Jennifer Slattery's Blog, page 11

When others CriticIze our calling or ability to live it- Guest Post by Grace fox

We’ve probably all had people verbally attack or try to disqualify us. Those types of encounters can hurt deeply. If we give their words more weight than God’s, we can easily allow other people’s criticism to leave us feeling defeated. We might even feel tempted to withdraw roles and relationships.

Letting God’s Voice Speak Loudest

Guest Post by Grace Fox

Friends and family supported Sailor-Man and I when we prepared to move to Nepal to volunteer with a faith-based organization for three years. Everyone, that is, except one nay-sayer.

“You’re making a terrible mistake. You have no experience. You’re not qualified to serve overseas,” this person said.

I believe that the enemy of our souls hoped the criticism would cause us to question God’s calling and cast it aside. His ploy failed. We determined to follow the path God laid before us regardless of what others said. His voice alone mattered.

David Endured Criticism

David is one of my favorite Bible characters because he experienced many of the same things I’ve experienced. Dealing with criticism was one of those things.

On one occasion, David went to see several of his older brothers who were in the Israelite army and engaged in battle with the Philistines. That’s when he witnessed the nine-foot bully, Goliath, taunt the Israelite soldiers as he’d done twice a day for the past 40 days. As soon as the Israelites saw the giant, they ran away in fright.

When David offered to fight Goliath, his oldest brother levied criticism against him. “What are you doing around here anyway? What about those few sheep you’re supposed to be taking care of? I know about your pride and deceit. You just want to see the battle!” (1 Samuel 17:28 NLT)

When King Saul heard about David’s offer to fight Goliath, he said, “Don’t be ridiculous! There’s no way you can fight this Philistine and possibly win! You’re only a boy, and he’s been a man of war since his youth.” (1 Samuel 17:33 NLT)

When Goliath saw David approach him, he hurled insults and curses at the boy: “Am I a dog,” he roared at David, “that you come at me with a stick?” And he cursed David by the names of his gods. “Come over here, and I’ll give your flesh to the birds and wild animals!” Goliath yelled. (1 Samuel 17:43-44 NLT)

Perhaps the enemy of David’s soul hoped criticism would cause him to lose courage and run away in defeat. If so, his ploy failed. David wasted neither time nor energy trying to figure out a smart comeback. Instead, he chose to be unoffendable and to keep his focus on the truth—God’s voice alone mattered.

Let’s Respond Well

Friend, others will say unkind and undeserved things about us. They might question our integrity and calling. They might mock our God-given dreams, strengths, and passions. Rather than offering support to our Spirit-led endeavors, they say, “You’re making a terrible mistake. You have no experience. You’re not qualified.”

Let’s choose not to listen to those voices. Let’s not let criticism deter us from doing what God has called us to do. Let’s choose to be unoffendable to keep our focus on the truth—God’s voice alone matters.

Get to Know Grace Fox:

Grace Fox is a career missionary, the award-winning author of 13 books, and a popular Bible teacher at international women’s events. She’s also a member of the Advanced Writers and Speakers Association (AWSA) and a member of the “First 5” Bible study writing team (Proverbs 31 Ministries). She lives on a sailboat near Vancouver, British Columbia.

Check out her latest release, Fresh Hope for Today: Devotions for Joy on the Journey:

Sometimes the road we travel feels lonely or too steep. Often, it winds through dark valleys, follows unfamiliar ways, and leaves us weary from the inside out. With warmth and wisdom, Grace Fox offers you ninety daily devotions to refresh your soul and lead you to a place of joy on the journey. Read and reflect on these gems; let their truth remind you of God’s presence and care. You don’t walk alone, my friend. Each day’s devotion offers a key Bible verse, insights on which to pause, an application question to ponder, and a sentence prayer. You’ll also find an encouraging quote from others who walked a difficult journey but discovered joy along the way.

Readers of these devotions are facing difficult circumstances and need spiritual encouragement in bite-sized pieces. Their greatest need is hope. They need reassurance that God’s love will never let them go. His presence will never leave them, and his strength will carry them through. Fresh Hope for Today addresses these needs as follows: Its overall message directs their minds to God’s character and promises. These bite-size bits of truth will feed their souls and give them the strength and encouragement needed for that day. Devotions are short enough to read and keep their focus even when their minds are on overload. All segments work together to make it easy for readers to recall truth. Relevant quotes reinforce the day’s teaching.

Fresh Hope for Today: Devotions for Joy on the Journey, is available wherever Christian books are sold. Purchase an autographed copy from her website. https://www.gracefox.com/books/fresh-hope-for-today-devotions-for-joy-on-the-journey/

https://www.lifeaudio.com/faith-over-fear/

When others Criti our calling or ability to live it- Guest Post by Grace fox

We’ve probably all had people verbally attack or try to disqualify us. Those types of encounters can hurt deeply. If we give their words more weight than God’s, we can easily allow other people’s criticism to leave us feeling defeated. We might even feel tempted to withdraw roles and relationships.

Letting God’s Voice Speak Loudest

Guest Post by Grace Fox

Friends and family supported Sailor-Man and I when we prepared to move to Nepal to volunteer with a faith-based organization for three years. Everyone, that is, except one nay-sayer.

“You’re making a terrible mistake. You have no experience. You’re not qualified to serve overseas,” this person said.

I believe that the enemy of our souls hoped the criticism would cause us to question God’s calling and cast it aside. His ploy failed. We determined to follow the path God laid before us regardless of what others said. His voice alone mattered.

David Endured Criticism

David is one of my favorite Bible characters because he experienced many of the same things I’ve experienced. Dealing with criticism was one of those things.

On one occasion, David went to see several of his older brothers who were in the Israelite army and engaged in battle with the Philistines. That’s when he witnessed the nine-foot bully, Goliath, taunt the Israelite soldiers as he’d done twice a day for the past 40 days. As soon as the Israelites saw the giant, they ran away in fright.

When David offered to fight Goliath, his oldest brother levied criticism against him. “What are you doing around here anyway? What about those few sheep you’re supposed to be taking care of? I know about your pride and deceit. You just want to see the battle!” (1 Samuel 17:28 NLT)

When King Saul heard about David’s offer to fight Goliath, he said, “Don’t be ridiculous! There’s no way you can fight this Philistine and possibly win! You’re only a boy, and he’s been a man of war since his youth.” (1 Samuel 17:33 NLT)

When Goliath saw David approach him, he hurled insults and curses at the boy: “Am I a dog,” he roared at David, “that you come at me with a stick?” And he cursed David by the names of his gods. “Come over here, and I’ll give your flesh to the birds and wild animals!” Goliath yelled. (1 Samuel 17:43-44 NLT)

Perhaps the enemy of David’s soul hoped criticism would cause him to lose courage and run away in defeat. If so, his ploy failed. David wasted neither time nor energy trying to figure out a smart comeback. Instead, he chose to be unoffendable and to keep his focus on the truth—God’s voice alone mattered.

Let’s Respond Well

Friend, others will say unkind and undeserved things about us. They might question our integrity and calling. They might mock our God-given dreams, strengths, and passions. Rather than offering support to our Spirit-led endeavors, they say, “You’re making a terrible mistake. You have no experience. You’re not qualified.”

Let’s choose not to listen to those voices. Let’s not let criticism deter us from doing what God has called us to do. Let’s choose to be unoffendable to keep our focus on the truth—God’s voice alone matters.

Get to Know Grace Fox:

Grace Fox is a career missionary, the award-winning author of 13 books, and a popular Bible teacher at international women’s events. She’s also a member of the Advanced Writers and Speakers Association (AWSA) and a member of the “First 5” Bible study writing team (Proverbs 31 Ministries). She lives on a sailboat near Vancouver, British Columbia.

Check out her latest release, Fresh Hope for Today: Devotions for Joy on the Journey:

Sometimes the road we travel feels lonely or too steep. Often, it winds through dark valleys, follows unfamiliar ways, and leaves us weary from the inside out. With warmth and wisdom, Grace Fox offers you ninety daily devotions to refresh your soul and lead you to a place of joy on the journey. Read and reflect on these gems; let their truth remind you of God’s presence and care. You don’t walk alone, my friend. Each day’s devotion offers a key Bible verse, insights on which to pause, an application question to ponder, and a sentence prayer. You’ll also find an encouraging quote from others who walked a difficult journey but discovered joy along the way.

Readers of these devotions are facing difficult circumstances and need spiritual encouragement in bite-sized pieces. Their greatest need is hope. They need reassurance that God’s love will never let them go. His presence will never leave them, and his strength will carry them through. Fresh Hope for Today addresses these needs as follows: Its overall message directs their minds to God’s character and promises. These bite-size bits of truth will feed their souls and give them the strength and encouragement needed for that day. Devotions are short enough to read and keep their focus even when their minds are on overload. All segments work together to make it easy for readers to recall truth. Relevant quotes reinforce the day’s teaching.

Fresh Hope for Today: Devotions for Joy on the Journey, is available wherever Christian books are sold. Purchase an autographed copy from her website. https://www.gracefox.com/books/fresh-hope-for-today-devotions-for-joy-on-the-journey/

https://www.lifeaudio.com/faith-over-fear/

God Opens Doors

God Opens Doors by Sarah Foust

(Note: This first published on September 21, 2017.)

God opens doors. Sometimes I don’t feel like walking through them, but He makes them available. A few years ago, my husband and I felt called to become foster parents. It was a tough process. Scary. More like terrifying. But, God presented us with an opportunity and we chose to follow. I’m so glad we did. It led to personal growth, parental growth, and to adopting our fourth daughter and first son. What a blessing they’ve been in our lives.

If we’d chosen to ignore God’s prompting, we wouldn’t have these two beautiful children. And, I wouldn’t be writing yet. It was through the process of becoming foster parents to our son that I realized I could no longer work full-time. When my job as a medical transcriptionist disappeared the week he arrived in our home, I knew it was time to pursue my dream career.

Through this, we stepped through another door, and I chose to write. I love writing. I’ve dreamed of it since I was in second grade. I remember sitting in the desk, zoning out while the teacher talked as I pictured crafting a real, long, tons-of-words novel.

I put that dream off for a long time because I feared I would fail. What if I pursued this career and fell on my face? What then? My dream would be dead and I’d have nothing to hope for my future career. But God gently nudged me forward, and I am so glad He did.

On November 4th, my first real, long, tons-of-words novel comes out. It’s an idea that originally popped into my head in high school (a few years ago). But with prayer for direction, it has become so much more than that initial spark. I poured my heart and soul into my book baby and it is about to arrive! I cannot wait to hold it in my hands and read my name—my name!—on the cover. I’ll probably cry. No joke.

I don’t know what the next door God will present me with will be, but I plan to step through it. I know that He only wants good for me and that He has a plan. If I’m to do my part, I need to be obedient, brave, and trusting. Who better to place blind trust in than God? If I were to encourage you to do any one thing, it would be to step through the door God has placed before you. He won’t let you fall, or if He does, He will pick you up. He’s waiting on the other side. Waiting to take you where you’re supposed to go. Waiting to lead you to who you are supposed to be.

Let’s talk about this! Do you have a dream career you’ve never pursued because of fear? Is God presenting you with a door of opportunity? Do you plan to walk through it?

***

Speaking of living your dreams, or living out your identity in Christ and who He created you to be, as I like to put it, if you’re in the Omaha Metro area, I encourage you to come to Wholly Loved’s Bold and Brave conference. Our first one will be held at St. Paul’s Methodist Church in Papillion, NE on February 11th; our second one will be held at Good Shepherd Presbyterian in Lincoln, NE on June 24th. Mark your calendars, and follow us on Facebook for more information. And if you’re a writer living in the Seattle, WA area, I invite you to join me in October at the NCWA monthly meeting where I’ll be talking about overcoming the fear that hinders us from fully living out our calling and the freedom, creativity, and power that comes from surrender. And on the 28th, again for those in the Omaha area, I’ll be speaking at the local Wordsowers meeting on developing a mind of success. Find out more HERE. Because successful people think differently than unsuccessful people do, and science is discovering more and more, our success (in pursuit of our dreams) is much more dependent on our grit than our talent.

You might also enjoy:

Grit by Angela Duckworth

Courage and Calling by Gordon T. Smith

***

Sara Foust writes Inspirational Romantic Suspense from a mini-farm in East Tennessee, where she lives with her husband and their five homeschooled children. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Animal Science from the University of Tennessee and is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and Tennessee Mountain Writers. Her debut novel Callum’s Compass won second place in Deep River Books’ 2017 Writer’s Contest. Sara finds inspiration in her faith, her family, and the beauty of nature. When she isn’t writing, you can find her reading, camping, and spending time outdoors with her family. To learn more about her and her work or to become a part of her email friend’s group, please visit www.saralfoust.com. And make sure to connect with her on Facebook and follow her on Twitter.

Collum’s Compass:

Kat Williams’s brother died in a gruesome accident in the mountains of East Tennessee. She blames herself.

Ryan Jenkins’s fiancée was murdered. He couldn’t protect her.

With the death of her brother, Kat believes she is unworthy of love from anyone—even God. When a good friend elicits a promise that she will stop living in the past and then leaves her clues to a real-life treasure hunt, Kat embarks on an adventure chock-full of danger. To find the treasure, Kat will have to survive wild animals—and even wilder men. Can she rely on Ryan, the handsome wildlife officer assigned to protect her . . . without falling in love?

Ryan swore off love when his fiancée was murdered, but feelings long-buried rise to the surface around Kat. He volunteers to help with her treasure hunt, vowing to keep her safe. Together they venture deep into caves and tunnels . . . and even deeper into the depths of their unplumbed hearts.

Available soon! Find information at www.saralfoust.com under the books tab

***

Want more great content, sent straight to your inbox? Then make sure to sign up for my free quarterly newsletter. With each edition, you’ll receive a fun short story, devotion, recipe, and more! You can sign up HERE!

 

https://www.lifeaudio.com/faith-over-fear/

Focused and Spirit-led living

(Taken and adapted from a previous Your Daily Bible Verse podcast episode.)

I often tell my team, If we’re in God’s pocket, nothing else matters. And if we’re not in God’s pocket, nothing else matters. In other words, we want to be squarely, unwaveringly, in the center of God’s will, on the path He has determined for us.  

In Proverbs 4:25-26, we read, Let your eyes look straight ahead;
    fix your gaze directly before you.
Give careful thought to the paths for your feet
    and be steadfast in all your ways.

Fix our gaze on whatever it is He’s assigned.

If we’ve been called to parent, may we parent well, with determination and focus, refusing to allow life’s petty inconveniences or empty promises to distract us. If it’s to lead a team at work, may we do so as a deeply loved and empowered child of God, His ambassador. If we’re called to serve the needy or homeless or maybe at risk youth, may we continually be led not by pride or selfishness but the love of Christ.

And so we fix our eyes, because we will face numerous distractions, externally and internally. Fears that will make us doubt that God’s path truly is good. Pride that will deceive us into believing that we can forge our own way. Selfishness that will fill our hearts with lies, making us believe that life and soul-deep joy comes through grasping and striving and gaining rather than living deeply connected to Christ. 

This reminds me of Hebrews 12:2, which tells us to focus, unwaveringly, on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of our faith. This means we keep Him in the center of our mind, seeking His help and His guidance throughout the day. Because we don’t always know where to walk, do we? But He does. He’s already marked out our path, knows where the potholes and deceptive detours lie, when we’ll need to prepare for a steep and grueling climb. The word our Bibles translate as pioneer or author can also mean captain or chief leader, so we follow Christ’s lead, however He leads. 

Sometimes He leads us with a gentle nudge from His Spirit, sometimes with a truth from Scripture. And sometimes with that deep understanding of who He is. Meaning, the more we come to know God, through Bible reading and simply doing life with Him, the more we recognize ways in which He would and wouldn’t direct us.

To put it simply, we’re best able to follow God’s lead when we know God’s heart. 

God’s heart for the world, including all the people you and I interact with each day, but also God’s heart for us. It’s easier to follow the One we trust, right? When we know they’re good and always have our best in mind, and that their wisdom is greater than ours.

Oh, the danger of thinking we know best which way to go! Scripture, history, and for most of us, personal experience demonstrates that our plans apart from Christ lead only to destruction and death. Death of relationships. Of dreams. Of opportunities. But following Christ leads to life and increased joy. Always. 

And so, when our journey feels tough and our feet begin to slip, we keep stepping toward Jesus, the One who longs to see us thrive. 

Author Steve Carter once wrote that he keeps a compass in his pocket, to help him remain focused on his true north, God. We all need those tangible reminders, especially when the world is pulling our eyes in a thousand different directions. To please others, to maybe appease our boss by cutting corners. To chase after numbers rather than personal integrity. 

We’re better able to stand strong, when we determine where we will and won’t step before the temptation or difficulty hits. We focus on what’s ahead, that next step, yes, but it’s so much more than that. We also focus on all God’s promises–His perfecting of our souls, how, through this journey, He’s making us whole, and the hope of heaven, where all our pain and struggle will be eradicated for good. 

And finally, we make level paths for our feet and take only ways that are firm. This means we think about where we’re going. If we take that step, and then the next, where might we land?

Are we heading the direction God wants us to walk? Are we taking steps of faith or fear? If fear, we are likely trusting in ourselves, and I don’t know about you, but I’m highly aware of how my “wisdom” rates against God’s. I’d much rather follow the brilliance of my Creator than the whims of my emotions or the pull of my temporary desires.

And so, I want to remind myself to pause, contemplate, and align my steps with God’s good, pleasing and perfect will, trusting so long as I keep my gaze fixed on Jesus and live as He leads, He will direct our steps. 

Let’s talk about this! When do you find it most challenging to follow God? What helps you to trust in His guidance more fully?

https://www.lifeaudio.com/faith-over-fear/

Finding the Profound in the Mundane – guest post by Nan Corbitt Allen

When was the last time you were looking for one thing and ended up finding something else—maybe something you thought was lost? I know I have.

We were watching a TV show recently on historical world events. One of the topics, called “The Age of Discovery,” was about “The Silk Road,” a trade route overland from the Far East to the West that began maybe as far back as biblical times. Spices were the main goods in high demand in those days. When I heard that, I thought, “Really? Not goods and services that are required for sustenance, but items to entertain our taste buds?” I decided to do some research on this topic.

Once long-distance shipping became popular, the trade routes, like the Silk Road, took to the sea. Apparently whole empires were established and toppled for the love of spices. However, ships that set sail to find and bring back clove, ginger, turmeric, nutmeg, and cinnamon, also discovered lands that had not been mapped before. Men like Christopher Columbus and Vasco da Gama found the places we now call home.

What began as a quest for wealth in the spice trade brought monumental discoveries that changed the world. History tells us that the Age of Discovery ended when monarchs and explorers believed that most portions of the globe had been explored. In other words, they thought they had found everything to be found, so they quit looking.

My passion these days is to find profound discoveries in the mundane. I feel as though God has something to say to me, and through me (and I’m not likely to have a burning bush or Damascus Road experience), so I figure it’ll be in the minutiae of life—everyday things that will reveal Him and His message to me.

Jesus said, “…Seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things [What are we to eat?’ or ‘What are we to drink?’ or ‘What are we to wear?’] …will be provided to you” (Matthew 6:31 NIV).  Generally He was telling us not to worry about temporal things, but He also said to keep on seeking. To me, that means I should keep exploring and continue my daily search for the Kingdom. He will lead me to new discoveries during those everyday ventures.  

It is believed that explorer Sir Francis Drake wrote this prayer in 1577:

Dis­turb us, Lord, when
We are too well pleased with our­selves,
When our dreams have come true
Because we have dreamed too lit­tle,
When we arrived safe­ly
Because we sailed too close to the shore.

Dis­turb us, Lord, when
With the abun­dance of things we pos­sess
We have lost our thirst
For the waters of life;
Hav­ing fall­en in love with life,
We have ceased to dream of eter­ni­ty
And in our efforts to build a new earth,
We have allowed our vision
Of the new Heav­en to dim.

Dis­turb us, Lord, to dare more bold­ly,
To ven­ture on wider seas
Where storms will show your mas­tery;
Where los­ing sight of land,
We shall find the stars.

We ask You to push back
The hori­zons of our hopes;
And to push into the future
In strength, courage, hope, and love.

If we don’t keep seeking, we’ll never find everything that He has for us. And I’ll bet that we’ll find plenty of spice along the way, as well.

This article is brought to you by the Advanced Writers and Speakers Association (AWSA).

About the author: Nan Corbitt Allen has written over 100 published dramatic musicals, sketchbooks, and collections in collaboration with Dennis Allen, her husband of 45+ years. A three-time Dove Award winner, Nan’s lyrics and dramas have been performed around the world. Dennis and Nan have sold almost 3 million choral books. Nan and Dennis retired in 2020 from full time teaching at Truett McConnell University. They now live south of Nashville. They have two grown sons and two beautiful grandchildren.

Nan’s book, Small Potatoes @ the Piggly Wiggly, is a collection of devotionals that reveal the great impact seemingly insignificant, routine experiences can have in our lives. She describes what she learned of God’s providence and wisdom while growing up in the Deep South in the 1950’s and 60’s.

Join the conversation: Are you ready to be “disturbed”?

https://www.lifeaudio.com/faith-over-fear/

Making the Most of Every Eternally-Glorious Moment

(Note: This first published here in July of 2020)

Why are you here, in this time period, in that neighborhood, or at that work place? Years ago, this question seemed to make all the social media rounds as everyone was encouraged to live with Queen Esther-type determination and bravery. And while I applaud all who demonstrate such courage in the face of danger, I can’t help but wonder how many of us, in our search for the big and the grand and the miraculous, completely miss eternally-significant assignments.

In 2005, Katrina captured the entire nation’s attention. Stories abounded—of heartache and devastation, but also of awe-inspiring acts of love. Of churches housing hundreds, even thousands. Of businesses giving away truckloads full of food. Of volunteers arriving in buses to clear out the wreckage. We were living in Bossier City, Louisiana at the time, far enough from the storm to remain untouched personally, but close enough to receive a rapid influx of displaced survivors. While my involvement was limited, it felt exciting to be part of something so huge, so … emotional. But then, we moved to a small town in Texas and a much smaller church, not knowing how long we’d stay or where we’d move next.

There weren’t any grand ministries to join or history-making events to serve in. We’d also recently lost a great deal, though not from the storm, including our involvement in ministries we found deeply fulfilling.

In this new environment, we were newbies and strangers, quite literally sojourners who were merely traveling through.

Initially, I wanted to pass my time until “real life,” whatever that might look like, resumed. But God prompted a sense of anticipation that He had a plan for me, even there. That He had indeed moved us there for “such a time as this.” Not worrying about what that might look like, I began my mornings with a simple yet expectant prayer: What do You have for me today, God?

God consistently answered—calling me to love, to serve, to engage, right where I was at, however I could. So, I got plugged in to the local homeschool community and began serving in that small-town church.

About a month later, we moved once again, initially, to another rent-by-the-month apartment, this one much worse than the previous. Our door had five deadbolts, an indication of the area’s safety, and the carpet was so saturated in pet urine, the smell could knock a person back. Thankfully, we knew our stay would be short but weren’t certain we’d land next.

In many ways I was living in the interim, that uncertain and undefined middle ground of transition.

But in that quiet place of waiting, God stirred within me the assurance that He could use me, even there. And so, I repeated my prayer, “What do you have for me today, God?” And once again, He spoke, not with words, but with a spark—to write. Yielding to Him in that dark and dreary apartment, I started typing a curriculum. My obedience, frankly, made no sense and had no clear outlet. In fact, I was certain the project wouldn’t go anywhere beyond my personal computer, and it didn’t, not until another move, and another year, later. One morning, I sensed Him calling me to reach out to the educational minister at that small-town Texas church we’d visited for such a short time, to tell him about what I’d written.

The idea felt preposterous and embarrassing! After all, how was I expecting him to respond? To congratulate me for pounding away at my keyboard? But God’s leading felt clear and strong, and so, not concerning myself with the whys or hows, I obeyed.

After yet another move and another full year, with that email long forgotten, I received a phone call. It was from the children’s director employed by that small Texas church. They wanted to use my curriculum for their summer vacation Bible school. What’s more, they wanted me to come speak to their parents on their “celebration night.”

Ephesians 5:15-16 tells us to “Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil” (NIV).

This verse reminds me that our world needs Jesus, now more than ever. We’re all living in a “time such as this.” God might call some of us to lead or launch ministries and others of us to walk across the street. And our small steps of obedience might carry us, one surrendered act at a time, to a more clarified or specific calling, like mine did, or they might simply characterize a life of love, which is, I believe, even more glorious. Regardless, we can know this: God can and will use us, right where we are, and right at this moment.

We can waste our days, waiting for that great opportunity or more convenient time—like when all the C19 social distancing ends, or we can quietly ask God, “What do you have for me today?”

I guarantee He’ll answer.

https://www.lifeaudio.com/faith-over-fear/

Not My Nature Guest Post by Terri Gillespie

There are those folks who are so confident in the LORD that no matter what happens, they know they will be alright. I have met a few of these souls and I’m both awed and convicted by their testimonies.

Why? Because I am not one of those blessed souls. At least, not by nature. When I’m caught off-guard by a trial or tribulation or testing, my nature is to fear. That default reaction of fear is caused from experiences in my past—scary things that happened to me and others.

If a problem arises, my nature is to seek ways to solve it myself rather than go to the LORD first. That first inclination stems from being so long accustomed to fending for myself.

When God asks me to do something, my nature is to either say that I can’t, or sadly, that I won’t. Or I attempt the request on my own without His guidance. That is my nature.

But that is not the truth of who I am as a child of the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. And it is not where I am confined to remain.

“Now what do you think? A man had two sons, and he went to the first and said, ‘Son, go work in the vineyard today.’

The son answered, ‘I won’t,’ but afterward he had a change of heart and went.

The man went to the second son and said the same thing. But he answered, ‘I will, sir,’ And didn’t go.

‘Which of the two did the will of the father?”

“The first,” they [the ruling priests and elders] said.

Matthew 21:28-31 TLV*

In this parable, Jesus recognizes our nature. Especially those of us with a past—sinful and broken. The first son’s response when asked to work in the vineyard, was, “No way.” But then later, he rethinks that default response and does what his father asks of him.

So, I have a choice. I can follow my nature, or I can stop, turn around and follow the truth. The truth that The Creator of the Universe, who went out of His way to make me His child by sacrificing His Son, loves me.

And when He asks me to trust Him that no matter what comes my way, I am still loved. That means, I must still act like His kid—not some wild person who follows their fears and emotions.

It’s a no brainer, right? Yet still I struggle.

That’s why I read and meditate and post passages of faith and truth that remind me each day, to be confident in this mighty, loving God who knows me. So that I can discern the difference between my nature’s lie and His truth. I know that even a mustard seed of faith and trust can move that mountain of fear or anger or anything that seeks to separate me from His love through Messiah Yeshua.

If my journey helps others, then I am doubly blessed.

Heavenly Father, May nature may say, “no,” but my nature lies. I chose to follow Your truth. Even if it takes me a while to get there. In Jesus’ Name, amen.

This article originally posted on Arise Daily Devotions, owned by the Advanced Writers and Speakers Association (AWSA).

Join the conversation: What are some ways you hold tight to faith when you feel afraid?

About the author: 

Award-winning author and beloved speaker Terri Gillespie writes stories of faith and redemption to nurture souls. Her novels, devotionals, and blogs have drawn readers to hunger for a deeper relationship with their Heavenly Father, and His Son Jesus. Her newest novel, Sweet Rivalry, releases later this year.

Her latest release: Sweet Rivalry

Just an ordinary morning for Sarah Sweeting—watching her favorite baking show, Cupcake Rivalry, getting ready for work at her Granny’s small-town bakery. All that changes when Sarah spots a contestant who looks like her, sounds like her, moves like her.

Was this her twin sister? The twin her mother ran away with twenty years ago? Were hers and Granny’s prayers finally being answered?

When Granny confirms Sarah’s shocking discovery, Granny suffers a heart attack.

Raven Souwer’s morning began at a frenzied pace—incessantly ringing phones and a Beverly Hills’ bakery full of customers. All because everyone wants to catch a glimpse of the Cupcake Rivalry contestants—Raven and her best friend, Will Durning.

But a phone call from an excited woman who claims to be Raven’s long-lost sister—a sister Raven has no memory of—informs Raven that a grandmother she never knew was in the hospital.

The call changes the course of Raven’s life and brings up the pain she thought she’d overcome.

Will Sarah and Raven finally be united, or will other rivalries separate them again?

*Scripture taken from The Tree of Life Version, Copyright © 2023 Messianic Jewish Family Bible Society | DBA: Tree of Life Bible Society is a 501(c)(3), not-for-profit organization. All rights reserved.

https://www.lifeaudio.com/faith-over-fear/

Finding Joy in the Chaos

(Note: This first posted in April of 2017.)

Does failing at something you’ve been assigned or entrusted with cause your stomach to knot? When you miss a deadline, does your thought life run amuck? The bigger question is, are you living in grace? That’s not to say we shouldn’t hold ourselves accountable and honestly assess our shortcomings and errors, but when we do, may we do so with an eye on grace.

As my guest today explains, that’s when we find peace and joy, even in the chaos.

Joy in the Chaos by Ralene Burke

As a writer and editor, there’s nothing like missing a deadline to take the wind out of my sails. That feeling of failure that wraps around my heart, squeezes, and then pops any modicum of self-esteem. Darkness falls over my day, and joy leaks away with each deprecating thought.

It didn’t start out that way, though. I was excited to receive the opportunity. I wrote it on my calendar, even setting the deadline a little earlier than the one that had been given to me. But as with many best laid plans, chaos intervened.

My husband and I got locked into a home improvement job that took more time and money than we had originally intended. Two of my social media clients had some “urgent” stuff that had to go up on social media or in newsletters right away. My allergies went into overdrive and had me laid out for a week.

My self-imposed deadline came and went. So did the one I’d been officially given.

It’s funny how the enemy knows those exact moments when we feel like a failure. When we could choose to accept the mistake and learn, joy and peace follows, but instead he presses those thoughts of what a mess we are, how there is no hope for us. He tells us God is so disappointed, along with everyone else.

Deep breath.

Ultimately, life isn’t about the missed deadlines. It isn’t about the crazy schedules or long to-do lists. Life is about opportunities. The opportunity to follow God, to be obedient, and to be His light in this world. We already know we were not made for this world, but for eternity.

We are responsible to one person: God. We are His children. And He loves us so much. He delights in us. But He’s known us from the beginning of time, long before we were born, long before time itself. He knew the lives we would have. He gave us a reason for being, passions, goals, and more. And He gave us purpose despite the mistakes we would make. Our lives are a constant learning curve.

When we put our focus on God and how He sees us, we should also find joy ourselves. Joy in the opportunity. Joy in the moment. Joy in the fact that He loves us no matter what.

God knew I would have health issues, and they would force me to find ways to work around the normal 9-5 job. He knew being a homeschool mom would keep me hopping, making it feel like I had 2 full-time jobs. Struggling to find my place in the world would give me the grace to work with others struggling to find theirs.

Failure is something I’m quite familiar with—and not just when it comes to deadlines. With each mistake, I’ve learned that it’s an opportunity to trust God and step deeper into grace. I know God is with me at each turn. And even when things don’t go as planned (and how often does that happen?), He still loves me. He still delights in me. And my joy is found in Him.

How has God been revealing His joy to you?

About the Author:

Whether she’s wielding a fantasy writer’s pen, a freelance editor’s sword, or a social media wand, Ralene Burke always has her head in some dreamer’s world. And her goal is to help everyone SHINE BEYOND! She has worked for a variety of groups, including Realm Makers, The Christian PEN, Kentucky Christian Writers Conference, and as an editor for several freelance clients. Her first novel, Bellanok, is available on Amazon!

When her head’s not in the publishing world, she is wife to a veteran and homeschooling mama to their three kids. Her Pinterest board would have you believe she is a master chef, excellent seamstress, and all around crafty diva. If she only had the time . . .

You can also find her on Facebook, Twitter, or at her website.

Let’s talk about this! I never would’ve thought I have a fear of failure. I’ve often said, which I believe, that there’s really no failure when we walk with God. It’s all learning, growing in Him and His will for us, and allowing Him to transform our thinking and will. 

But yesterday, something hit my insecurities (and revealed my people pleasing tendencies!), oddly enough, in the form of praise. A reviewer tagged me in a comment on Facebook that, in essence, let me know about THIS. It was a bit surreal to see my name listed among such great authors. That should’ve been cause for celebration, right?

Instead, I felt a tweak in my gut as I thought about the story I’m working on, one I’ve revised at least half a dozen times that I plan to release … in a few short months. (gulp.) And all I could think about was how terrible the story was, how inadequate I felt as a writer, and how I would let this reviewer and all my other readers down.

And then I had to laugh as I realized how easily I fell into the fear of rejection trap–whenever I turn my eyes off Christ and His will for me.

That, my friends, is the answer. But isn’t it always? For as Paul says in Galatians 1:10, “If pleasing people were my goal, I would not be Christ’s servant” (NLT). 

 

https://www.lifeaudio.com/faith-over-fear/

Finding God Amid Our Fear

(This first posted on February 6, 2020.)

Sometimes God must allow us to experience our greatest fears in order to free us from them. When it feels as if the ground beneath us will crumble to dust, we learn in a deeply personal way that “though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed” God’s unfailing love will always remain.

To put it simply, we often discover who God is in all His faithful and merciful glory, not during the tranquil periods but when we feel as if our lives have upended.

Some of you may be familiar with this story I’m about to share. I tell it often because, of all the things I’ve experienced throughout my life, this particular event led to my greatest freedom. Though at first, I felt anything but free!

At the time, I was enslaved to fear, primarily of relational loss and financial insecurity. We were living in Louisiana at the time, in a newly built, gated neighborhood and had plenty of money coming in to pay our bills and then some. My husband drove a company car, had a company pension, and managed our finances well. I had every reason to relax, but anxiety frequently won, resulting in a constant fight for control. I lived as an orphan, as if I were forced to navigate a harsh, unpredictable world all alone rather than the beloved, cherished daughter of Christ Scripture promised I was.

Had God not intervened, I’m certain I would’ve destroyed my marriage. But He did, tearing me from my highly-regulated safety plan and allowing me to land in one of my greatest fears—unemployment (my husband’s). This resulted in a three-year transitionary period where we lived off of savings for a while then moved, first to Texas then to Missouri. And with each move, God allowed falsehoods to rise to the surface so He could counter them with truth.

When I felt abandoned and unheard, He assured me He would never leave and was attentive to my every cry. When it seemed my prayers went unanswered, He reminded me that He was working out all things according to His good and loving plan, for my growth and His glory. For every fear, He gently guided me to timeless promises in Scripture, reminding me of who He was, what He’d done, and what’s yet to come. As my vision shifted off of my problems and concerns and onto my powerful, unconquerable God, my fears slowly died.

When I’m feeling frightened, I love to spend time in the psalms, which often seem to echo the cries of my heart. When it feels as if my circumstances are unjust and perhaps others have betrayed me, I know “the Lord reigns forever, executing judgment from His throne” (Ps. 9:7). When I feel exposed and helpless, I know where to turn for “the Lord is a shelter for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble” (Ps. 9:9).

“Those who know Your name,” the Psalmist says, “trust in You.”

Or to put it another way: If we truly grasp the fullness of Christ—His love, power, and attentive faithfulness toward all His children —we realize we have no cause for concern and every reason to trust. We can attempt to fight our fears countless ways, but nothing soothes and strengthens the heart quite like growing closer to Christ. He is the only One with the power to save. When all our attempts to control and salvage our situation fail, we discover we truly have all we need in Him. He alone stands firm, immovable, at our side, and He always will.

Let’s talk about this! What characteristics of Christ do you find most comforting when you’re afraid? How do those characteristics speak to your current fear? Share your thoughts and stories in the comments.

https://www.lifeaudio.com/faith-over-fear/https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-daily-bible-verse/

Angels Watching OVer Me – Guest post by Candy Arrington

Sometimes God speaks to our hearts while we quietly read through Scripture. Sometimes He comforts us as we pray or listen to praise music. And as you’ll see in my guest’s post today, other times He uses someone unexpected to let us know He sees us, loves us, and holds us securely now and forever.

Angels Watching Over Me
by Candy Arrington

I stared at the ceiling of pre-op outpatient surgery, wishing I was somewhere else. Earlier, the nurse hustled my husband to the waiting room, believing I was minutes away from my turn in the operating room.

Now, nearly an hour later, I was growing increasingly uneasy. Alone, at the far end of a long room, away from the nurses’ station, I felt my resolve to remain calm dissolving. I willed myself to remain in the bed and not bolt for the door.

As I turned, I saw a little lady moving a push broom across the floor near my bed. She softly hummed “Amazing Grace.” Leaning the broom against the wall, she came to my bedside and straightened the covers, smoothing and tucking as she worked. Gentleness tugged the corners of her mouth into a comforting smile. Her face was unlined and serene.

She placed my hand in hers and patted it in rhythm with her humming. Then she moved to sit in a rocking chair I hadn’t noticed in the shadows. Rocking slowly, she continued her soft humming, a different, but familiar, hymn. I was intrigued. I hadn’t seen her enter the room and now she settled in a dim corner, as if for a visit.

Suddenly leaning forward, she stopped humming and asked, “You’re not scared, are you?” Before I could answer, she followed with, “Don’t be scared, Baby. Jesus, take care of you. You rest. Jesus gonna take care of you.”

The humming resumed. I felt myself beginning to relax. The fear drained away, and my panic evaporated. With a sigh, I felt peace settle over me like a warm blanket. My eyes grew heavy as I gave in to sleep.

Later, I was awakened by a bustling nurse preparing to take me to surgery. Groggily, I looked toward the rocking chair. My visitor was gone. Smiling at the nurse I said, “That was the sweetest little lady. She calmed my fears.”

The nurse looked at me with question mark eyebrows, and said, “What lady? No one else has been in the room.” I explained she must have been a cleaning woman. Again, the nurse gave me a quizzical look, and said, “The cleaning lady went off shift hours ago.” There was no further discussion as she wheeled me into the operating room.

Angels are mentioned numerous times in Scripture. A few include: messenger angels, who appeared to Zechariah, Mary, Joseph, and the shepherds (Luke 1-2, Matthew 1:18-25); rescue angels, who opened prison doors (Acts 5:19-20, Acts 16:25-34); an angel leading and guarding the Children of Israel (Exodus 23:20); and worshiping angels (Isaiah 6:2-3).

I’ve often thought of that little lady in pre-op. I guess I’ll never know for sure if she was human or an angel, but I believe God sent a messenger that day to provide comfort in my hour of need.

This article is brought to you by the Advanced Writers and Speakers Association (AWSA).

About the author: Candy Arrington has written hundreds of articles and devotionals on faith, personal growth, and moving through and beyond difficult life circumstances. Her books include: Life On Pause: Learning to Wait Well (Bold Vision Books),  When Your Aging Parent Needs Care: Practical Help for This Season of Life (Harvest House), and AFTERSHOCK: Help, Hope, and Healing in the Wake of Suicide (B & H Publishing Group). Candy is a native South Carolinian, who gains writing inspiration from historic architecture, vintage photographs, nature, and the application of Biblical principles to everyday life. Learn more about Candy at www.CandyArrington.com, where you can also read her blog, Forward Motion: Moving Beyond What Holds You Back.

Candy’s new book, Life on Pause: Learning to Wait Well, provides insights on learning from and growing through a time of waiting.

Let’s talk about this! When has God loved and encouraged you through someone else? How did that increase your faith? What did that instance reveal regarding His heart for you?

https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-daily-bible-verse/