Guest

anxiety, purpose, unique, Oh Lord Help Us, Christian, women, mentor, ministry

Significant: Overcoming Anxiety and Embracing Our Unique Gifts

Devotionals, Stay SaneOctober 25, 2018January 13, 2019

We are all uniquely created and hold significant roles in the Kingdom of God. We often play down our gifts and feed anxiety’s lies. It’s time to overcome…

The number one lie in which I have believed in my life is the same lie that millions of others have believed, maybe even you… Because I am an introvert, because I struggle with anxiety, I have believed for many years that I do not have what it takes to successfully spread the gospel…

Anxiety Lies

What is anxiety if not blindness to the truth? Anxiety distorts reality. It whispers, “You are not good enough.” It makes you feel less than. It is the lie that makes you believe all other lies.

Anxiety is something I have struggled with my whole life, and it is just now, in my late 30’s, that I am learning to feel comfortable in my own skin. It is just now that I am starting to see myself as a creation of God. I have a significant and unique purpose to which He has called me. I may not be able to minister like everyone else, but I am able to minister in the way that God created me to, and with the spiritual gifts He has provided me with.

My church is dear to me, but even in the church, this lie is inadvertently propagated. We are told that as Christians, God expects us to do things that make us uncomfortable. While this is true to a certain degree, I also believe that God uses different people in different ways. Some people may feel comfortable turning to a perfect stranger and talking to them about how to become a Christian. Others may feel more comfortable giving a snack and a scrawled Bible verse to the homeless man on the corner.

Haven’t both instances spread the message of God? Didn’t we both spread His hope? Didn’t we both spread His love?

Freedom in Truth

In the Bible, there is one undeniable theme that is seen time and time again: God uses ordinary people to do significant, extraordinary things. When He sent His Son to save the world, He didn’t send Him as a powerful king; He sent Him as a helpless baby. Jesus didn’t make His triumphal entry into Jerusalem in an adorned chariot. He rode in on a humble donkey. There is one thing for sure, God is not only a fan of the underdog; He is a fan of the introvert.

While being an introvert certainly has its drawbacks, many of the most creative, influential minds have been introverts. Albert Einstein. Abraham Lincoln. Mahatma Gandhi. Rosa Parks. My heightened sensitivity allows me to be more attuned to the emotions of those around me. I can hear the words that aren’t being said. I can help soothe the hurts that go otherwise unseen. Since I know how life-crushing it can be in the midst of the darkness, I am at a vantage point to be a light where others cannot. I can point people to my lighthouse, to my life raft, to the One who speaks truth, to my Lord and Savior.

Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”

John 8:31-32, NIV

And isn’t it about time that we start to trust Jesus to free us from the chains of anxiety, from the bondage of our own minds…

The Whispers

Anxiety says… You can’t do anything right.

but God says… You can do all things because I give you strength (Philippians 4:13).

Anxiety says… You just don’t know what to do anymore.

but God says… I will show you the way, listen for my voice (Isaiah 30:21)

Anxiety says… You are all alone.

but God says… I go before you and I will never leave you or forsake you (Deuteronomy 31:6).

Anxiety says… You are weak.

but God says… I am your safety and strength (Psalm 46:1-3).

Anxiety says… You should be scared.

but God says… Don’t let your heart be troubled or be afraid. I am not of this world (John 14:27).

Anxiety says…You are too tired to keep on fighting.

but God says… I will give you rest (Matthew 11:28-30).

Anxiety says… You will never find peace.

but God says… I will fill you with peace and hope (Romans 15:13).

Anxiety says… You are worthless. You are not significant to the Kingdom of God.

but God says… I have given you unique gifts to use for the good of My Kingdom…

There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them. Different kinds of service, but the same Lord. There are different kinds of working, but in all of them and in everyone it is the same God at work.

1 Corinthians 12:4-6

Where We Are

Booker T. Washington once stated, “Cast down your bucket where you are.” Stop comparing yourself to other Christians around you—who they are, what they are doing. Love where you are. Start where you are able. Each person has different needs that can be met best in their own unique way. Some people may respond to a more outgoing individual, while others may appreciate a more quiet, unassuming approach.

I have found for me personally, that I am much better at writing about personal matters; about spiritual matters. I will write posts on social media, text messages to a friend, write stories on my blog that I would never feel comfortable sharing with someone face-to-face. Physical distance, for me, sometimes leads to more emotional intimacy. All the fears and lack of confidence seems to disappear with the miles.

But the more I share with my writing, the easier it becomes for me to be more vulnerable and have those conversations with people. However, I will never feel at ease getting up on stage and giving a sermon. I am much more comfortable letting my life speak for me. And while there will always be times when God takes us beyond our comfort zone, we should not be terrified when serving Him.

If we are uncomfortable in our ministry, how are we ever going to make others feel comfortable? We are all different, but we are all significant and necessary to the Kingdom of God. Click To Tweet

Significant Gifts

I am not good at talking to other people about my emotions. I have a hard time knocking on doors and telling strangers how God has changed my life. But, what I have found is that there is strength in silence. There is courage in waking up every day and continuing on life’s path even though you are paralyzed by fear. There is faith in trusting God to lead you through what He has called you to do. Not all sermons are preached, some are merely lived. Not all testimonies are spoken, some are shared by acts of love…

If we are uncomfortable in our ministry, how are we ever going to make others feel comfortable? We are all different, but we are all significant and necessary to the Kingdom of God. You have to understand your spiritual gifts before you can use them. You have to appreciate who you are and Whose you are before those gifts can benefit you or anyone else.

I know that my gift is not speaking, and I have learned to be okay with that. You know who else wasn’t good with his words? Moses. The same Moses who led the Israelites out of slavery and brought them to the Promised Land.

God has a plan for each of our lives. He has a significant purpose for our pain. Maybe the very thing we are going through right now is what God wants us to use to lead others out of slavery and into their “promised land”. So, you have not received a spirit that makes you fearful slaves. Instead, you received God’s Spirit when He adopted you as His own children (Romans 8:15).

Misty Johnson is a teacher and former psychiatric nurse, who strives to be the change she wishes to see in the world. She spends her days seeking God’s peace by meditating on His word, hiking among His splendid creations, and reading thought-provoking stories. Her goal is to encourage and educate others on ways to improve their spiritual, physical, and emotional well-being. If you would like to join others on this journey of holistic healing, you can visit her website at https://spiritbodymindrenewal.wordpress.com/. You can also connect with Misty on Twitter and Instagram.

All scripture referenced from the NIV Bible.

comfort, trust, Oh Lord Help Us, Christian, Spiritual Growth

Comfort: Learning Who to Trust Will Transform Our Lives

Devotionals, Stay SaneOctober 18, 2018January 13, 2019

Trust can be extremely difficult. But, drawing close to God can truly bring us out of our comfort zones and into the comfort of His faithfulness.

“If you behave, you’ll get some candy.”

We’ve all probably used some form of blackmail. Especially if you’re a parent. Most of the time it can be harmless, but what about when it crosses the line?

“If you don’t start behaving the way we want you to, we’re going to give you up for adoption.”

Sadly, all trust was broken when these words fell on little ears.

Trust is the glue that holds relationships together and when trust is broken, so is the relationship.

I’ve struggled to really trust people in my life. Seems like I’ve been trying to live up to everyone’s expectations because if I didn’t, they might walk away.

Earthly Trust

The definition of trust is the firm belief in the reliability of someone (Merriam-Webster).

Firm can be defined as solidly fixed. I think of “Gorilla Glue”: nothing is breaking apart what has been put together.

Sadly, most of us can agree that this type of trust is not of Earth. Living in a fallen world equals a lack of trustworthy humans. This makes any relationship daunting and even a little scary.

And, if you’ve experienced painful disappointment, you will attest to this; trusting in God can be hard.

We know we should do it, but it’s tough to put that much confidence in someone else. Perhaps you ask yourself how you can surrender it all to God when everything else in your life seems unstable and unreliable.

The fact is, we are surrounded by other broken humans. It can be difficult when all we hear them say is “the Lord is always faithful”.

Here’s the thing: we said trust is a glue to hold our relationships together. So if we don’t have some confidence in others, we won’t have satisfying relationships and we won’t be able to step out into greater things.

Comfort Zone

The same is true of God. We can’t grow in faith without beginning to trust Him. When we’re afraid to be “all in” with Him and trust Him completely, we will never achieve what His desires are for us.

We will remain in our comfort zone without growing in a relationship with God, fulfilling our purpose, or even having rewarding earthly relationships.

When Jesus appeared walking on the Sea of Galilee to the disciples, Peter called out.

Then Peter called to him, “Lord, if it’s really you, tell me to come to you, walking on the water.”

“Yes, come,” Jesus said.

So Peter went over the side of the boat and walked on the water toward Jesus. But when he saw the strong wind and the waves, he was terrified and began to sink. “Save me, Lord!” he shouted.

Jesus immediately reached out and grabbed him. “You have so little faith,” Jesus said. “Why did you doubt me?”

Matthew 14:28-31, NLT

Trust Recognized

See how Peter asked Jesus to invite him, extending his trust, and stepping out? Then once he was on the water, he started to think of reasons why he shouldn’t trust and he started to sink; back into his comfort zone.

Sound familiar?

Trusting completely in someone is scary when all we’ve known is uncertainty.

Jesus then told Peter he had too little trust.

Peter’s comfort was the boat. Instead of reaching out to Jesus and allowing God to stay beside him, he sank. What if Peter would have remembered how faithful Jesus had already been in his life?

The key is focusing on Christ. God is always faithful, certain, stable, and steadfast.

When we ask God to grow our trust in Him, it will extend to our other relationships, and give us the confidence to leave our comfort zones.

Peter went on to be known as “The Rock” the early church was built on, just two short chapters later. If Peter was able to grow in trust, we know by following our Lord, we can be blessed with increased trust also.

When we ask God to help us trust in Him, it will extend to our other relationships, and give us the confidence to leave our comfort zones. Click To Tweet

Growing Comfortable in Trust…

Remain close to God through daily reading of His word.

Review God’s track record from the Bible.

Remove ourselves from the situation. (We’re sinful and can’t even trust ourselves).

Remember God is our source of blessings and life.

Rest in God. He can take our past, heal us and give us a future.

This girl with trust issues knows that she’s not where she once was, but she hasn’t arrived yet either. After reading Peter’s transformation, I know God can use even the pain of my past to drive me from my comfort zone to an always faithful Christ.

Julie Loos is the mom of 5 kids and has been happily married to Greg for 19 years. She loves to read, eat chocolate, drink iced tea and spend time writing in the midst of messes.

You can connect with Julie on her blog unmaskingthemess.com, on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Pinterest.

"but God..." Story, approval, value, Oh Lord Help Us, Christian, women, mentor, ministry

Approval: Looking to God for Our Acceptance and Worth

Devotionals, Stay SaneOctober 11, 2018January 13, 2019

So often, we find our identity and approval in the things we do. We even believe this to a point of completely depleting our energy. However, our true acceptance comes from God. We can find rest in Him.

I had just wrapped up a conference for local ministry teams in our area, was managing a small staff team to oversee the kids ministry in our large and growing church, and in a season of solo parenting while my husband was working out of town. I was nailing it. “We couldn’t have done it without you,” was both the mantra and drug of choice in my life…

Blindsided

I didn’t see it coming.

I probably should have, but in what felt like the blink of an eye I went from a high-capacity leadership position to curled up in the fetal position, barely able to leave my bed to get to the bathroom.

What had happened?

In a blazing flash of light, I had sparked and burned out.

Naturally, I assumed a week of vacation would solve it.

It got worse.

I took a leave of absence and saw a counselor. Surely a couple of weeks would be the cure…

It wasn’t.

I was sent to so many doctors and specialists, looking for a way to “fix” me. But none made a difference.

I became broken and devastated.

Desperation

For months, I did my utmost to drag myself out of bed, to the office, to the dinner table – trying to will myself to get back up again. I cried out to God in desperation, begging for his strength and provision.

Then, an uncomfortable truth crept in: they were managing without me. I felt disposable.

My self-worth plummeted as I sank into the reality that not only did I have nothing left to give, but the energy I had spent to the point of exhaustion wasn’t even what God had asked of me.

How had I arrived at this point, believing my worth was based on what I did for others?

Why was this not only a health crisis… but also an identity crisis?

Where had I gone wrong?

Earning Approval

If I’m honest, this idea – this view that who I am is based on what I do – wasn’t new. From the time I was young, I believed I needed to earn love and approval…

Teachers praised positive role models.

Parents approved of good grades.

Church groups applaud volunteerism.

I could earn approval and love through hard work and being good.

Our “Best” For Approval

Honestly, in most seasons of life, this mentality worked for me. I’m an energetic person. I love being involved. I’m a natural leader who can’t help myself from jumping in when a project needs rescuing. Much of my life I’ve felt fully alive bringing my best to the table.

But not always…

There have been times when I’ve asked for help, just to find rejection. Times I’ve struggled in ill-fitting roles and asked for wiggle room, just to find patronization. Times I’ve vocalized my concerns, just to find condescension.

I’d learned to move on – to be the solution, but never the problem. To push past pain, smooth over rough edges and paste a bright smile on my face, determined never again to feel the pain of being dismissed. Until that pain burst out of the edges and took over.

Crying Out

In that season, I begged God for strength…

He said, “rest”. (Matthew 11:28)

I pleaded with Him for healing…

He said, “be still”. (Psalm 46:10)

I wrestled with Him. Asking for a way to be meaningful, productive…

He said, “not yet”. (Psalm 37:7)

And in my complete helplessness, God drew near.

He pointed out women who had my complete respect, and whose productive years were far behind them. I respected them for their courage and their character, not their accomplishments. He said I could be the same.

He pointed out my insane pace of life that didn’t allow me to hear His voice and invited me to new rhythms where I could live out His truth:

Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.

Matthew 11:30, NIV

God clarified my calling – and for a season it was simply REST. Then He added, “LOVE your family”. Now, He’s adding TESTIFY. He bade me “let go of feeling responsible for everyone else”. He’ll carry the world on His shoulders – I can let go.

I’d love to tell you I have found complete healing from ever again finding my worth in my accomplishments. Unfortunately, I’m not sure that’s true. In fact, I suspect I’ll always need reminders of this truth. But I do know, as I walk this journey of healing, I’m finding a newfound freedom and joy in living as His daughter instead of just His servant (2 Corinthians 6:8). His masterpiece instead of just His tool (Ephesians 2:10).

True Identity

So don’t worry! You are more valuable to him than many sparrows.

Matthew 10:31, TLB

I’d like to think I’m the only one with faulty vision. I’d love to believe women everywhere are getting this right, and I’m alone in my brokenness. But, the more I look around me, the more I see the lies this world gives us are too easy to believe. So, here’s the truth Sisters…

Our home in its perfection and imperfection is not a true reflection of our worth.

Income does not dictate our level of success.

We are not alone (Deuteronomy 31:6).

We are His beloved daughters (1 John 3:1).

Our children are not our net worth.

We are loved (Zephaniah 3:17).

We are valued (Matthew 10:31).

Our ministry is unrelated to our favor with God.

We are invited to rest (Exodus 33:14).

We are created in His image (Genesis 1:27).

Be blessed by these truths.

Kirsten Sandland Kroeker is a Jesus-lover in pursuit of the abundant life Christ offers and finding God’s rest in the midst of burnout. She loves the Canadian wilderness, Chai tea lattes, board games, and a great novel.

You can read more from Kirsten at kirstenkroeker.com You can also connect with Kristen on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and via email: kirsten.sandland.kroeker@gmail.com

darkness, grace, pursued, Oh Lord Help Us, Christian, women, mentor, ministry

Grace: Allowing God to Pull Us Out of Our Darkness

Devotionals, Stay SaneOctober 4, 2018January 13, 2019

Darkness is overwhelming. Especially when we have dug our own holes. But God has pursued us through our darkness, and sits beside us, waiting to pull us out by His grace.

There was a point in my life where I sat cross-legged in a very dark hole. Thoughts of shame filled my mind as I thought about the previous night’s endeavors; and the night before that, and the night before that. I had convinced myself that the shame I felt was normal. That I was simply living the life those around me lived. I was acting the right way, participating in the right things, and talking about the right stuff.

I was doing it all “right,” but it left me so empty and that emptiness cultivated into dirtiness. I was so sure that my mess of a self, would never know anything outside of that dark place. And I fed that lie for about two years.

The Darkness Began…

That lie began with the combination of worldly standards and personal stubbornness. I didn’t truly know God at the time. I knew of Him but didn’t have a relationship. So, to me, He wasn’t offering anything better than the circumstances I was in. He wasn’t showing up. I was so lost in the sea of “fitting in” that my heart was hardened to His call.

By going from a rough home life to the college life, my rebellious stamina took over. It happened so fast that I didn’t even realize I was drowning in the enemies lies.

But God…

He never stopped pursuing me. He never stopped calling me. I believe we often must break down to our knees in order to realize how much we need Jesus. He orchestrated the people I needed in my life to boldly step out in faith and talk to me. To love me. The only thing I knew about God was that He was “good.” So, why did I feel so broken?

Because I didn’t truly know Him, I hadn’t received Him, and I didn’t understand my need for Him. The lies of the enemy manifest in the cultures we live in through the pressures and demands of our peers. I believed the lie because those around me did too.

But God…

Rescued

For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God.

Ephesians 2:8, ESV

There is no such thing as too far gone. There is no such thing as too dirty. We have a King that is not afraid to step down from His throne, meet us where we are and rescue us. So, if I had never hit the bottom of that hole, I might have never climbed out. If I had never broken down, I might have never realized my deficiency. If the trials and struggles didn’t happen, I might have never cried out to God.

He knows what we need to surrender. He has the power to open our eyes and ears to Him and that decision has nothing to do with our shame. Our shame has already been cleansed by the cross. Our dirt has already been washed clean by our Savior. We have already been forgiven by the overwhelming grace of God.

There is no such thing as too far gone. There is no such thing as too dirty. We have a King that is not afraid to step down from His throne, meet us where we are and rescue us. Click To Tweet

Jesus Conquers

You see, the truth is that the culture I was following and the people I was mimicking, need Jesus too. The truth is that the ones who were degrading me, the ones who were judging me, and the ones who decided I wasn’t enough, need Jesus too.

I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.

John 8:12, ESV

We start off in a darkness. We start off living in a sin-filled world. We are automatically thrown into temptation and betrayal. BUT God says He has a way out. God says He is the light that thwarts the holes we recklessly sit in. Learning this truth only grew my relationship with God deeper.

It taught me the cruciality in hating my sin and loving Jesus. It taught me love conquers evil, every single time; but that that conquering doesn’t necessarily mean a bloodless one. It can mean hurdles and hurt just as much as joy and peace. The point is, because of the truth we endure it all.

Gift of Grace

So, what do we do with this truth? If you are currently sitting in that dark hole. If you are feeling the grip of shame and the chains of inadequacy, if you lie awake at night replaying the mistakes over and over again- let go. Know, that those who have put you there, whether it be others or yourself, know that both culprits desperately need Jesus. And that, my friend, let’s you off the hook and gives God all the power.

Knowing that it is neither on you or them to be flawless or perfect is so freeing. The gift of grace is a gift for a reason, we don’t deserve it. But that’s not a worry in His divine plan and unconditional love for us. He wants us to know Him and to run to Him. So, He is right there next to you in that dark hole just waiting for you to take His hand and open your eyes to His light.

Amy Hornbuckle is a writer full time, wife to Dillon, part-time Children’s Director at her church, and is passionately pursuing the word and walk of God. Her online ministry is designed to help you do the same by providing biblical resources and content. Learn her intentional method of studying God’s word, called the Jesus Meet Me method.

Outside of the ministry, she is an adventure junkie who loves to take her dog hiking, camping, trail running, paddle boarding, essentially anything outside and you can find her there!

Ministry: www.takeawalkministries.com Instagram: www.instagram.com/takeawalk.ministries