He does know. He sees what we’re going through and He cares. He is in control, and through Jesus, there is Hope.

In Christ,

Laura 

[Photo credit: FreeImages.com/African violet]

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