Three Things That Help Me Say No to Fear and Yes to God's Plans (Plus End of the Month Resources!)
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Photo by Colton Sturgeon on Unsplash
It's the end of another month!
As you know (unless you're new to my online community—in which case, welcome!), at the close of every month, I share a few of my favorite listens, reads, and resources.
As hard as it is to believe, this time we're not just ending a month, but a year! This past year has been challenging, to say the least. So as we say goodbye to 2020, I pray you find healing, hope, peace, and joy in this fresh new season God is bringing us into. He will be faithful to His promise to work all things for our good!
As far as resources go, I have just a few things for you this time, and one of them is written by me. 🙈😊
To be honest, with the busyness of Christmas and other end-of-the-year activities, I haven't been perusing articles, etc. online quite as much. That said, I hope these resources will encourage and inspire you as you pursue a life of purpose, joy, and intimacy with God!
As always, you are in my thoughts and prayers, and I wish you the happiest New Year!
❤️ In purpose and faith,
3 Ways Mary Inspires Us To Say Yes To God
by Carina Alanson
Christmas is over, but any time of year is a good time to reflect on Jesus and the events surrounding His birth! In this article, which was recently published on Her View From Home, I share about three ways Mary inspires me to say no to fear and yes to God's plans. I hope it encourages you! You can read the first bit below, then click the link to read the rest.
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Are you willing?”
I felt God ask me this question recently. Over the last few weeks, it’s continued to echo in my heart, and as I’ve reflected on the Christmas story, I’m in awe more than ever of Mary, a woman who was willing.
When the angel Gabriel surprised her with the news that she would become pregnant and give birth to the Son of God, Mary was perplexed. After the angel explained in further detail how this miracle would come to pass, Mary said, “This is amazing! I will be a mother for the Lord! As his servant, I accept whatever he has for me” (Luke 1:38 TPT).
In this account, I see three big ways Mary was willing:
1. Mary was willing to seek God and develop intimacy with Him.
I believe that, even as a child, Mary’s tender heart was turned toward God. I believe she loved God and spent time cultivating her relationship with Him. Though she was initially afraid, I think as she listened to Gabriel, she became aware of God’s Presence—a Presence she had experienced many times before. Her willingness to say yes came from sincere trust in a God with Whom she was intimately familiar.
2. Mary was willing to believe.
Jesus said, “This is the only work God wants from you: Believe in the one he has sent” (John 6:29 NLT). God is looking for women who are willing to dream big and believe that everything is possible with Him.
When Gabriel appeared, Mary had questions. “How could this happen, I am still a virgin!” (Luke 1:34), she said. Yet, despite her questions, she didn’t doubt that it was possible . . .
You can read the rest here!
I've been reading...
X: Multiply Your God-Given Potential by John Bevere
You have a purpose, and it matters. In fact, it matters even more than you probably realize! In this book, John Bevere explains what the Bible teaches about discovering and stewarding our gifts and how vital doing so truly is.
Here a few of my favorite things that John covers:
Everyone has a calling, and all callings are essential—the call to be a businessman or woman is just as important as the call to be a pastor.
Our gifts are not just for us but for others. One reason discovering and stewarding our gifts is so important is because if we don’t, others will miss out on what God wants to give them through us!
God expects us to multiply our gifts.
We do all these things through the supernatural grace of God.
If you want to make the most of what God has given you, I recommend this book! You can find it here!
I've been listening...
"Is He Worthy?" by Andrew Peterson
He is worthy, and He is with us! If you haven't heard this beautiful song, give it a listen!
P.S. Looks like you’re interested in pursuing a life of purpose and faith!
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I wrote this post because I’m on a mission to encourage and equip women to live the life of faith, passion, and purpose that we were made for. You can help make a difference by sharing this post with a friend (or friends!) who you think would be encouraged or inspired by it. Thanks!
Disclosure of Material Connection: Some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission, with no additional cost to you. I only recommend products or services I believe will add value to my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
...Is it time to say goodbye to something in your life? Leaving can be hard because it can feel like losing—and sometimes it does come with a loss.
But so often what we let go of is vastly outweighed by what we gain when we open our hands in trust...