Faith Archives – Page 34 of 36

What Would I Give Up To Maintain My Freedom?

09.06.2016 by Tracy Stella //

For me (Tracy), I think it’s something I have to give up daily. Daily, I need to relinquish control, to surrender to God and all He has for me.

On the surface that sounds simple. God is good. He’s carried me through many a storm. Yet, still I sometimes take control back into my own hands. Fortunately, I don’t carry it as long as I used to. I can more readily recognize the tale-tale signs of carrying too much.

Crankiness, holding my breath, feeling overwhelmed, resentment, and a whole host of behaviors I don’t like seeing manifest are all symptoms of the sickness of taking on more than I am supposed to.

When you’ve crashed and burned like a plane making an emergency landing, you know what it feels like to go down in flames. When I try to take control of the steering instead of allowing God to guide me safely to my destination, it’s never good. Oh, He’ll work it for my good, but I’m bound to hit some turbulence.

Bumpy rides are part of the package when we do things our way rather than God’s. Thankfully, these days it’s not a ten year detour that takes me far off course. When we follow God and seek Him daily, He reroutes us. It’s like when we miss a turn and our GPS says, in 500 feet make a U-Turn. We get a chance to try again before we’re half way around the world flying in the wrong direction.

Giving up control, surrendering to God has to be a daily discipline. I must be intentional in my letting go, so I can let God. Otherwise, all I’m doing is interfering with His plan.

Recently, I heard a radio interview discussing cars without steering wheels becoming commonplace. We’ve all heard of the technology, but are we ready for that reality? Would you give up control of your car to let a computer drive you from point A to point B? What if there’s a virus? Giving up full control of my car to a computer without any override option doesn’t feel safe or wise. Have you ever had to push ctrl, alt, delete to restart your computer?

But God is not a computer with a potential virus that could corrupt the whole plan. God is God and he has a great plan for you and for me. In order for that to be fulfilled we need to follow Him.

In order to maintain my freedom I need to give control to the One who created me in the first place. He created me to be free, to live life to the full. He created me to walk as an expression of Him and His love. I can’t do that if I take back control.

I wish I could say I never did that anymore, that my faith was so rock-solid that I handed over control to God fully and completed for everything each and every day. Not so. I’m better than I was, but I still have a long way to go. These days when I see it I think, Oops that’s not mine to carry. Give it back to God … AGAIN.

I’ve given up control on some big things–very big things. I can be walking in freedom for a long time, and then that not-so-little control freak inside of me waiting to jump out and take charge pops up out of nowhere. Jack get back in your box! I thought I was rid of you. Grrrrr! Who wound you up anyway?

I think now where God has me is this place of giving Him control when I feel very responsible for others. Releasing control doesn’t mean acting on impulse or in irresponsible ways. He’s teaching me it is okay to let go of control; it doesn’t mean mass chaos will ensue. I’m giving control to God who is far more effective than I will ever be, but that He wants me to walk in His image. Lead by His example and definitely give control where it belongs—to God.

He’ll show me the way. He did yesterday, the day before, and the day before that. He’ll do it again.

When I don’t give God control, quite frankly it’s not good. I’m locking myself in a prison of performance, perfectionism, worry, fear, and a host of ill side effects. Clinging to control is tainted, ugly, and an illusion I like to call a lie. We don’t have control. None! Not even an ounce of it. So why do we kid ourselves into thinking we have any? Ridiculous! Can I get an amen?

What happens when we give up control to God in order to maintain our freedom? We get a gift from Him, one He gives every captive set free from the illusion of control that wants to squeeze the very life out of us.

You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you.—Isaiah 26:3 ESV

Perfect peace is part of our walking in freedom. Not partial peace. Perfect peace. When we trust in God, we keep focused on Him. As long as our minds are focused on God, we won’t focus on self and all the things we could, should, would do. Instead, we lean back against Jesus in the boat while the storms are raging outside. We won’t worry about sinking, unless it’s into the arms of our Savior.

That’s an image the Lord gave me ahead of an assignment He called me to. He’s asked me to help women who have been sexually exploited or human trafficked. That can feel daunting and overwhelming, and did for a blip on the radar screen. Until I kept hearing the Lord say, Be still and know that I am the Lord (Psalm 46:10).

I want to do well by these women. They’ve been through terrors unimaginable. I want to execute well. I want to do my best and be an excellent ambassador for Christ. I want all those things and more. I feel God is reassuring me I will, if I surrender my will to His. DAILY. Isn’t that true for us all? With everything?

In order to do the big things of God, we need to say good-bye to the illusion of control. It’s not real. It’s not even reliable. Give God control. He knows where He wants to take you, what you should pack, and who will join you on the journey. Hope you’re ready for an exciting trip!

What is God asking you to do to maintain (or move toward) freedom?

Join the conversation here or on our Facebook page.

How Has Forgiveness Transformed My Relationships?

08.23.2016 by Laura Forman //

This month we are honored to share the words and wisdom of our guest contributor and friend, Laura Forman. We think you’ll be blessed by her perspective on the power of forgiveness.

The question I was asked to reflect upon is, “How has forgiveness transformed my relationships?” What I love more than being asked is the presumption I actually practice forgiveness.

My younger brother picked the measly lock and read my diary when I was 12 and gushing on about my love for the neighbor boy. Prying into my deep, innermost secrets wasn’t enough; he couldn’t help but blab all the details to you know who. I was enraged. Mom made him apologize, and I was to forgive. Obviously, I’m not completely over it and have more work to do.

I’m sure you have even bigger hurts than stolen diaries, and I’m no different. All of my important relationships have brought some level of pain. Some relationships didn’t last, most have, and forgiveness has helped both.

Embarrassing as it is, until about six years ago, I gave only lip service to forgiveness. How does one forgive? I thought it was something I just had to think about. I assumed it was a head thing; I tried to will myself to forgive. However, I got no results. I was imprisoned in misery until I absolutely had to learn to forgive.

Even now, I’m not perfect (though I’m still holding hope). I have been known to: take things personally, etch all harms into my long term memory, craft detailed arguments to shift blame away from me, put up emotional walls, re-hash conflict and let resentment permeate my mind even when that person is no longer a part of my life. None of this is forgiveness.

“Judge not, and you will not be judged; condemn not and you will not be condemned; forgive and you will be forgiven; give, and it will be given to you. Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For with the measure you used it will be measured back to you.” Luke 6:37-38

Forgiveness hasn’t merely transformed my relationships, it has transformed me. Here’s what I’ve learned about it so far:

It takes introspection.

Relationships are great mirrors. When frustrated with someone’s behavior, it’s usually because I’m guilty of the exact same thing. And, if there is someone to forgive, chances are I’ve contributed to the issue in some big or small way.

I look at myself with honesty, admit my part and make amends without hesitation.

“How can you say to your brother, ‘Brother, let me take the speck that is in your eye,’ when you yourself do not see the log that is in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye…” Luke 6:42

It takes repetition.

I may think I’ve moved on, but if the thought of the wrong brings with it all the hurt feelings, then I’m not done. If the thought of the person or action doesn’t bring empathy to my heart, I have not forgiven. Forgiveness takes practice, patience and extended grace.

There is no limit to forgiveness. I will always forgive.

Then Peter came up and said to him, “Lord, how often will my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? As many as seven times?” Jesus said to him, “I do not say to you seven times, but seven times seventy times.” Matthew 18:21-22 (ESV/KJV)

It’s the key to happiness.

My faith story shows a clear before and after. Worry, fear, shame and despair each turned to their opposite, in an instant. I was touched by Spirit and transformed. I was forgiven by God for the complete mess I had made of my life. The forgiveness I receive gives me the power and obligation to in turn forgive others.

Forgiveness lightens my burdens and creates freedom in my life.

“Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30

It’s not up to me.

Ultimately what allows me to forgive is the belief that God is in charge and I am not. He is the only one qualified to change hearts and dole justice, in ways much more effective than my own. I believe the promise that He is working out all circumstances for my good if I follow His commands, especially to love no matter what.

Each challenge is a reminder to rely on God to fight my battles. My focus is on following Jesus.

Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” To the contrary, if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink… Romans 12:19-20

It was a forgone conclusion that forgiveness is a big part of my life because of my faith, because I take it seriously. If you’ve not felt the transformative power of forgiveness, give it a chance. Learn from the best teacher, He’s given us a road map in His word. You have nothing to lose but your prison.

How Has God Changed Your Perspective About Yourself?

05.24.2016 by Kellyann Harmon //

Today we are privileged to share our friend Kellyann Harmon’s words. She writes with vulnerability as she explores how God changed her perspective about herself, her dreams, and what a life with Jesus looks like as He leads us out of the wilderness to the river that quenches all thirst.

“Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert. “Isaiah 42:19

Life. One thing I know. Ever changing. Never predictable.

Second thing I know. Jesus. Life giving. Constant companion. DNA shaper.

He is the DNA shaper who changed my perspective about myself.

When I was a little girl I loved to play dolls. I imagined myself as Chrissy, nurturing mom to her precious baby doll daughters. I have always been a day dreamer. At eight I dreamt of being a famous singer. I belted each song played from the turntable to my audience of pinup fans like Shawn Cassidy.

When I was sixteen I dreamt I would finally meet HER! The beautiful mystery mother who would look like me, embrace me, and tell me she’s sorry for leaving.

At eighteen I dreamt of leaving my factory job in the little hick town, certain to have adventures living in the big city. When I was married I dreamt of returning to that hick town and raising my daughters in the sunshine of the country pastures –daughter’s golden hair flying with freedom and abandon.

I’d also dream of how to make my parents see my accomplishments. I’d dream of them coming to visit me and my family in my suburban home. I’d dream of how I’d be a better wife, so my prince would come home from work to visit me, not yell at me. I’d dream of how to be a better mommy for my daughters, so they wouldn’t get yelled at by the prince. I’d dream of not being afraid of my life.

We all have shattered dreams. Sometimes dreams need to shatter for the air to get in and breathe new life into us. That is where I was in March of 2007 when the dream was over, and I walked out of Prince Charming’s life with an order of protection, two scared daughters, and no money or plan, placed into a hidden home for our safety. I don’t remember Chrissy having this dream for her perfect family of plastic baby doll love. Chrissy didn’t know she’d need grace to get her through.

Grace saved me. It handed me a job with animals, and a coworker who suggested I talk with God again. I accepted Jesus into my heart as an 11-year-old girl. I left Him with the other pile of dreams in my little hick home town when I started to see Him as mean and condemning instead of who He is: grace-filled and loving.

Losing sight of God and His grace can happen when circumstances keep hurting us. But somewhere deep in the heart of man I believe we know we are not meant for this pain. Something greater than us is there for us. As infants we reach our arms up to parents for help, love, and support. We trust they will meet our needs. Yet we are also spiritual beings who desire to believe that when we raise our arms there is a Heavenly Parent who picks us up, wipes our tears, and gives us hope for a future. My Savior does that time and again for me. I have been re-parented through grace.

As a survivor of domestic violence, it took me a long time to understand that there is work on my end too. While my abuse was real, it doesn’t give me a reason to remain a victim. God has no weak or powerless sons and daughters. Once adopted into His family, He forges us with strength. I had to move my feet towards Him and do my part for Him to do His. Fear was in my DNA. And it didn’t start with Prince Charming. It started at age 5, with my first fallen experience of man. My fleshly DNA was made up of fear, hopelessness, powerlessness, and anger.

My little girl dreaming a way to escape harsh realities.

But then God. God knew my name. He is El-Roi the God who sees. He knew me inside out. He knit me together in my mother’s womb. He held my life in his hands and gave me a hope for my future. His love felt safe and irresistible, not contingent on His mood or my pleasing Him.

He adopted me into His spiritual family as I was and parented me through grace. Through one friend, He afforded me Christian counseling for trauma healing. Through another believer He taught me about Daddy-daughter time. Through another friend, I learned how God’s forgiveness and consistency in His word could change a life. Through other believers, He met my financial need, brought protection from my abuser, and I was taught how to talk with God through prayer. Yet another showed me how to move in the Spirit and stood with me as I learned to stand in God’s strength and power.

My flesh family was broken, in need of God’s saving grace too. My spiritual family helped fill my relational need for intimacy and connection. They were tangible evidence God was holding me in His love when I reached up my arms in surrender. Looking back, I can see how God raised me new with His righteous family.

My DNA began changing. I was drinking in Jesus’ love. The result?

Seasoned faith replaced fear as I saw God’s faithfulness to meet my needs.

Courage replaced fear as I grew into new shoes that stepped out in faith.

Wisdom replaced emotional decisions.

Trust in God replaced hopelessness.

Knowledge of His identity and how to have a relationship with Him reminded me I was not alone.

Endurance through long suffering and hardship helped me grow strong.

Mercy for the lost birthed as God showed me His.

Forgiveness for the offenders grew because my future depends on it.

Love for Him, myself, and others became the strong foundation God built upon.

Loyalty to His cause and truths deepened because I am grateful and want to reveal His glory.

Peace replaced the storm.

Strength for me has come through bent knees and lips of praise, not earthly policemen, lawyers, or judges.

God’s parenting changed my perspective about me. He showed me I am able, because He is able. The strands of DNA He has woven together have helped me hold tight to Him and all the dreams He has for me and my future.

When we allow God permission to adopt us into His family, he doesn’t leave us looking like the mess we come in as. As we trust Him more and give Him permission to be Lord of our life, our DNA changes. We start to look less like our earthly family and more like our Heavenly Father. We look more like Jesus in as much as we give Him access. New dreams emerge that look more like His true purpose for our lives as we desire to be the person He created us to be. Today I sing, not to an audience of pinup teen idols, but with the angels as I proclaim God’s grace and majesty singing to Him. Some dreams were just meant to be.

As for me, I will always have hope. I will praise Him forever and ever! Psalm 71:14

How has God changed your perspective about yourself through trials? Join the conversation here or on our Facebook page.