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Previously published by Aboite Independent.
This week's verse: “The Lord will protect you from all harm; He will protect your life. The Lord will protect your coming and going both now and forever.” Psalm 121:7-8 (HCSB) Life is turbulent. I found out the day before my roommate was supposed to move in that she wasn’t returning to school. At first, I couldn’t believe it. It had to be a joke; my roommate loved Taylor. Then reality started to seep in, and the weight of the situation finally came into full effect. It felt like someone ripped my heart out of my chest. She was one of my best friends. When I went through a very dark period last semester, our friendship was one of the reasons I kept pushing myself in my classes. For a few hours, the focus level I reached over the summer disappeared and I fell into a slump I couldn’t get myself out of. The next morning, some of the girls on my floor helped me rearrange my dorm and another friend and I redecorated afterwards. I found something very interesting during that time - a lot of what my roommate provided in the past, I already had with me. God had been preparing me for her departure before I knew it was coming, bringing a sense of peace over me. I realized again that God is in control, even in hard times. If you’re going through something right now, know that you are not alone. It’s hard, and believe me, God really is in control, no matter how difficult life can be. Prayer: Father, I know You’re here with me. Give me the courage to trust that You’re in control, in good times and in bad. Amen. This Week’s Verse: “This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.” Psalm 118:24 (HCSB)
Okay, I didn’t expect to be staring at snow outside my dorm room window in late April. In fact, a lot of things that have happened in the last few months were not things I expected or things I planned for. That’s just how life is sometimes. Because we know this is how life is, and yes, it’s frustrating, we should still continue to live our lives with grace. I know I’m not the only one who complained about the snow. I’m ready for spring to be here and for summer right after that. The snow was a setback in an otherwise predictable schedule. At first, I was frustrated, but the more I watched the flakes fall in wet clumps onto the ground, the more I came to appreciate the beauty of it. God has blessed us with so many natural beauties, and snow is one of them. I see it as a gift, throwing a little spice into our week, because we normally don’t get snow in late April. If I can do that with a little snow, why shouldn’t I do that with some of the stresses of life? The answer is that I should take the challenges God’s given me and use them to glorify Him. Everything I do is for Him and furthering His kingdom on Earth, and I should treat them like that instead of temporary burdens on my check list. Are there things you have going on that you have a negative mindset on? Think about how you can use those things to show honor to God and show Him to the world. It’s not easy, but looking for ways to glorify God in every-day tasks is something that we should try to do as Christians. It can help us get closer to our Creator, too. Prayer: Father, thank You for the small things and the ways you’ve shown Your faithfulness to me this week. I pray that I can set my eyes on You and do everything in Your Name today. Amen. This Week’s Verse: “Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you; I will help you; I will hold on to you with My righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41:10 (HCSB)
Everyone has doubted themselves and their faith at one point or another, and every time we do, God is right beside us. Remembering that truth isn’t always easy. I’ve felt God calling me to write since I was sixteen. From that point on, I’ve always had a manuscript-in-progress, hoping one day to get it published. When I go to bookstores, I point out where my books would go on the shelves. My degree when I graduate college will say “Professional Writing,” and I’m going to school to learn all about the publishing process and how to write to the best of my ability. All throughout my time at school, I’ve dealt with doubt almost constantly. Most of the time, I doubt myself and whether or not I’m doing what God wants me to do with my life. There are times where I doubt my faith because of the insecurity I feel about my writing ability. There’s no way He could use me to show His love through my writing. My skills aren’t good enough! But that’s the thing: my skills might not be good enough, but He is. We serve a loving and gracious God who is willing to work with us through our doubt in ourselves and Him. Are there areas in your life where you need a little encouragement? Write them down in a prayer journal and bring them to God. Again, He’s with you in everything you do, and loves you even in the midst of doubt. Prayer: Father, thank You for Your faithfulness in everything. Help me overcome my doubts and learn to trust You more. Amen. Previously published on Aboite Independent
“‘For I know the plans I have for you-’ this is the Lord’s declaration- ‘plans for your welfare, not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.’” Jeremiah 29:11 (HCSB) I don’t know about you, but I have a lot of anxiety. It affects me everyday; in decision making, trying new things, writing, and thinking about my future. Over J-term this school year, I decided to try cross fit. I had no prior knowledge of what a cross fit workout required physically, but I wanted to try it, so I did. Long story short, it requires a lot of strength. I have no muscular structure whatsoever, so I ended up having an anxiety attack my first night. I hate hearing people edit my writing. I’m very sensitive, so when people edit something I wrote, I feel like they’re comments are aimed at me and not my work. I end up shutting down and not hearing what they’re saying to make my writing better. I think I want to get my Master’s degree in Library Science, but I’m going to have to foot the bill for grad school. The cheapest option I’ve found so far is over $50,000 and I have no way to pay for it. I’ve prayed for a while about all these problems that have pushed me to my breaking point. God answered them all with a simple phrase. Be still. If you’re waiting for a magic answer from God, He’s waiting for you to seek Him. Seek God, and don’t lose faith. God is in control. Prayer: Father, I feel lost. Give me peace and show me the way You’re leading me in Your time. Amen. |
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