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Known Day 11 Jehovah Rapha

July 24, 2023 by Meribeth Schierbeek Leave a Comment

Known Day 11 Jehovah Rapha

Meribeth Schierbeek

July 24, 2023

Comfort,Faith,Glory,Good,Healing,Heart,Know

Read His Words Before Ours!

Exodus 15:22-27
Exodus 20:1-21
Matthew 9:1-8
Psalm 103:1-5
Isaiah 53

When I hear Jehovah Rapha, the Lord is our Healer, my mind goes immediately God’s revelation of Himself as He began to give His prophet, Moses, the ten commandments: 
“I AM the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the place of slavery.”
(Exodus 20:2, emphasis mine) 

We see very quickly, as we consider our sin within light of the ten commandments, how desperately we need the spiritual healing of our Savior Jesus from our slavery to sin. (Romans 3:20) In fact, our spiritual healing began back in the garden of Eden, when God covered Adam and Eve’s nakedness and shame in their sin (Genesis 3:21), an early shadow of the righteous covering Jesus would bring. (2 Corinthians 5:21) Still today, our hearts are deceitfully wicked (Jeremiah 17:9-10) and we need Jehovah Rapha (Luke 6:17-19; Matthew 14:13-14; Mathew 8:16-17) to be wholly His and wholly healed.

As we understand spiritual healing, we also look to the physical healing most of us have desired for ourselves or a loved one. 

Our family has been in this place of longing for healing when my father-in-law was diagnosed with cancer. Oh, how we prayed for his healing.  

A very special friend of all of our children, he was closest to our 15 year old son. I recall leaving a visit with him, turning to look at my son in the backseat of our car. What I saw broke my heart. His head was down, and his shoulders shook with sobs. He knew cancer was taking the man he loved so much. As his mom I was so concerned for his heart, his faith, and his trust in the Lord His God.   

From the time of diagnosis, we prayed, “Lord, we know You are the Healer and You will heal Grandpa here on this side of heaven or home with You.” 

Our desire was for healing to happen here.  
God’s answer was to call him home.  

Before he died, he was able to talk with our son. He told our son he was thankful for cancer because it drew him closer to the Lord…a testimony declaring healing begins and ends in the heart, even if it doesn’t heal the body. Jehovah Rapha did indeed minister in mercy to our beloved Grandpa. 

So often I find myself wanting healing from …
The pain of life. 
The emotional pain of a strained relationship. 
The physical pain of sickness.
The mental pain of trauma and past abuse.
What would you add to this list?

What happens when the healing of the pain we suffer falls short of our desires? 
Is Jehovah Rapha still our healer?  
Does His character change? 
(Hebrews 13:8)

As I grapple with these questions, I think of the story in the gospel of Matthew, when friends carried their sick neighbor to the healing hands of Jesus. (Matthew 9:1-8) I see so many types of healing in this short vignette!

To a lonely heart, one suffering under the cultural stigma of illness, the gift of friendship is like the healing touch of the Lord! 

After a lifetime of paralysis, how miraculous it must have been to receive the physical healing he so desperately desired! Imagine how this must have transformed nearly every area of his life, from his ability to work and achieve financial security to his relationships and his place within his community.

Finally, we see two spiritual healings, both in the forgiveness of the man’s sins and in verse 9, Matthew’s own willingness to immediately accept Jesus’ invitation to follow Him. In order for Matthew to become a disciple, he must have had a new heart desire to walk with God . . .  Healing the man’s legs was only the beginning of Jesus’ work here!

How often is this true in our lives, as well? We want Jehovah Rapha’s healing in one specific area, but God has abundantly more…He wants us to believe HE IS LORD, the I AM, giving us the healing we need.

Because of the redemptive work of Jesus, we can have hope that healings we don’t see manifest on earth will be brought to full completion in heaven. As we learned with my father-in-law’s journey, Jehovah Rapha is ever drawing us nearer to His heart, even through illness, and we can have faith in the perfect restoration of all things in the presence of Jesus. (Revelation 21:1-5)

As the psalmist declares,
“My soul, bless the LORD, 
And do not forget all his benefits.
He forgives all your iniquity;
He heals all your diseases.
He redeems your life from the Pit;
He crowns you with faithful love and compassion.
He satisfies you with good things;
Your youth is renewed like the eagle.”
(Psalm 103:1-5)

Sisters, how can you trust Him with your pain?

Whether you are struggling physically, emotionally, mentally, or spiritually,
whether healing comes now or in your earthly future or in heaven,
God is still your Jehovah Rapha, 
still with you in your hurting, 
still comforting you and sustaining you 
until He calls you home.

Tags :
healing,known,loved,Names of God,rescue,Safe
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Recent Journeys

Done Day 11 Reconciled Redemption
August 7, 2023
The GT Weekend! ~ Known, Week 3
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Known Day 12
Digging Deeper

Forgiving our sins was so important that God sent His Son, Jesus, to take all our sins upon Himself on the cross (John 3:16) so that we would not have to face the penalty of death (Romans 6:23).

Confessing our sins and turning from them allows us to walk with God and experience His many blessings. God’s forgiveness is the greatest gift, for without it we could not experience all the richness of His grace as children of God (Romans 8:14-17).
Dig Deeper!

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July 10 - July 28, 2023 - Journey Theme #121

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Posted in: Comfort, Faith, Glory, Good, Healing, Heart, Know Tagged: healing, known, loved, Names of God, rescue, Safe

Known Day 1 Abba

July 10, 2023 by Deborah Rutherford Leave a Comment

Known Day 1 Abba

Deborah Rutherford

July 10, 2023

Adoration,Beloved,Faith,He,Know

Read His Words Before Ours!

Galatians 4:1-7
Romans 8:14-17
Mark 14:32-36
Jeremiah 31:16-20
Psalm 103:11-14

Have you heard God referred to as our Abba Father?
Perhaps this is a new phrase to you, or perhaps you’ve stumbled across it in Scripture.
Either way, what does Abba mean?
What does this name reveal about God’s character?
Let’s explore these questions together!

He who holds all things, holds me.

First, God is our Creator. (Genesis 1:26-27, Psalm 139:13-16)
He created us in His image, Imago Dei, with intentionality and joy, calling His handiwork “very good indeed.” (Genesis 1:31)

And when the Imago Dei within us was marred by sin (Genesis 3), He promised to rescue us (Genesis 3:14-15), becoming our Redeemer. (Galatians 3:13-14)
More intimately, God is also our Abba, our Father, and we are co-heirs in His Kingdom. (Romans 8:14-17)

When we accept God’s gift of forgiveness, made possible through the substitutionary death and resurrection of Jesus (Galatians 2:20), God sends the Holy Spirit into our hearts, transforming us into His sons and daughters, crying Abba. (Galatians 4:6)

We know we are God’s children by the witness of the Holy Spirit within us.

In Romans 8:16, Paul wrote: “The Spirit Himself testifies together with our spirit that we are God’s children[.]”  Because we are in Christ, we live as children of God in an intimate and joyful relationship with Him, not one of fear and bondage. Now we cry, “Abba, Father!” (Romans 8:15)

We bring every care and concern to God the Father by crying out to Him. Do not hold anything back, because God is there for us. We can trust God loves us because He sent His only Son to die for us and to give us eternal life. (John 3:16) Our Abba is our comforter, provider, defender, and protector, giving us all we need.

But what if we grew up in a family devoid of this kind of fatherly love?

As a child and into young adulthood, I didn’t know how to relate to God as my Father. This could be because I had a tumultuous relationship with my dad, who was an alcoholic. My family walked on eggshells as we didn’t know if today’s dad would be loving or angry and violent. As a tween, I remember praying outside in the front yard, trying to drown out the yelling from inside the house. How was this the same dad who gently pinched my cheek, smiling at me earlier? 

Thankfully, God lovingly reached my heart in my adult years, and I found the relationship I needed with my Abba. This also helped me to forgive my earthly dad, who had since passed. Now I experience the tender loving care of my Abba and recognize that even when I didn’t know it, He was always present with me, taking care, providing, and protecting me. Looking back, I see how He led me to the days when I would sit closely at His feet in fellowship. (Luke 10:38-42)

In Mark 14:36, Jesus shows us how to respond to God as Father in the cool grove of Gethsemane. In agony, Jesus prays, “Abba, Father! All things are possible for you. Take this cup away from Me. Nevertheless, not what I will, but what you will.”  Our Abba meets us in our suffering and gives us the strength to obey Him. Like Jesus, we pray and worship in God’s presence, communing with each other.
We are privileged to draw close to God the Father by His Spirit.

Daughters of God, approach His throne of grace with boldness, receiving mercy and grace in your time of need. (Hebrews 4:16)

The beautiful truth is that our Father Abba delights in His children. (Jeremiah 31:20) Even when we sin, God remembers us. His love is unconditional. God’s heart yearns for us with endearing compassion. (Psalm 103:13)

We are God’s chosen, treasured possession. And as His holy and beloved people, we show our love for Him by obeying Him and pursuing Him with single-minded devotion. (Deuteronomy 14:1-2)  

It is comforting to have my heavenly Father ever by my side. When I feel alone, unloved, not so special, or passed over, Abba reminds me I am always loved, special, and never passed over. 

Beloved ones, come to your Father who loves you to the end of time. 
Who meets you wherever you are, delighting in, remembering, and forgiving you. 

Cry Abba, and be His holy people, chosen ones, and precious treasure. 

“Dear heavenly Father, thank You for Your tender loving kindness. Today is the day You have made. And I rejoice and am glad in it.” 

This prayer begins my day, assuring me in our together morn and throughout the day that the One who holds everything in His hand also holds me.
Remember, the One who holds everything holds you, too.

Tags :
Abba,father,intimate,loved,relationships,Safe
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Recent Journeys

Done Day 11 Reconciled Redemption
August 7, 2023
The GT Weekend! ~ Known, Week 3
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Known Day 2
Digging Deeper

Scripture leaves nothing to the imagination: God desires a deep, intimate relationship with us.

He knows us, and He knows what we are like. He knows that when we sin and repent, we may be prone to despair and grieve, but that doesn’t stop Him from immediately restoring us to walk with Him.

He loves us with a perfect, Fatherly love, and He desires people who will choose Him, and choose to be in deep relationship with Him in return!
Dig Deeper!

Can We Pray With You?

Prayer is central to our ministry as believers in Jesus as we carry eachother’s burdens and intercede for one another. Our team is honored to share the work of praying alongside you!

  • prayer@gracefullytruthful.com
This Week's Lock Screen
Explore This Journey Theme!
July 10 - July 28, 2023 - Journey Theme #121

Join a GT POD!

Authentically living out a life of worship to the God who rescued us from darkness requires accountability and intentionality. Join a GT POD and take the next step in your faith journey!

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Share Your Story!
Posted in: Adoration, Beloved, Faith, He, Know Tagged: Abba, father, intimate, loved, relationships, Safe

Another Day 14 Gentle & Lowly Lifestyle: Digging Deeper

March 23, 2023 by Natalie Smith Leave a Comment

Another Day 14 Gentle & Lowly Lifestyle: Digging Deeper

Natalie Smith

March 23, 2023

Adoring,Affectionate,Beloved,Comfort,Know,Life,Love

Discover the original intent of Scripture. Make good application to our everyday lives.
Become equipped to correctly handle the Word of Truth!

This DD Connects With "Gentle & Lowly Lifestyle"
Why Dig Deeper?

Read His Words Before Ours!

Psalm 139:1-7

1 LORD, you have searched me and known me.
2 You know when I sit down and when I stand up;
you understand my thoughts from far away.
3 You observe my travels and my rest; you are aware of all my ways.
4 Before a word is on my tongue, you know all about it, LORD.
5 You have encircled me;
you have placed your hand on me.
6 This wondrous knowledge is beyond me. It is lofty;
I am unable to reach it.
7 Where can I go to escape your Spirit?
Where can I flee from your presence?
Read More Of His Words

The Original Intent

1) Why is it important to recognize the depths of God’s knowledge of me? (verses 1-4)

These verses were written by King David of the Old Testament. There is a deep relational tone in its lines like an intimate You-and-me connection between God and David. From the human perspective, there is such a great emphasis on being deeply known it takes the old phrase, “you know me better than I know myself” to a whole new level of literality.

God, literally, is aware of our thoughts before we have processed them ourselves. He not only knows what they will be, but he “understands” them (verse 2) and “knows all about it” (verse 4). He sees our heart attitudes and complex emotions before we have formulated or even recognized them ourselves.

To be known and understood to this depth can be beautiful, healing, and comforting or quite the contrast. Do we know the ONE who knows us so well? The answer to this ties closely with either the beauty or terror that may arise in our hearts.

Secondly, but actually more importantly, is the YOU emphasis of these verses which shifts the focus on WHOM King and psalmist David is speaking about. David points the eyes of hearts unmistakably upon the LORD, Creator of all things. (Genesis 1-2)

Theologians use the big words of omniscience (all-knowing), omnipotent (all-powerful) and omnipresent (present in all places) to describe the LORD who is utterly outside our understanding. In my mind, these words help me focus on God’s rule, reign, and personhood as high and above all other authorities as the king He is.

These truths are meant to radically shape our perspective on God, but we must not forget Scripture also teaches this same LORD is intimate, close, and personal. He is intentional in His relationship with each of us as evidenced by His active searching of our inmost being. (verse 1) The LORD God keeps watch over all we do because He cares intimately, with perfect love, for His creation. (Matthew 6:33)

The Everyday Application

1) Why is it important to recognize the depths of God’s knowledge of me? (verses 1-4)

The Enduring Word Commentary notes that having an All-Powerful Being know your deepest thoughts and every move would either be fearfully uncomfortable or wondrously comforting. If you learn someone unknown seems to know everything about you, it would leave us feeling unsettled and fearful. Who is this person? What is their intent?

Conversely, consider a child in the presence of their parent; she roams free, safe, and happily within their given boundaries as their needs are anticipated and satisfied by their parent. If a parent disappears, a young child will desperately search for their parent as the source of their stability and sustenance.

Perhaps you’ve experienced the rest and refreshment found in the presence of a friend with whom we share everything freely because we know our worst selves are safe in their love. This type of close relationship often stirs up gratitude, security, and great joy.

It was this beauty David wrote in Psalm 139 as he reflected on the Lord who had remained steadfast and faithful all the days of his life. From his youth, David learned to trust the Lord as he fought off lions and bears (1 Samuel 17:34-37) and was stirred to worship the One who knew him best and loved him most. (Psalm 84:10-12)

May we grow in deeply knowing the One who knows us so well! For the Lord is near to those who draw close to Him through repentance of our sins. (James 4:8-10) What intimacy awaits those who feel lonely, fearful, and depressed when they come to the Lord to confess their sin and enjoy the pleasure of relationship with Him because of His forgiveness and mercy! What sweet connection awaits if only we would pour ourselves over His Scripture and meditate on His character day and night that we might deeply know Him! (Joshua 1:8)

The Original Intent

2) What does it mean for the Lord to have encircled someone? (verse 5)

As the original Hebrew phrasing is not a clear, direct translation to English, different translators have used differing English phrases for the Hebrew term translated “encircling me” in the CSB (Christian Standard Bible).

The ESV (English Standard Version) translates the Hebrew as “hem me in, behind and before” and New King James uses “hedged me in.” Studying different translations can provide us with a wider understanding as we study God’s Word.

According to Bibleref.com, David is using words to paint a picture of God setting up a boundary of protection around what is precious to Him. While God created all people with intentionality (verse 6), Scripture provides several examples of God securing the righteous, meaning those who trustingly look to Him with the steps of their daily lives. (Psalm 7:9-11)

When reading the book of Job, we find great sadness brought upon him by Satan, but it was never beyond God’s orders of allowance. Through every suffering, not even Satan could move beyond the boundaries of protection placed on Job by the Lord God. (Job 1:12)

The Everyday Application

2) What does it mean for the Lord to have encircled someone? (verse 5)

I sat mulling over a friend’s child who is having unusual health symptoms. Google searches can quickly pull up anything from mild to life-threatening causes. When some of these mild causes are ruled out, it’s easy to let panic of the scary causes arise in the heart. Every night my daughter fears a “bad guy” breaking into our house.

Though I encourage her that the Lord guards us and we can take our fears to Him, the questions linger. What if this sweet child is really sick? What if someone breaks into our house? What if our fears become real? How do I trust the Lord if it seems this “encirclement” of protection has been penetrated?

I cannot say I know how to live faithfully in these situations, but I can know the Sovereign God has proven Himself loving without fail. When I remember that Scripture teaches the hard reality that the wages of my sin equates to death (Romans 6:23), my perspective is re-oriented.

I rightly earn death and destruction because of my choice to sin. Every day, every relationship, every gift evidences a good, kind, merciful God bestowing gifts I don’t deserve! (James 1:17) The greatest evidence of His vast love is His offer of complete forgiveness for every sin, because He paid the price of death in full for us with His own life. (Romans 3:23-24)

Repentance from sin and trust in His mercy provides access to this fullness, even in the face of suffering. God does allow suffering, but nothing passes through His hedge of encirclement without Him using it “to bring good to those who love God.” (Romans 8:28) May our hearts be tethered close to the Lord that when suffering comes, we are anchored to the One who rules over the storm. (John 16:33)

The Original Intent

3) How does the Lord’s omniscience and omnipresence help me to love others? (verses 6-7)

Only a God who is, “too wondrous” and higher than we can understand is truly worth our time, energy, and worship. Too often we look to limited power – ourselves or other people – to fix our problems.

David’s life is full of situations bigger than him, both figuratively and quite literally (i.e. Goliath versus teenage boy with a slingshot). Still, David found rest repeatedly in knowing a God who is all powerful and yet always intimately near. (Psalm 62) Even as David is being chased by King Saul, he does not draw his sword against the Lord’s anointed, but rests in God’s all-knowing purposes. (1 Samuel 24:5-7)

David reminds himself in the depths of fear and struggle that nothing escapes the Lord’s eye, even that of “Sheol” or the grave. (verse 8) He had no need to take matters into his own hand, or bring about his own sense of justice because he trusted the God who held him steady and safe; David had chosen to deeply know the Lord God. He was free to act in accordance with God’s commands and rest in the Lord’s hands.

Consider the Lord’s words to the one who trusts Him, “Because he has his heart set on Me, I will deliver him; I will protect him because he knows My name. When he calls out to Me, I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble. I will rescue him and give him honor.” (Psalm 91:14-15)

The Everyday Application

3) How does the Lord’s omniscience and omnipresence help me to love others? (verses 6-7)

Confidence is, “the state of feeling certain of something.” Having confidence in our abilities is a good thing. It’s important to develop skills and know our limits. Yet, who provided our bodies, minds, and abilities? Who can handle that which we know is too great or heavy for us? Even in my strong points, things go wrong and I slip; who will catch me then? Scripture reminds us the Lord upholds us all our striving. (Isaiah 41:10)

David, author of many psalms and shepherd boy, knew this well. He took great concern for the people of Israel as they cowered before the threats of giant Goliath. Though he was concerned for his people, he was further concerned that enemies would defy the Lord in threatening the Lord’s people. (1 Samuel 17:26)

When we read David’s brave testimonies, it may initially sound as though he is confident in himself, “Whenever a lion or a bear came…I went after it, struck it down…” But in the end, David clarifies, “The Lord who rescued me from the paw of the lion and the paw of the bear will rescue me from the hand of this Philistine.” (1 Samuel 17:34-37)

David practiced trusting the Lord as he fought off wild animals, shepherded sheep, and composed songs. The more he trusted, the braver he became in the strength and surety of the Lord. When he stood against Goliath, His confidence was in the Lord’s omniscience and holy purposes because he had practiced trusting His ways.

Only in this resting place of confidence in the Lord was David able to fight for others and treat those against him with patience and grace. Like David, I need to trade my fears and desire to control for the steadfast faithfulness of having full confidence in the Lord.

Tags :
forgiven,free,known,loved,Safe,secure,Welcomed
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Recent Journeys

Done Day 11 Reconciled Redemption
August 7, 2023
The GT Weekend! ~ Known, Week 3
July 29, 2023
Known Day 15 Jehovah Nissi: Digging Deeper
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Another Day 13
Journey Study

We cannot authentically love what we do not deeply know.

I was enamored with my husband from Day 1. But it wasn’t until over two decades had passed and we walked dark pathways that I had an inkling of what love meant.

I was head over heels in love with my firstborn the moment I saw those 2 pink lines on the pregnancy test. But my love for her multiplied with every day I spent with her, knowing her, arguing with her, and learning from her.

Love grew strong, fierce, and authentic in the days, years, and decades of learning to know.

Intimate familiarity changes everything. Misconceptions flee, doubts dissolve, and the brilliance of authentic love shoots through like daybreak when we commit to deeply know another.
Join The Journey!

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Prayer is central to our ministry as believers in Jesus as we carry eachother’s burdens and intercede for one another. Our team is honored to share the work of praying alongside you!

  • prayer@gracefullytruthful.com
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March 6 - March 24, 2023 - Journey Theme #115

Join a GT POD!

Authentically living out a life of worship to the God who rescued us from darkness requires accountability and intentionality. Join a GT POD and take the next step in your faith journey!

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Posted in: Adoring, Affectionate, Beloved, Comfort, Know, Life, Love Tagged: forgiven, free, known, loved, Safe, secure, Welcomed

The GT Weekend! ~ Waiting Week 1

October 9, 2021 by Erin O'Neal Leave a Comment

The GT Weekend!

At Gracefully Truthful, weekends aren’t for “checking out”.
Use this time to invite the Almighty’s fullness into you life in a deeper way!
Saturdays and Sundays are a chance to
reflect, rest, and re-center our lives onto Christ.
Don’t miss the opportunity to connect with other women in prayer,
rest your soul in reflective journaling,
and spend time worshiping the Creator who
longs for intimacy with each of us!

Worship Through Journaling

Worship Through Journaling

1) Psalm 13 begins, “How long, Lord? Will You forget me forever? How long will You hide Your face from me?” Certainly we have all experienced the discomfort of waiting in some form or another. Joseph knew God had selected him for a specific mission and purpose, but it may have seemed to Joseph that God was taking the scenic route to get him there. We do not see Joseph questioning God or crying out in despair. In fact, at the end of his life, Joseph was able to look back on all the waiting and trials and confirm how God had used every season of his life to bring him to God’s intended result. What are you waiting for? If you’re anything like me, you don’t have the same clear vision Joseph had for where your life is going, but you do have dreams and desires. Consider two or three things you are waiting on today. Pray that God would sustain you in your waiting, and remember the final verses of Psalm 13, “But I have trusted in Your faithful love; my heart will rejoice in Your deliverance. I will sing to the Lord because He has treated me generously.”  How will you practically choose to sing?!

2) Wednesday’s Journey Study closed with this thought, “Maybe this is the key to waiting well. We can trust God’s character even when we can’t understand our circumstances, holding onto the sure hope He is still working even when we struggle to see how. Ultimately, we can trust that, in His own perfect timing, His purposes will prevail.” In a world of fast food and free next-day delivery, many of us are accustomed to near-instant gratification. But Romans 5:4 tells us our afflictions produce endurance, which leads to character, which leads to hope, which will not disappoint. It’s easy for us to ask, “Why is this happening to me?” It is harder to consider our circumstances are being used to grow our endurance, character, and hope. David waited many years for the fulfilment of God’s promise. David was honest with the Lord about his doubts, but God’s character never waivered. Where are you struggling to trust in God’s character? Can you imagine some ways He may be using these things to grow you? Write down the four words: affliction, endurance, character, and hope. When you are tempted to despair in your trials, remember these words and the God who actively works in you. Commit your way to Him and ask Him for help to endure well and hold tightly to the Hope He gives.

3) Disappointment comes from unmet expectations. Sometimes, disappointment is minor like a schedule change in your busy day or missing an engagement you were wanting to attend. Other times, the disappointment hits much deeper with life-long impact. Loss of a loved one. A marriage that ended or not finding “the one” to marry. Miscarriage or unable to conceive. Career opportunities. The list is endless, and regardless of our specific disappointment, whether big or small, each one leaves us with a large vacuum of desire utterly unfulfilled. Because we’ve all shared this common experience, we can connect with Hosea’s story in very deep ways. Hosea had waited for a bride, and when the Lord showed him who to take for his wife, his expectations didn’t align with reality. Yet, through this union, God would show Hosea, and Israel, the deep, passionate, and extremely radical love God has for His own Beloved. Hosea’s love story was entirely unexpected, but instead of becoming angry or indignant with the Lord’s response to his faithful waiting, Hosea’s single love story told the greatest love story of God for His people. Just suppose, the Sovereign God of all, who wastes nothing, loves endlessly, and carries our sorrows as His own, wanted to redeem our disappointment for His glory?! What would you surrender to Him?

Praying Scripture back to the One who wrote it in the first place is a great way to jump start our prayer-life! Pray this passage from Psalm 13:3-6 back to the Lord and
let His Spirit speak to you through it!

Consider me and answer, Lord my God.
Restore brightness to my eyes;
otherwise, I will sleep in death.
My enemy will say, “I have triumphed over him,”
and my foes will rejoice because I am shaken.
But I have trusted in your faithful love;
my heart will rejoice in your deliverance.
I will sing to the Lord
because he has treated me generously.

Prayer Journal
How long, oh Lord? Will You forget me forever? Will You allow this season of waiting and uncertainty to drag on and pull me under? We cry out to You in desperation. We seek Your face in the midst of our trouble. Do You hear us? Are You listening? But God, You are rich in mercy. You heard the voice of Joseph in his jail cell, of David in his hiding place, of Hosea in his troubled marriage, and You rescued them. Time and again, You have shown Yourself to be a faithful God. I believe You will rescue Your people from their afflictions; Lord, help my unbelief. As we wait for You, may our afflictions produce endurance, leading to character, resulting in a sure hope. While the days feel long and the nights are dark, I choose to sing a song of praise to the God who hears. I believe I will again rejoice in the goodness of our God. You answer our prayers, You rescue Your people, You have treated us generously. Thank you, oh Lord, for Your steadfast love and daily grace.

Worship Through Community

Can we pray for you? Reach Out! We’d love to pray for and with you!
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Posted in: bride, Character, God, Hope, Purpose Tagged: desires, dreams, endurance, glory, love story, loved, surrender, valued, waiting

Alive Day 13 Dearly Loved

September 29, 2021 by Michelle Promise Leave a Comment

Read His Words Before Ours!

Genesis 1
Genesis 22:1-19
Psalm 44:17-22
1 Corinthians 4:1-5
Romans 8:31-36

Alive, Day 13

“What, then, are we to say about these things? If God is for us, who is against us? He did not even spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all. How will he not also with him grant us everything? Who can bring an accusation against God’s elect? God is the one who justifies. Who is the one who condemns? Christ Jesus is the one who died, but even more, has been raised; he also is at the right hand of God and intercedes for us. Who can separate us from the love of Christ? Can affliction or distress or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? As it is written:
Because of you
we are being put to death all day long;
we are counted as sheep to be slaughtered.” (Romans 8:31-36)

When I became a believer, I selected a life verse (a passage of Scripture I especially wanted my life to embody) reflecting my limited understanding of the Gospel as I felt I had to “live up” to a standard of “gospel” in order to keep God’s favor:

“Just one thing: As citizens of heaven, live your life worthy of the gospel of Christ.” (Philippians 1:27a)

As I grew in my understanding and the Lord unpacked the legalism I carried, He gave me Romans 8 as my new life passage. This shift has been monumental in my understanding of who God is, how I interact with Him, and how He cares for me. I pray that as we walk through this chapter today, you will allow Him to lead you deeper in relationship with Him! 

Verse 31: Is any enemy greater than our ally, our God?

The Creator of the entire world has called us unto Himself. He is Elohim, the only One who has ever created something from nothing. He has given us an eternal inheritance as His children and conformed us to the image of His Son. Nothing in the earth, physical or spiritual, is more powerful than our Great God. No one can remove what He has so graciously given.

Verse 32: Having given us THE greatest gift, Jesus, would God then withhold anything we need for a transformed life?

In Genesis, Abraham was willing to give up his precious son, Isaac, with unshakable faith in and love for God; how much more astounding is God’s sacrifice of His own perfect Son, Jesus, because of His love for us? Out of that same love, He promises to equip us, carry us, and sustain us until we reach our eternal home.

This doesn’t mean, “If I pray to win the lottery, God must give it to me.” Our Heavenly Father has so much more than money or other temporal items to give us, if we embrace His gift of a Spirit-led life!

Verses 33-34: Who is qualified to justify, judge, save, and intercede before God for us?

A joy of mine is using Scripture to interpret Scripture, for the Lord’s letters to us are consistent and true! In 1 Corinthians 4:1-5, I found a similar theme: only the One who sets the standard for righteousness can justify, judge, and save.

God gave the law to demonstrate our need for a Savior.
Jesus, fully God and fully Man, came to fulfill the law.
Therefore, we can have right relationship
with God
through Jesus.

Jesus is sitting next to the Father, speaking to Him on behalf of you and me (also known as interceding). Because Jesus bore the wrath of God in His death and then showed ultimate victory over Satan’s limited power in His resurrection, we can have new life! Only the One who designed this plan of redemption can justify or condemn. 

Verse 35: Can anything separate us from God’s love?

Isn’t it kind of the Lord to set these verses in this order?
He affirms our adoption.
He offers us everything we need for a God-filled, Spirit-led life.
He justifies us.
And now in verse 35, He reminds us nothing can steal any of those gifts.
Sometimes, when we walk through a serious trial, we wonder if God has left us alone.
Take heart, my sisters, He hasn’t left. Nothing can separate us from His perfect love. 

Verse 36: Does ridicule or persecution or suffering mean God has abandoned me?

At first glance, this might seem like a strange reference! However, King David was writing of Israel’s hardships. He was lamenting that Israel had walked away from God and was experiencing His judgement. The enemies of Israel were mocking and taunting them; they were “being put to death all day long.” And yet, throughout all their hardships, the Lord God cared for His people by continuing to redeem them.

We can take heart in our current sufferings, for the Lord God will not abandon us, but will redeem us! Our sufferings do not change the realities and truths of God’s love for us. We can rest in His promises and walk forward confidently in His love! 

Lord, as we study this passage verse by verse, show us Your heart. We want to build on these foundational truths so when we fall, we land on Your truth. Would You make clear Your desire for relationship, and show us Your great love? Let us respond to You with humility and a longing to know You. You are our good God and we praise Your holy name! 

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Embracing God’s fullness in our lives is rooted in scripture and memorizing His word is vital to our continued growth and depth with Jesus. Tap and hold from your mobile device to download this week’s verse and make it your phone’s lockscreen!

Thanks for joining us today as we journeyed into Alive Week Three! Don’t miss out on the discussion below – we’d love to hear your thoughts!

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Here’s a link to all past studies in Alive!

Posted in: Awake, Beloved, Called, Captivating, Clothed, Daughter, Follow, Forgiven, Freedom, Fruitfulness Tagged: beloved, calling, forgiven, free, hope, loved, promise

The GT Weekend! ~ Word Week 3

May 8, 2021 by Rebecca Adams 2 Comments

The GT Weekend!

At Gracefully Truthful, weekends aren’t for “checking out”.
Use this time to invite the Almighty’s fullness into you life in a deeper way!
Saturdays and Sundays are a chance to
reflect, rest, and re-center our lives onto Christ.
Don’t miss the opportunity to connect with other women in prayer,
rest your soul in reflective journaling,
and spend time worshiping the Creator who
longs for intimacy with each of us!

Worship Through Journaling

Worship Through Journaling

1) Perhaps you’ve heard the phrase, “Do as I say, but not as I do” implying that the speaker’s life choices don’t necessarily align with their words. They likely see the wisdom of following a certain guideline, but find that in real life, it’s easier or more comfortable to choose a different action, even one that’s counter to what they advocate for with their words. In what situations have you witnessed this inconsistency? Identify some areas you are more prone to do this. In contrast, how does it make you feel knowing that someone’s life matches with full integrity to the words and teachings they verbalize? Would you be willing to trust a God who said one thing and did another? What does it say to other people who are watching your life when they see inconsistencies between what you “practice” and “preach”? Intentionally ask the Lord this weekend to open your eyes to where you tend to live inconsistent with what you assert to be true, then begin recognizing these patterns as they pop up in your everyday life.

2) Chosen. What feelings and thoughts do you conjure up with this word? What scenes from you life do you associate with chosen? What does it mean for you that God has chosen you? Are you living surrendered to His choice over you? What’s holding you back?  Appointed. We all hunger for purpose in our life’s story. What you involved in that fills your “cup of purpose”? What engagement makes you “come alive”. Do you feel boxed in or freed in knowing that the God of the universe has appointed you for work in His kingdom? Loved. Having a purpose is one thing, but knowing you are also dearly loved is altogether more significant. Do you view God has being Love? In what ways do you feel or know you are loved by Him? In what ways do you feel abandoned? Bring Him your honesty! Persecuted. We enjoy the feelings of being loved and adored, chosen, and appointed for a purpose, but the idea of persecution catches us off guard. What are your emotional, mental, and physical responses to the idea of persecution? In what ways do you feel these four descriptors are connected or in opposition to each other? Consider how you view Jesus, as God the Son, having demonstrated each of these. Look up Luke 6:40 as you process this.

3) I once worked for a librarian who left me with a pile of books that needed covered. She provided all the necessary materials, books, and a clear end goal. I snipped and trimmed and pasted and folded, spending significant time meticulously covering the books, but when the librarian returned she realized she’d forgotten to leave me with actual instructions. A task that should have taken minutes had turned into hours when I was left without an example to follow. What is something you learned just by watching someone else model a behavior or pattern for you? Did this process of learning effectively carry over into your own rhythms of life that you can identify today? In the same way, who has been influential in living out how to follow Jesus for you? Who has negatively impacted your perception of living a God-focused life? Can you identify some markers in your life where you are influencing others in their spiritual growth? We all follow someone’s spiritual example whether we realize it or not, therefore, we would be wise to make sure the people we are taking our spiritual faith cues from are those whose lives consistently align with the ultimate model of Jesus’s life.

Praying Scripture back to the One who wrote it in the first place is a great way to jump start our prayer-life! Pray this passage from John 21:15 back to the Lord and
let His Spirit speak to you through it!

When they had eaten breakfast, Jesus asked Simon Peter, “Simon, son of John, do you love Me more than these?”
“Yes, Lord,” he said to Him, “You know that I love You.”
“Feed My lambs,” He told him.

Prayer Journal
“More than these…” “Do you love Me more than these…” The words echo around my heart, Lord. Do I? Do I love you more than these? Show me my own personal “these”, the people and things and purposes I give myself for and the comforts that I love. As I consider next steps for our family, and some stretching possibilities that make me hedge in fear and discomfort, ask me again, Spirit, “Do you love Me more than these?”. It’s one thing to verbally confess that I trust You and I love You, but you don’t care about my lip-service. Will my life decisions, the big, scary ones and the seemingly insignificant ones, point brilliantly to a heart decision of trusting You or myself? Lord, align my heart with Yours. Teach my feet to follow in Your pathways. Guide my hands and heart to build Your kingdom, not mine. Hold me faithfully fast, even when I choose myself over You. Bring me back to following You.

Worship Through Community

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Share how God spoke to you today!
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Posted in: Called, God, GT Weekend, Kingdom, Purpose, Trust, Wisdom Tagged: appointed, chosen, DO, example, follow, full surrender, integrity, loved, persecuted, Willing, Word

Word Day 13 Chosen, Appointed, Loved, Persecuted

May 5, 2021 by Rebecca Adams Leave a Comment

Read His Words Before Ours!

John 15:9-25
Luke 7:17-30
John 17:13-26
Isaiah 42:1-9

Word, Day 13

The heady scent of roasted lamb mingled with melting wax as the disciples gathered around the low table with Jesus for another Passover feast. Though familiar, something entirely other stirred as Jesus prayed, broke bread, and passed the cup.

They ate, He served them, then, in sweet intimacy, Jesus prayed words of life over His brothers, these chosen ones…

You did not choose me, but I chose you. (John 15:16)

Chosen
When I was eight, a recurring nightmare haunted me for 3 consecutive nights. In vivid detail, I watched a gunman murder me, but then, after multiple nights, I saw Jesus stand in the gap, dying the death intended for me. Jesus chose me to be His. He invited me to believe that, though my sin separated me from the holiness of God, He still chose to rescue me and pay for my sin.

Scripture is bursting with biographies of those God has chosen for Himself. He delights in transforming the ordinary and broken, the shame-filled and forgotten, into lives brimming with hope and purpose.

Abraham, who waited decades for God’s promise to be fulfilled, was chosen.
Isaiah, the most well-known prophet to Israel, was chosen.
Mary, the mother who carried the very Son of God, was chosen.

Each was called out, away from the life they’d once lived, awakened to a new existence and ushered in by the delightful choice of the God who longs for all to call Him Father.

I appointed you to go and produce fruit. (John 15:16)

Appointed
Those who sit with me in conversation long enough to hear my heart know I’ve repeated, “I just want my life to matter.” Maybe it’s that I’m racking up the birthdays, or because my oldest is leaving home. The scenes of my life keep shifting and I wonder over and over, “Does this matter?”

The same love that motivated the heart of God to choose me, also appointed me, and all who accept His invitation. He smiles with pleasure as He intentionally floods each chosen life with purposed appointing. He appointed me to school my kids, gather women to study Scripture, make yummy meals (and some that set off the smoke alarm), and walk alongside my husband.

Here’s the incredibly beautiful thing about being appointed by God. It’s as variegated as African dresses and yet as uniformly connected as the constant elements of our universe.
Your appointment looks different from mine.

Zacchaeus was appointed to give away his possessions.
Levi was appointed to invite his friends to dinner, so he could introduce them to Jesus.
John was appointed to preach a message of repentance in the wilderness.

All who answer God’s calling of being chosen are lovingly appointed to bear fruit for His kingdom. Every fruit, regardless of shape or color, is seeded with love.

This is what I command you: Love one another. (John 15:17)

Loved
We’d been married for seven years and were tanking fast. My husband was pursuing his dream of seminary, and I was fighting demons from my abusive past. In the midst of my self-hatred and spurning of God, my husband announced he was leaving seminary to fight for me. He said he had no plans to return; that I was more important. What manner of love didn’t expect my perfection, but just loved?

No disciple of Jesus escapes His mighty call to allow love to color every aspect of life. Pouring the cereal, changing the diaper, shopping for groceries, arguing with your spouse, listening to a friend, going to church, making coffee.
All of it has been designed as an act of worship, of love.

When Jesus overturned tables, pleading others to know the heart of God, He loved.
When Paul surrendered his position to become an itinerant preacher, he loved.
When Lydia opened her home to missionaries, she loved.

Every one of Christ’s disciples were chosen and appointed to lead lives of lavish love.

If the world hates you, understand that it hated Me before it hated you. (John 15:18)

Persecuted
It’s not popular, this dying to self. Strange, isn’t it, that true, authentic, in-the-dirt-with-you love also carries the risk of ridicule. When we stand for the unjustly treated, when we invest in friendships with those of a different skin color, when we invite the trans-gender to dinner, when we sit at the bar with the promiscuous and hear their story, mainstream Christianity pulls back their religious garments in “righteous” outrage.

To follow Jesus is to fling wide the door of persecution, and understand that being chosen, appointed, and loved, means that suffering is worth it.

The faithful eleven who sat around Jesus that Passover night would all be persecuted for their faith. As they championed the kingdom work of spreading the news that God chooses, appoints, and loves, they would feel the knife of persecution.

But none felt it as deeply as Christ Himself.
All who follow Jesus with their whole lives are each chosen, appointed, loved, and persecuted, because Jesus was first.

This (Jesus) is my servant; I (God the Father) strengthen Him,
this is my chosen one; I delight (love) in Him. (Isaiah 42:1)
I will appoint You to be a covenant for the people. (Isaiah 42:6)
He (Jesus) was pierced (persecuted) because of our (humanity’s) rebellion,
crushed because of our iniquities. (Isaiah 53:5)

Sister, you, are chosen by the Christ who sacrificed Himself for you.
The God who crafted the color of your eyes has appointed you for good kingdom work.
The Jesus who sat at the Passover feast, sits with you now in the middle of your mess to say you are loved.
This same God knows that following Him results in persecution because it isn’t popular to love like Him. But He promises to fill you with His Spirit, strengthen you, and sing over you, “Be courageous! I have conquered the world.” (John 16:33)

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Join the GT Community and share your thoughts!

Embracing God’s fullness in our lives is rooted in scripture and memorizing His word is vital to our continued growth and depth with Jesus. Tap and hold from your mobile device to download this week’s verse and make it your phone’s lockscreen!

Thanks for joining us today as we journeyed into Word Week Three! Don’t miss out on the discussion below – we’d love to hear your thoughts!

Looking for other journeys from this theme?
Here’s a link to all past studies in Word!

Posted in: Believe, God, Jesus, Prayer, Promises, Rescue, Scripture, Transformation Tagged: appointed, broken, Called Out, Chose, chosen, father, Fulfilled, invited, loved, Ordinary, rooted, Word

The GT Weekend ~ Calling Week 1

October 10, 2020 by Erin O'Neal Leave a Comment

The GT Weekend!

At Gracefully Truthful, weekends aren’t for “checking out”.
Use this time to invite the Almighty’s fullness into you life in a deeper way!
Saturdays and Sundays are a chance to
reflect, rest, and re-center our lives onto Christ.
Don’t miss the opportunity to connect with other women in prayer,
rest your soul in reflective journaling,
and spend time worshiping the Creator who
longs for intimacy with each of us!

Worship Through Journaling

Worship Through Journaling

1) What a breathtakingly stunning thought! The God of the universe is pleased to dwell among people! His desire is to have a deep and meaningful relationship with every beloved person in His church body. The opening poetry of Ephesians is full of magnificent truths about the believer’s position and identity in Christ. Rebecca gave us a list of declarations every believer in Christ can cling to as a promise of their standing with God. We do not need to wonder what God thinks of us because He tells us plainly in these verses. Go back and read through the list again! (Ephesians 1:1-14) Choose two or three specific promises and remind yourself of those truths in your life. Spend some time praying and imagining how God could change your life if you fully accepted those truths as part of your everyday. Write down those two or three declarations on a notecard or sticky note (make them pretty if you want!) and post them somewhere you’ll see them daily. When you see those cards, be reminded to pray to God for His help to live faithfully in light of His call on your life.

2) In Ephesians 1:15-23 we see the love Paul has for the Ephesians in his prayer for them, and we see the greatness of the calling of God on the lives of His people. Paul prays for the Ephesians to intimately know the call of God on their lives. If we believe in Christ, we share in this calling. By this calling, we can be confident in our rich, intimate knowledge of God, our value in His kingdom, and the power we experience through Jesus Christ. This truth should radically change how we live our lives! We experience God’s power when we obey His call on our lives. Identify one way in your life you are resisting submission to Christ’s call on your life. This could be a besetting sin you are holding onto or a step of faith you have been hesitant to take. Ask God to show you the greatness of His power by setting you free from whatever is holding you back, then make a plan to walk in obedience in this area, trusting God to sustain you. Consider sharing your plan with a trusted sister in Christ and invite her to check in with you about how you are following through.

3) When all we know is death, we can grow comfortable in the filth and stench of our own decay. Death feels like the inevitable pattern until we see the alternative. Paul reminds us in Ephesians 2:1-22 we were dead in our sins. But God, rich in mercy, made a way for us to be alive in Him. If you have believed in Christ, you are no longer a slave to the old, dead ways of living. You are alive in Christ! Rebecca challenges us to remember we are alive and then to live like we’re alive. Echoing her final thoughts, take some time to consider, and write down, answers to the following questions. Who can you love better? What is a tangible step you can take today to love God with your life? Is there a relationship in your life where unity is broken; what is a first step you can take toward reconciliation? Are you honoring the people closest to you? Ask God to help you take meaningful steps toward living like you are alive. Ask Him to give you an opportunity to share with someone in your life about how God has brought you out of death and into life.

Praying Scripture back to the One who wrote it in the first place is a great way to jump start our prayer-life! Pray this passage from Ephesians 1:17-19 back to the Lord and
let His Spirit speak to you through it!

I pray that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, would give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him. I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened so that you may know what is the hope of His calling, what is the wealth of His glorious inheritance in the saints, and what is the immeasurable greatness of His power toward us who believe, according to the mighty working of His strength.

Prayer Journal
Oh great and merciful Father, how can it be that You would love me? I cannot fathom the depths of love You have shown Your people by making us Your dwelling place. You are not a God who is far off, watching at a distance. You are a God who is nearby, providing for Your children, displaying Your great power in our lives. I admit I have often learned facts about You simply to increase my own knowledge. Forgive me of my pride, and use the knowledge I have found to enlighten my heart and draw me into a deeper relationship with You. I know I often live in my brokenness, forgetting the power of the truth of my new life in You. Help me to be aware of my sin, to recoil at my old desires, and to truly live in such a way that reflects the power You have in my life. Thank You for Your great mercy in setting me free from my past. Help me to grow in my intimate knowledge of You and Your great love for me. As I grow in unity with You, help me also to grow in unity with Your Body, the Church.

Worship Through Community

Can we pray for you? Reach Out! We’d love to pray for and with you!
Send us an email at prayer@gracefullytruthful.com

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Posted in: Affectionate, Blessed, bride, Captivating, Christ, church, Faith, Faithfulness, God, Gospel, Grace, Inheritance, Love, Purpose, Relationship, Significance, Truth Tagged: Body, calling, church, ephesians, GT Weekend, loved, purpose

Sketched VII Day 15 Nikki

March 27, 2020 by Marietta Taylor 2 Comments

Read His Words Before Ours!

Proverbs 3:5-6
Colossians 3:23-24
Psalm 2:10-11
Hebrews 4:14-16

Sketched VII, Day 15

In the beginning, I couldn’t have foreseen what Redefined Courage would become. I simply saw a need within my own family, and knew, with deep conviction, God was calling me to help.

My mom was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2006. It recurred in 2011, and again in 2013. I remember telling my mom I would design clothes for her, clothes meant to be gentle to her post-op body while making her feel beautiful. At the time, it was just an idea, but God already knew the plan.

He knew He would call me to design post-surgical clothing my mom would never wear. But He also knew, until we find a cure, hundreds of other women going through bilateral mastectomy would wear them instead.

When my mom died, I designed seven or eight shirts in a frenzy. December 2019 marked four years since my mom went to her heavenly home. Since her passing, I’ve realized grief makes you run fast and hard because frenetic movement is easier than staying put. 

But when I peeled back the emotional layers and slowed down, I landed on designing and implementing just one shirt, the postoperative shirt. It’s a cotton shirt with 4 interior drain pockets, buttons up the front, and hems and seams which won’t irritate incisions.

Once I had the shirt, I knew it shouldn’t be just a shirt shipped in a pretty pink bag. It needed to be a box, a tangibly solid declaration of courage and hope. Additionally, with every HOPE shirt sent across the world, we include an encouraging note written on the tag. Sometimes it’s Scripture, and sometimes it’s my own words, meant to help each woman grow closer to God.

When women follow us on social media and read any of our blog posts, they find encouragement. Then their boxes arrive, every detail designed to speak of God’s love. In the box is the shirt they need for surgery, makeup to help them feel beautiful, organic tea (since a good cup of tea always warms your heart!), and a Norwex body cloth to aid in bathing when they have the drains attached to their bodies.

I pray over each shirt, asking for its recipient to experience the care and nearness of God. As she begins a battle which will change not only her body, but her entire life, I hope these free gifts remind her she is loved.

It’s kind of like what Jesus did for us. He offers the gift of salvation, purchased with the blood of Jesus; our only cost is our yes.

So, in essence, I believe Redefined Courage is a simple way to say,

“You’re loved.
You’re beautiful.
In this dark time, you are cared for and remembered.” 

I’ve always been good at encouraging and connecting with others. God uses those strengths when I write shirt tags, or when I connect with a local woman facing surgery.

My weakness is my lack of confidence. I don’t hold a business degree, or do math well. When I feel insecurities creeping in, He assures me, “Nikki, you are confident in Me.”

He’s using both my strengths and weaknesses to grow me. Yes, the Lord has led me to this huge undertaking, but only one manageable step at a time. And now, I feel like every box represents not only the love I have for my mom, but more importantly, my love for and obedience to the Heavenly Father. 

Living on mission has meant learning how to prioritize my time and energy.
I used to do all. the. things.,
until one day I made a 45 minute drive home in complete silence,
walked upstairs, and slept for 24 hours.
I knew something had to change.

I realized my purpose is to serve God, not my to-do list. I began reviewing my commitments, asking myself if each one was present at the Lord’s prompting, or shouldered under my own sense of “should.”

Sometimes I must say no, and sometimes my no makes people unhappy. But since I’ve followed God, I’ve seen growth personally and in ministry.
Having margin in our lives is vital.

Refueling is also critical for us to stay on mission. I spend a lot of time in my prayer room, which is full of Scripture and the first names of women who’ve reached out online. I also rely on my Bible and worship music. Finally, silence is how the Lord speaks to me, so I walk for an hour each day. Quietness fills me up and allows me to hear God.

Let me share two lessons I’ve learned with those of you called to run on mission.

First, don’t tell your Creator you can’t or won’t. Seeing your heart, knowing your refusal is rooted in fear or plain old stubbornness, and desiring your transformation, He will often ask you to do that very thing.

Second, yes, you can.
I am not “qualified.”
But I have a purpose, passion, and an amazing God, so I’m doing His work anyway.
If you, too, have only those three elements,
you can.
Period.
Because God is in it with you, and He can.
He will grow you and then you’ll bless others.

I’ll end with this . . .
trust in the Lord (Proverbs 3:5-6).
Always.

Some days (or years) may be dark and excruciatingly trying. I was a wayward daughter who didn’t return to the Lord until after I had my second child out of wedlock.

And yet, in these last four years since my mom died, I’ve grown into a woman who loves God more than anything. Trust Him, because He will use even the hard things, the unqualified moments, and the dark days for your transformation and His glory.

In the end, it’s going to be beautiful.

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A Note About Sketched
In this series, we are stepping into the shoes of various characters throughout history. Some are biblical, some are well-known in modern day times, and some are people our writers know personally. We do our best to research the culture and times surrounding these individuals to give an accurate representation of their first-person perspectives on life and the world, but we can’t be 100% accurate. “Sketched” is our best interpretation of how these characters view(ed) God, themselves, and the world around them. Our hope is that by stepping into their everyday, we will see our own lives a little differently!
Enjoy!
And keep watching for Sketched Themes to pop up throughout the year!

Embracing God’s fullness in our lives is rooted in scripture and memorizing His word is vital to our continued growth and depth with Jesus. Tap and hold from your mobile device to download this week’s verse and make it your phone’s lockscreen!

Thanks for joining us today as we journeyed into Sketched VII Week Three! Don’t miss out on the discussion below – we’d love to hear your thoughts!
Click the above image for today’s Digging Deeper!

Looking for other journeys from this theme?
Here’s a link to all past studies in Sketched VII

Posted in: Called, Courage, Deep, God, Hope, Jesus, Love, Obedience, Sketched, Trust Tagged: Beautiful, Connection, conviction, Encouraging, loved, Nikki, Redefined Courage, Trust Him
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And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen His glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth. John 1:14