Tag: Trusting God

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 ❤ )

A Letter to the Longing

A letter to those ready to give up on love ❤

Dear Chaser of Love,

Another meal alone. Another day without answers. Another broken promise.

You hear of beautiful love stories and wonder when yours will be spun. Or if it’s all just a pipe-dream.

You cling onto hope, desperate to finally feel desired. Telling yourself each day that God has someone out there for you, even when you aren’t really sure.

And perhaps that’s true, though you don’t need to wait for the perfect partner to come along before you can find real love.

You are hopelessly, fanatically, passionately chasing after love. But what if Love is findable, just not in the places you have been looking.

If you seek God with all your heart, you will find Him. God is Love, thus you will discover love when you seek God with everything inside of you.

Yes, you may still feel loneliness and disappointment. People will come and go, and it’s important to take the time to grieve those losses. But with each storm, you will have Someone guiding your path. Bringing you the hope and joy you once thought was lost forever.

I pray that today is the day you can begin to hope again. Not in empty dreams, no matter how wonderful they could have been, but in a very real God who loves you and wants you to reach out to Him. He will give you all you need and more.

Love,

Hannah

Time

A poem for the weary.

Time is a gift we all share.

Never enough, yet somehow overflowing.

We weave in and out of each other’s lives.

Held back, pushed forward, taking the plunge–

All thanks to Time.

We mark our lives by it, yet it flows loosely through our fingers.

No one knows when it will

Suddenly

Just

Stop.

The Maker of Time must laugh

And cry

When He watches us make foolish predictions.

The ache in our hearts when we’re just

One step behind.

Too late.

Too early.

Too much.

Too soon.

Yet nothing feels that way for Him.

Breathe.

All rests in His hands.

And somehow

It will all be fine.

One step at a time.

Audio: https://spotifyanchor-web.app.link/e/ukaqGo9Kesb

Figuring Out God’s Call

Encouragement on the journey towards figuring out God’s calling for you.

If you’ve been in Christian communities for a while, you’ve liked heard a lot of talk about “following God’s call”, “discerning your life’s calling”, or “God’s will, God’s way”.

Knowing that God is in control, that His plan is best, should bring us peace. Instead, because of the mystery around God’s call for our individual lives, these phrases may stress us out.

I can’t say I’ve entirely figured out God’s call, what it means or whether or not my future plans align with what God’s will is for me. But I’ve been trying to listen to what God has been showing me about His calling on my life, and I hope my story brings you encouragement on your own walk with God.

A Change in Perspective

As I’ve shared before, last fall ended up being a season of discouragement, anxiety, and overwhelming emotions. Yet God showed up for me in many ways, including giving me signs of hope.

One of these signs was the symbol of an anchor. It kept popping up when I needed direction from God, and whenever I saw it, I would be reminded that God was looking out for me.

Shortly after I removed myself from a toxic environment (the source of my stress), the pastor of the church I grew up in contacted me.

For context, I have had a variety of experiences at this church, both good and bad, but when I moved out, I had planned on finding a new church community. Yet God wasn’t done with me there.

My pastor asked if I’d be interested in an internship in the Children’s Ministry (where I had been an active volunteer), to which I couldn’t see any reason to say no. After all, I was about to start looking for a new job and this felt like an area where I could be impactful. So I agreed.

However, she made it clear that she wanted me to feel called to this position, to not take it for any other reason. To be honest, when I said yes (after praying and asking others for prayer), I really didn’t feel a strong tug from the Lord telling me to take the job. That concerned me, yet I felt like saying yes wouldn’t contradict anything I knew about God.

Over time, through both unexpected joys, abundant appreciation, and several confusing and difficult situations, I began to fall into the rhythm of this role. Thanks to the compassionate leadership of my pastors/supervisors, as well as the congregation, they offered me a more permanent position at the church.

When this was presented to me, I was struggling to find direction in my life. I wasn’t sure where I was going to live next year, whether or not I wanted to stay at the same university, or where God was taking me next. I felt utterly stuck.

I had a few doubts, yet again I couldn’t find a reason to say no to the job. After all, it had been fulfilling, met many people’s needs, and seemed like something God would want me to do. Yet no clear nudge from God directly.

It wasn’t until this past week, after working there for over six months, that God gave me the sign: an anchor.

Our previous theme for Children’s Ministry was space, and out of the blue, one of the pastors decided we should rebrand to nautical/beach theme. As I was preparing a flyer for our fall events, a page of anchors popped up, perfectly fitting our new theme and reminding me that God has been writing my story all along, even when things didn’t make sense to me in the moment.

God was affirming that I’m right where He wants me to be.

Anchored in Understanding

I used to believe that I had to have a clear, direct sign from God telling me to do things before I could make a decision. While this is sometimes true, it can be an excuse to procrastinate or lead us to believe God isn’t speaking, when perhaps His volume is more of a whisper than a shout.

When we get to know God, we will have a better understanding of His call on our lives. We can make decisions the way He would.

Think about it this way:

If you know someone well, say your best friend, close relative, or significant other, you could probably make decisions on their behalf. You know what really ticks them off and what brightens their day. You can help them make decisions because you know what matters to them above all else.

When we get to know God, we won’t have to second-guess our decisions. Things may not always feel plain and simple, yet we can trust that we are following God’s plan for our lives.

Today, I encourage you to step out in courage and do something you’ve been debating. Before making a decision, ask God for guidance and think about what He would do in this situation.

But ultimately, trust what you know to be true about God’s character. He loves you so very much, and He will lead you on the path towards spreading that love to others.

The plans of the LORD stand firm forever, the purposes of His heart through all generations.

Psalm 33:11

To The Person Doubting Love

One person’s lack of love doesn’t extinguish everyone else’s potential to care about you. ❤

Dear Heartbroken,

Hoping, praying, expecting for so long, yet met with disappointment. So sure that this was the perfect time, that you were finally ready. And now, everything has fallen apart.

You may look in the mirror and doubt your true beauty. You may walk along the streets, resenting those who seem to have what would fill the void in your heart.

Tired, achy, longing for more. Knowing that you were made for more.

And yet somehow…stuck here. Fragile little bits of yourself strewn around you with little hope of every being whole again.

But you are not fragile or broken or defeated. Yes, you feel small and vulnerable, but in our weakest moments, light can still pour in.

During times when you feel unsure of yourself, remember that you have someone beside you to bring you hope. To love you the way that many humans haven’t before.

Though you may be tired of hearing this, let this be the day when the words finally sink in.

Jesus loves you. More than anyone ever could. Even when you feel at your weakest, He will make you strong.

It won’t happen instantaneously. You may still feel tired after calling out to Him, yet perhaps you will also have a sense of peace. A renewal of energy, even if for a second.

And through it all, you will be reminded that you aren’t alone.

While Jesus is the only one who can love us unconditionally, even though people are flawed, they still have the potential to love beautifully. Don’t let one, or even several, heartbreaks cause you to doubt the validity of love.

Love comes in many forms. Just because one form didn’t work out doesn’t mean you should give up on all the rest.

Instead, exhibit the love you wish to receive. Not blindly trusting those put in your path, but rather listening intentionally, offering kindness and generosity when given the chance, and being gracious when mistakes are made.

If we all demonstrated the love we long for, our world would be a much lovelier place. So let this transformation start with you. ❤

Sincerely,

Hannah

These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the end result of your faith, the salvation of your souls.

1 Peter 1:7-9

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

Living in a Graceless World

Do you feel exhausted living in a world that assumes?

Connected even when apart, whether through mobile devices, social media, or even tracking apps, why are we (GenZers) considered the loneliest generation?

Whether or not you are part of this generation, our world continues to feel isolated even as COVID restrictions relax and people start getting out in the world again.

Perhaps it’s because “connection” no longer means meaningful conversations, getting to know one another on a deeper level, or the start of a friendship. Rather, connection has grown cold. A mere point of contact.

I am part of a social media community that began as a way for people with similar hobbies to encourage and help each other develop photography skills. However, now it has become a place where anyone who even likes or follows the “wrong” or “cancelled” person will be the next kicked out. While this is done out of hurt feelings, or perhaps even fear of being “exposed” themselves, it has destroyed a space that used to bring joy to many.

While internet relationships are often blamed, we are just as inclined to judge people quickly when face-to-face, including in communities of Christ-followers.

While participating in ministry, I have sadly witnessed many otherwise loving and God-honoring leaders turn on each other over issues that could’ve been resolved in a polite and respectful manner. One preference leads to a series of assumptions that are often untrue or speak nothing of a person’s character and capabilities.

Our society prides itself on how much better we are than previous eras in history. We are so much more informed and aware now.

But are we really better? Or are the same traps our ancestors fell into the ones we are encountering today?

The stereotypes we create for people aren’t the same as in the past (which is a step in the right direction), yet we still make assumptions about people, particularly because we often don’t take the time to fully get to know the people in our communities.

It is wonderful that we now have the opportunity to make friends from around the world, yet this gift needs to be handled with wisdom. How can we rationalize “exposing” someone on the Internet if we don’t even know their real name or anything about their history? How can we convince ourselves that we are loving when we remove someone from our lives over a difference of opinion?

The truth is, opinions (yes, even the ones that feel like so much more than that) will change. People, when given the opportunity and environment, will grow.

Put yourself in your childhood shoes. If your teacher yelled and screamed at you, then forced you out of the classroom if you didn’t get the answer they were hoping for, would you actually learn anything except that you didn’t want to be near the teacher? Probably not.

But if your teacher listened to your ideas, even if they were misguided, and respected you as a person while explaining another approach, you would likely remember the lesson and desire to come back the next day.

Jesus is the best teacher of all. He listens to us, even though all of us, with our minds combined, could never compare to His wisdom and knowledge. Yet He loves us, and as He helps us become the best people we can be, allows us to make mistakes and ask for forgiveness.

Grace is Jesus’ never-ending gift for us. If we can sprinkle a little of that grace within our lives, imagine the healing it would bring. ❤

For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast.

Ephesians 2:8-9

In the same way, the gospel is bearing fruit and growing throughout the whole world—just as it has been doing among you since the day you heard it and truly understood God’s grace.

Colossians 1:6

Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.

Colossians 4:6

Purpose in the Passion

Do you ever feel like pursuing your passions is a waste?

We all have something we feel passionately about.

Perhaps it’s something that carries weight for many people, such as supporting human rights or taking care of God’s creation or spreading Christlike love. Or maybe it’s something that’s been a cause of embarrassment, like an obscure hobby or a career goal that feels out of reach. Maybe it’s staying faithful to be there for someone who has been difficult in the past or an outsider in your community.

Whatever this passion is, it has a purpose. God gives us our passions for a reason.

They may feel insignificant to others or even to ourselves when we begin to doubt. Why are we wasting time caring about this thing or person when so many other things are going on in the world?

But we aren’t in charge of the whole world, and that’s a big relief.

Rather, we are given specific passions so that we can actually make an impact.

If you have a passion that feels God-given, don’t let anyone tell you that your work is meaningless. Taking part in things that bring you joy and allow you to step into God’s calling for your life is one of the most incredible things you can do.

Today, ask yourself what are the top five things you feel passionately about. Try to make them as specific as possible, such as caring for the needs of a particular friend or participating in the rebuilding of relationships during a divisive time in your community.

Your passions matter. Repeat that with me. No matter how insignificant or far-fetched they feel, if they matter to you, then they matter to God.

You are uniquely gifted to be in the space you fill. Trust that God can use you to do amazing things, and watch your life bloom from there.

Therefore you do not lack any spiritual gift as you eagerly wait for our Lord Jesus Christ to be revealed. He will also keep you firm to the end, so that you will be blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ.

1 Corinthians 1:7-8

Let Yourself Feel Joy

Do you avoid hoping for fear of disappointment?

It’s so easy to allow fear to steal away the best moments of our lives.

Fear may come in the form of rationality or jadedness. Perhaps we just “know” that things never stay good for long. And what do we expect, in this broken world?

But if we never allow ourselves to feel joy, then what are we living for?

You may feel stronger by not getting your hopes up. By saying that things always end up in disappointment. By not being surprised when hard times come.

But what if that isn’t strength? What if that’s giving into fear?

Fear of not being in control of your life. Fear of not truly knowing how long good things will last.

We can’t experience joy until we fully accept that we aren’t in control.

It’s a hard truth to come to grips with, especially in the face of so many tragedies, both in our personal lives and in the world. The ache of disappointment. The heartbreak of rejection. But holding onto a false sense of security only hurts us.

And most of all, it robs us of the beauty life can bring.

So, how can we fully experience joy?

By making the most of the little things. By taking each day as it comes. By not judging yourself too hard when you feel yourself regressing or not living up to the impossible standards society demands of us.

It’s okay if you don’t feel happy today. But you don’t have to be happy to feel grateful. Grateful that the sun still rose today. Grateful for the people who are always there for you. Grateful for a moment to rest.

Expect disappointment, and that’s what you’ll get. But hope for something more? Then you’ll surely have a higher chance of finding joy.

The truest source of joy comes from Jesus, who never changes. His plans are far greater than anything we could ever imagine. While we may be disappointed in the moment, Jesus promises that our lives aren’t wasted. He will restore our joy. ❤

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Romans 15:13