Flourishing Faith Week 5
This week I attended a women's event at a local Church. I heard the most amazing testimony from Katherine Wolf (follow her @hopeheals on Instagram). Her story and message was a great reminder that suffering and good can coexist. Sounds crazy right? We think that life is good when it's easy and things are going normal. But the second we go through suffering then good changes to hard. But what if "hard" could be "good?"
The only way hard can be good is if we look at our circumstances through the lens of Jesus. Ultimately it's the "hard" things that help grow our Faith and Trust in Jesus Christ. And with Jesus, we are never alone in our suffering.
"And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm, and steadfast." 1 Peter 5:10
When I was going through a "pruning" season where I lost friendships, my job, 90% of our income, and community I didn't automatically think how GOOD it was or felt. I had lots of meltdowns and fear and anxiety were present. But the SECOND I fell to the ground in prayer and journaled to God, His Peace replaced my fear. It was like an exchange. I had moments where I felt like I couldn't breathe and those were the moments I would open up God's Word. And some days I yelled and asked God lots of questions (mostly why). Don't worry, he can take us at our weakest moments. That is what He craves most of from us. He wants the opportunity to give us His peace in the midst of chaos, His love in the midst of rejection. That is why He died and rose again for us. He wants to take our sin and shame and replace it with His strength and restore us back to Him.
Prayer of the week:
Lord, I pray right now that you would help me understand that you created me for hard things. My suffering, hard, and unknown is not there to harm me, but to bring me closer to you. Lead me into a stronger relationship with you through the Hard because I know you are GOOD!!!Help me hide your Word in my heart and be light out in this dark world. In Jesus name, _______________.
Scripture of the week:
"And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm, and steadfast." 1 Peter 5:10
Tool of the week:
This week, I want you to focus on journaling the things below to God.
- Write down a few HARD things you are going through and dealing with right now.
- Write down 1st Peter 5:10 and then write it in your own words.
- Write how that Scripture gives you HOPE.
- Write down past suffering and how God helped you through it!
- Write down specific times you plan on opening God's Word and reading and writing to Him this week. He loves you so much!
Always remember that good and hard can coexist because we trust in a good, good Father!
Click the link below and listen to this as you journal.
~Be Blessed,Ashley B Shepherd