Category: Trusting God

Stay Curious

Encouragement for your prayer life.

I’ll be honest: it can be difficult having a conversation with someone who doesn’t usually speak audibly or show facial expressions.

Has this ever happened to you? You’re bowing your head in prayer, and suddenly something out your window catches your eye. Or you begin asking God to help someone in your life, and then your mind begins to wander. How is that person? Did they seem upset the last time you met? What are they doing right now? Probably something more interesting than this.

When I’ve been under the wrong notion of what prayer should be, prayer has caused me a lot of unnecessary guilt. Does my distractedness show God disrespect? Am I lacking in faith when I struggle in prayer?

Thankfully, God is a God of endless grace.

Prayer feels restrictive when we are given a template of how to pray and what not to say. Though we are told time and again that prayer needs to be a conversation, how can we really converse with God?

The other day, I was going through my usual style of prayer when I froze, on the cusp of losing my attention, and asked God a question.

Nothing profound, just a simple question. But that one question led to another and another. I didn’t get any answers to those questions (yet), but I did receive another revelation: God welcomes our curiosity.

It may feel silly asking God questions when we know we likely aren’t going to hear back right away. But asking questions assumes a sense of vulnerability. We admit that we don’t know everything, but God does.

Often people asked God questions in the Bible. The disciples asked Jesus to explain His parables. Many psalmists asked God deep questions about the state of their own existence. Even Jesus, when on the cross, calls out to God with a question.

When we stay curious in our faith, we won’t grow bored with it. Instead, we will grow a new level of comfort with God as we embrace the things we do not know.

And when we approach life with curiosity, we will start to appreciate the beauty that surrounds us, notice the outsiders who are overlooked, and discover ways systems could be improved for the betterment of society.

What is your soul asking God today?

It could simply be “why” or “how” or perhaps something more complex. God is listening to all of it and even if you never find out the exact answer, God is the giver of peace.

How long, Lord, must I call for help,
    but you do not listen?
Or cry out to you, “Violence!”
    but you do not save?
3 Why do you make me look at injustice?
    Why do you tolerate wrongdoing?

[The Lord’s Answer:]

Look at the nations and watch—
    and be utterly amazed.
For I am going to do something in your days
    that you would not believe,
    even if you were told.

Habakkuk 1:1-3, 5

It Takes Courage to Be Still

When was the last time you were still before God?

I’ve been watching a lot of action movies lately–adrenaline rushing, heart pounding, will they make it!? The main character, usually a fugitive, is always running, jumping, flying. Doing whatever it takes to make it out alive.

Thankfully, most of us aren’t in situations that require fake identities and epic car chases. But we often associate bravery with diving head over heals into situations and never catching a breath. How often do these action heroes stop for a bite to eat, a nap, or even a bathroom break?

While unnecessary for the script, taking time to pause and reflect are essential for us to live fully into our purposes.

Sometimes, being willing to be silent and still takes more courage than rushing through life. It means feeling uncomfortable emotions, dealing with difficult thoughts, and reflecting on how to grow.

Being still requires being honest. You don’t have anything distracting you from what you know to be true.

These truths can sound like: “I am a kind person, but today I hurt someone”, or “Something I said was uncharacteristic for me and didn’t make someone feel loved”. They can even be: “I am human, which means I make mistakes”, or “This person isn’t healthy for me and I need to step back”.

These truths can also sound like: “I am dearly loved by God”, “I am His treasured creation”, and “No matter what, I will always have value”.

Truths can be wrapped up in lies that tell us that we aren’t good enough because we made a mistake or we let someone down. We realize that these words are harmful, and then we lose sight of what even is the truth. The truth is that we make mistakes and we aren’t perfect–we need to own that and apologize. But we are not defined by our mistakes. We are defined by God, who calls us His masterpieces.

Today, I encourage you to take a moment to be still. No music, no other people, no screens. Just sitting in silence and wading through your thoughts until the truth rings out.

Perhaps there is a person you need to talk to who will help make things right. Perhaps you need a self-care day and a reminder that you are worthy of it. Perhaps it’s just a simple moment to thank God for the gift of life.

Embrace the discomfort of stillness and remember that the more you cherish quiet rather than avoid it, the easier it will be to rest in God’s presence.

Jesus was in the stern, sleeping on a cushion. The disciples woke him and said to him, “Teacher, don’t you care if we drown?”

He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Quiet! Be still!” Then the wind died down and it was completely calm.

He said to his disciples, “Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?”

Mark 4:38-40

Gratitude in All Seasons

Encouragement if it’s hard to be grateful this Thanksgiving.

Thanksgiving is always a time for reflection.

You may be looking back on the past year with contentment. Perhaps this was the year when a lifelong dream came true or new hope was birthed within you.

Or maybe this year has been painful and you don’t know how you made it this far. Fresh scars were stitched permanently on your heart. All you can do is anxiously anticipate the future.

This time of year forces us to generate feelings of “gratitude”, whether we want to or not. It seems wrong to feel discouraged or overwhelmed when we’re supposed to be cheery and excited.

Then, of course, it can seem like we’re betraying God when our immediate emotion isn’t happiness or thankfulness when looking back on memories. Does this mean we don’t trust God?

Something I’ve been realizing this year is that God appreciates genuineness above praise that doesn’t come from the heart. He wants us to be open with Him about what we’re going through, which deepens our relationship with Him.

But how do we avoid enabling ourselves to live in a constant funk while also not forcing ourselves to appear surface-level happy?

Perhaps by redefining what it means to be grateful.

Another word for gratitude is appreciation. When we look back on the variety of moments in our lives that have shaped us, we can appreciate why God allowed us to go through them without being glad that they happened. We don’t have to smile when we remember the loss of a loved one or a heartbreaking situation. We don’t have to shrug off the effort it took to grow in patience or to learn how to take care of ourselves.

Rather, we can have joy knowing that we can trust God with everything, including our disappointments and struggles and injustices. Joy doesn’t equal happiness; it makes room for deeper healing to be explored.

Today, when perhaps there is nothing else to be thankful for or you have everything in the world to be excited about, go to God and be renewed in the hope only faith can bring.

Though the Lord is exalted, he looks kindly on the lowly;
    though lofty, he sees them from afar.
Though I walk in the midst of trouble,
    you preserve my life.

Psalm 138:6-7

To the Wanderer

Not all who wander are lost, and perhaps those are who God enjoys using.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart
    and lean not on your own understanding;
In all your ways submit to him,
    and he will make your paths straight (Proverbs 3:5-6).

Printed on mugs and plaques, recited in every Sunday School class, and written in the most encouraging of cards, this Proverb is unforgettable.

And yet, so many times I’ve collapsed at my desk, head in my hands, racking my brain as to why I’ve trusted and trusted and trusted…and yet I’m still wandering.

Last night, I told a group of kids at my church the story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego and the blazing furnace, when they trusted God even though they were on the brink of losing their lives. Kids being, well, kids, immediately raced through their own version of the story faster than you could say “Nebuchadnezzer” and were ready to jump up and play games.

But holding them in the moment, I asked, “How do you think they felt when they were about to be sent into the furnace?”

I anticipated reactions such as “scared”, “terrified”, and “worried”.

Instead, I got: “They were okay! They were happy!”

So then I went off-script and asked, “How would you feel if you were in this situation?”

Again, the answers were instantaneous: “Scared! Horrified! Soooo nervous!”

This group of kids have been through a pandemic, breathed in smoke fumes every summer they can remember, and have had their share of personal battles, all before the age of ten. Each one has their own furnace.

And yet, as we later bowed our heads and prayed to the same God who Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego trusted, none of us could confidently say we wouldn’t be shaking in our bones standing in front of the pipping hot flames awaiting our potential doom.

Here’s the thing: the Bible never says these men weren’t nervous. They outright admit that God may not “save” them (in the physical sense) from this fire. But they trusted that no matter what would happen, they knew God would take care of them.

Ironically, or possibly not, earlier yesterday one of my professors told us something my mind is still trying to grasp: “We are best used by God when we are wandering. Not lost, but not with a clear path ahead of us.”

When I picture that promised “straight path”, I must confess that I envision a life of smooth relationships, clear calling, and free from doubt. But that’s not what God is promising at all.

Trusting God is less about getting your life put together perfectly and more about feeling God’s presence. Throughout the Bible, God makes many promises to His chosen people, but the biggest one is the promise of His presence in their lives. And through that presence, they are secured the chance to be a “blessing to all nations” (Genesis 12:3).

Anyone who trusts God and wants to do His will can also be part of this covenant. God chose you before you were born to live out an incredible purpose. To be a blessing to everyone put in your life.

That ache in your heart for the neglected, that strange surge of care for a stranger, that desire to make things right–those are all passions given to you by the Holy Spirit. Yet knowing how to respond to the needs of the world in a Christlike manner can only happen after getting to know Christ for yourself.

Don’t worry about trusting God “enough”. Just focus on the ways you can hand God each detail of your life, one day at a time, until it becomes so natural that you can’t think of life the same way again.

Those who know your name trust in you, for you, Lord, have never forsaken those who seek you.

Psalm 9:10

Faith is Strength

Encouragement when faith feels like a weakness.

We’re taught from an early age that belief in the impossible, in the supernatural, is a sign of childishness–a weakness. We’re told to put away childish things, yes, but faith and hope in a brighter future are not foolish passions.

When the world is dark, as it so often is, faith is what we have to cling onto. It’s what keeps us going. Without faith…what good is life?

While the world says faith is weak, faith can be your strategy for staying strong amid the uncertainties and chaos of life.

You can trust that while we don’t know what tomorrow, or next year, or fifty years from now will bring, God remains the same. He promises to take care of you, to show you a perfect world once this one falls completely apart.

It’s scary, yes. But it’s also a source of hope.

No matter what, you are destined for a greater place. Holding onto hope is what makes you brave.

Even when the flames of your faith flicker, God is right there, ready to scoop you back into His arms and remind you of the unfailing love and peace He offers. Call out to Him today–He hears you and cares about what’s burdening your heart.

No matter what, we have a reason to keep on believing ❤ God has the best plan in store, no matter what happens here.

Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. This is what the ancients were commended for.

By faith we understand that the universe was formed at God’s command, so that what is seen was not made out of what was visible.

Hebrews 11:1-3

(As a side note, I will be traveling for the next few weeks, so this blog will take a short hiatus, but will return in mid-September! I will be praying for you all ❤ )

Worth the Wait

Where is God amidst tragedy, heartbreak, and most of all, waiting?

You don’t have to wait for God’s plan.

Yep, you heard me right. Why? Because God’s plan isn’t something you have to wait around aimlessly for–it’s already happening right now.

There are many beautiful quotes about waiting on God and how we can’t waste the waiting. I’ve even posted about not being unproductive or inattentive to God’s leading during seasons that feel slow or mundane. But here’s the thing–we aren’t waiting on God’s plan to start, each day is proof that God is weaving His story in every season of our lives.

It may feel like waiting as you sit in a hospital room, anticipating your results. When you watch everyone else achieve their dreams, feeling one step behind. When you wonder how your life could possibly end up purposeful and beautiful amidst tragedy or heartbreak. When the world is dark and no light seems to be shining through.

Where is God in all this?

God is right here, my friend. He is within every single detail. That chance encounter with a person who needs your encouraging smile. That unexpected opportunity that leads you down a road towards healing. That wrong turn that ends up bringing you to all the right places.

God’s plan is worth trusting. We could never comprehend all the knowledge He has about us, the world, and the future. It’s a gift to be able to leave it all in His hands.

But we don’t have to wait to begin living. Even when things aren’t going in the direction that feels “successful” or “purposeful”, you are still becoming the person you have been made to be, one step at a time. You are still learning and growing, especially once you look for the ways God is speaking to you.

On the days when it feels like nothing is happening and you are impatient about understanding where your life with lead, remember that each moment is an opportunity to bring light into the world. One thoughtful message, one act of kindness, one comforting Bible verse at a time. They all matter.

Most of all, you matter. God knows that better than anyone.

As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received.

Ephesians 4:1

Holding Dreams Loosely

Do you feel discouraged when you have to let go of a dream?

Have you ever had a goal, whether big or small, that you would do anything to achieve?

Perhaps that meant arguing with someone until they gave up, enduring a difficult work situation to make it to the top, or persevering in a relationship that felt one-sided.

There are certainly benefits to not giving up. There are many things we shouldn’t give up on, such as loving others (especially difficult people), holding onto hope, and the promise of joy.

However, we need to hold our personal dreams loosely if we want to see God at work most powerfully.

A simple example comes from a photoshoot I went on today.

I was so set on taking a close-up of a seagull, and I was THIS close to getting it. I know, I know, a pretty minor goal, but it felt significant in the moment. After a while, I finally allowed myself to be satisfied with the farther back shots and prepared to put my camera equipment away–until I was met by a surprise.

A small bunny nibbled a piece of grass a few feet ahead of me. I have always wanted to get a close-up of a bunny, especially a young one, and this was my unexpected opportunity. By noticing this opportunity, I was given the opportunity to make a memory with a family member and be reminded of God’s faithfulness in the larger areas of my life. While I hadn’t set out to take a photo of a bunny, this ended up being even more meaningful than if I had achieved my original goal.

God knows us better than we know ourselves. He will provide us with the opportunities we need to grow and share the unique gifts He’s given us.

So when one door closes, we need to be willing to let it shut behind us as we are led to a different door. We can’t cling too tightly to our old goals when they may not fit who we are anymore. But we also need to be open to the possibility that pursuing a dream may lead us down an unexpected path–yet if it’s a path that God has prepared for us, then it will be even better.

No matter what, God’s got you. You never have to fear because He is always with you, every step of the way. Even when dreams fall through the cracks, you can always trust that you will fulfill your calling when you choose to follow Jesus. ❤

May he be enthroned in God’s presence forever; appoint your love and faithfulness to protect him.

Psalm 61:7

Humble Beginnings

Sometimes it takes getting small before we feel God’s presence.

In a self-focused society, we often forget what it means to be humble. And honestly, it’s quite difficult to be humble when we feel like we’re our only advocate and we must promote ourselves at every given opportunity.

But today I was given the opportunity to remember how important it is to stay small, to remember how fragile things truly are.

This reminder came to me at the horse riding barn where I help out. Before each ride, we let the horses run around the arena to get their playfulness and disobedience out before a rider gets on. Then, to see if they’ve calmed down, we call them in and see if they will come to us and follow us to the gate.

Twice today, I had to get small, bending close the floor, before the horses would respond to me. They don’t know if they can trust you until you prove you have their best interest in mind. That you won’t hurt them, it’s okay.

Only when I got small would the horse come to me.

This can be reflective in our relationship with God, too.

When we are feeling like the best person in the world, we forget that we need God. We have to get small in order to really feel God’s presence.

And when we are honest about our fragility, how nothing is really in our control, then we have the chance to truly trust God.

We can pretend all we want that things will go the way we imagine. We can act like we have complete control over everything.

But we don’t.

And the sooner we admit that, the sooner we can have peace about the future.

Being humble doesn’t mean denying your talents, it means using them for God’s purposes rather than your own. It means that you won’t take every opportunity you can to remind others of what you know. And most of all, it means recognizing your need for God.

Today, dare to get small. Dare to accept that God does have an amazing plan for you, but you need to trust Him first. You can’t do this on your own, and that’s okay.

You have an advocate, the greatest one of all: God. And that’s a real game-changer.

Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will lift you up.

James 4:10

Don’t Be Upset When God Gives You What You Asked For

What if I told you that God answers all your prayers, just not in the way you expect?

I’ve heard so many stories of Christians leaving their faith because God “didn’t come through for them”. God didn’t give them the person, the opportunity, or the emotion they were hoping for. God was too late.

And why have Christians been set up to believe that God will give them what they want? Because the Bible says so!

Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.

Matthew 7:7

Whatever you ask in my name, this I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask me anything in my name, I will do it.

John 14:13-14

The list could go on and on. Yet we don’t always get what we ask for, do we?

Often, we try to use logic to explain away the disappointment. God can’t possibly give everyone what they want, right? What about prayers that contradict each other or those that come from evil intentions?

While those remarks are reasonable, they also place a limit on God’s power. God could make it all work, if that was how things should be.

I believe that God does give us what we ask for. But there are two qualifications that we often forget about when things don’t work out the way we planned.

The first comes from other verses regarding God’s answers to our prayers.

If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.

John 15:7

Often, we forget about our end of the bargain. We need to want what God wants in order for our requests to be granted. When we align our will with God’s, we will never be disappointed.

God will give us a starting point towards the end goal, but we need to actively participate in this relationship too. It’s like a scholarship for college. An organization believes in you and will fund your way, but you need to do the actual work of obtaining the degree.

God gives you the means, but you have the free will to decide if you will use those gifts to become the person you were created to be, the best version of yourself, or let those blessings slip away.

The second thing to think about is that God does answer every prayer, but He never promises to answer them in the way we thought He would.

Imagine that you are asking to grow in patience. Don’t be surprised if that means you will find yourself surrounded by people who push your buttons. Of course, you didn’t ask God to give you annoying people, but you will certainly grow in patience after the experience.

Or consider the noble prayer of asking for greater trust in God. You will likely be pushed out of your comfort zone with the only option to either trust God or bail off the ship. That may not be pleasant, but you certainly won’t be the same afterwards.

Even prayers like asking God for a loving marriage partner or a career that makes a difference can result in seasons of waiting or humbling jobs that will prepare you for the person or opportunity you desire.

God will give you what you need, but He wants you to be equipped first.

I believe that God answers every prayer because I have often made requests such as those listed above, and found myself in troubling, trying situations. Through the thick of it, I get upset, wondering if God ever answered my prayers.

But when I look back, I am amazed by how those were the seasons I learned the most and came out of the strongest. I often got what I asked for, whether that was comfort from God, a new experience, or growth. But it didn’t come in the form that I had envisioned, which is why I couldn’t appreciate what was happening in the moment.

Fortunately, we have a very patient and understanding God, who is willing to wait for us to figure things out before we are grateful.

This doesn’t mean you should stop asking God for things, especially virtues or traits that would make you more like Christ, even though the way to get those things may be difficult. Instead, I hope these words can encourage you during the journey.

God has not forgotten you. He has heard you and He will transform you into the person you were created to be.

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.

Philippians 4:6-8

Staying Grounded in a Shaky World

Is your mind often consumed by anxious thoughts?

There are days when everything feels up in the air. Your career, your relationships, your faith even. It can feel hopeless, as though you’re stuck in a swirling sea of uncertainty.

The wisest bits of wisdom often come from children, even if they are unaware of what they are truly saying. Last night, I asked a preschool child what she is most afraid of, and her answer resonated most with the adults in the room.

She replied, “I am afraid when there is something new because I don’t know what will happen.”

She hit on the exact mark of why we are so often afraid: Because we don’t know what’s out there.

Another kid added, “I don’t think we’re afraid of the dark itself; we’re afraid of what’s in the dark that could hurt us.”

We are afraid of what could be.

According to Medline Plus, anxiety is characterized by feelings of fear, dread, or uneasiness. That impending doom lurking before us when we forget that God has an even bigger plan for our lives and won’t leave us behind.

But even with God’s help, we know that pain is just a part of life. We will certainly experience it before our time comes. So how can we stay grounded when anxiety consumes our thoughts?

There are a few simple actions I have found helpful when experiencing fear for the future. I’ll call them the three G’s.

Gratitude

Writing down a list of ten things that you are thankful for each day can help remind you that while bad things do happen, so do wonderful things. It can remind you that God has taken care of you and will bring you through this new season too.

Another gratitude related activity that I love is writing down something that you are thankful for related to your senses. For example, this morning I wrote that I’m thankful to feel my dog’s fur, see the beautiful sunshine, and taste fresh baked bread.

Keeping in touch with your surroundings is key. When you feel overwhelmed in a chaotic atmosphere, it can be relieving to start listing out what is close to you and focusing on the little details.

Growth

Keeping a journal of where you are at through different stages of your life is an excellent way to remember how far you’ve come. After a year, or even a shorter time than that, it can be encouraging to reflect on how God has helped you grow. Often, God uses our fear and lack of control over the future to help us trust Him more and more throughout our lives. It’s incredibly beautiful to see.

Grace

Have grace for yourself when feelings of fear rise up within you. You are not a failure for feeling that way.

In the end, we shouldn’t beat ourselves up over our fears. Yes, God told us not to fear countless times in the Bible. But God also knows us and the situations He has planned for us. That means God knows that we will ultimately have moments of fear, and that doesn’t make Him love us any less.

Rather, God wants us to use those moments as opportunities to develop an even richer, deeper faith in Him.

They say you can’t be brave without having fear, because if you weren’t afraid of anything, then nothing is a risk for you.

The same goes for faith. If you don’t have any fear, then you have no reason to trust God.

Today, have grace for yourself, even when you feel yourself slipping. Instead of focusing on what you are disappointed about, remember that each day that you follow Jesus, you are becoming more and more like Him.

For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God. 15 The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him we cry, “Abba, Father.” 16 The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children.

Romans 8:14-16