Women Empowering Women {Day Seven}

Although the struggle is real, so is my God. -Written by: Marisa 

Not many people know about my struggle with anxiety.  However, when I was asked to write a piece to empower women, I knew I had to be real and tackle this topic that I know so many people battle.

 

“The struggle [was] real.”  Literally.  In high school I would struggle.  Not for a day, a week, or even a year, but for all four never ending years.

I struggled with immense feelings of loneliness and worthlessness.  I was very insecure in who I was and high school just made it all feel like I was on a big stage and everyone was staring at me.  I did not like attention, in fact I never have being the quiet, introverted person I am.

On top of that, I struggled with chronic pain and sickness to which no doctor could really give me an answer and caused me to miss A LOT of school.

 

I began to have problems with teachers.  Although most seemed to somehow understand my situation, there were the odd few that just seemed to have no remorse for what I was going through.  This led to some of my grades being…not so excellent.

 

This would be the least of my worries, except for my parents have really high standards, they always have.  They tried to understand but eventually seemed to give up on me.  This hurt more than anything in the world.  I turned to my friends who thankfully took me in.  This emotional pain became very real and I was now completely overwhelmed at school and struggled on a regular basis not to break down crying in class.

 

What I didn’t fully understand at the time was that my parents had a lot of problems of their own; which was evident in all the arguments and awkward silence.

 

I struggled daily, but I can honestly say that God was there more than ever during those hard times.  He was there with me when I soaked my pillow with tears, He was holding my hand through all the physical and emotional pain.  He hugged me as I considered taking the precious life He had given me.  He was also there with me as I worshipped my heart out despite it all.

 

I found God in the very beginning of my high school years and I can without a doubt say I wouldn’t have made it through without Him.  He was my friend when I felt I had none, He was a parent when mine grew weary, He was a healer when no doctor could fix me!

 

God calls us to trust Him completely, to “find rest in Him alone, for He is our refuge, our rock, He will not be shaken!” (Psalm 62)  

He says that he is here to help, He will not let us down!  

“We have this amazing hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure.”  (Hebrews 6:19)  

He invites us to “cast all [our] anxiety on Him because he cares for [us].”  (1 Peter 5:7)

He reassures us that the struggle will “certainly come to an end and will not delay!”  (Habakkuk 2:3)

 

I am overjoyed to say that I have greatly overcome my anxiety and panic attacks.  While I do still fight this battle I know that I am not alone in it.  I am able to find rest in the King of Kings who steadies my heart.

 

 

About Marisa:

 

Marisa is 21 years old.  She is the first born of two children; who grew up in the house her family built in Essex, Ontario.  Although Marisa has always felt a strong connection to God, her relationship with Him truly began when she was 14.  She enjoys children of all ages and personalities but she has a particular interest in individuals with autism.  She currently works as an early childhood educator assistant, a respite worker, and a direct care worker in a group home.  Currently she is taking courses online to achieve her E.C.E. diploma.  Some of her passions include teaching, learning to cook, figure skating, baking, event planning, reading, and languages.  She looks forward to the future with her significant other, Jonathan, who loves her unconditionally in the way God made her.

Women Empowering Women {Day Six}

Written by: Amy Gauvin 

When Kerrington asked me to be a part of this event, I was a little nervous but I was honored to be a part of it.  I have never done this before!!!  I would like to share from my heart and be real with all of you and share how amazing our God is!

When I was a child...I knew in my heart there was a God. A part of me knew he was real.  I went to youth groups with the neighbors across the street sometimes, but that's as far as it went. I was raised in a non Christian home and never learned about him. I come from a loving family of five.  Mom, Dad, older sister, me(in the middle) and younger brother. We lived in a small town and were a loving family.  I had a great childhood filled with joyous memories.  My parents provided for us and tried their best to give us everything we needed. 

When I was 13...my Dad became very sick with complications from being a Diabetic.  When I turned 15...the disease took my Dad, he was 41.  It was the hardest time in my life, in all our lives.  Usually a family would come together  strong  after a tragedy like this, you would think.  My Family grew distant from each other.  We went through our own grieving process and drifted apart. 

When I was 16, I found myself living on my own. I needed to grow up quick! Survival mode!  I managed to stay in school...have my own place...have a part time job and eventually get my High School diploma. I had a boyfriend during this time, he became abusive and I left the relationship.

At the age of 18-19, I did have my party nights and drugs and alcohol were a part of my life.  Determined to "live my life and have fun"  I was out with the girls and ran into a man at a club that I knew from when I was younger..  We started chatting and dating and moved in with each other. He wasn't like the past boyfriend so I thought this was Love. Years of being together, we planned to start a family.  

When I was 6 months pregnant...the fidelity had been broken in our relationship.  We stayed together and gave it a chance because we were having a baby.  My oldest daughter came into our lives in 2001. We were engaged one year after that and married in 2003 . We drifted apart and the marriage lasted 8 months and we separated and divorced. 

I was a single Mom at 25.  I went into survival mode like I did when I was 16. I had a job, a car, my own place. I had a stable home for my daughter and I.  When she was at her Dads every other weekend...I was out and about having "me" time. I went to my best friends house for the weekend, there I met a man. 

He was charming and understood what I was going through at the time because he was also in the same boat.  We would talk and hang out from time to time.  We didn't see each other for a while and ran into each other again and started dating. We fell in love.  

After 8 months he met my daughter. They got along great and most of all...he adored her and she adored him.  We talked about kids and our mind set was if it happens it happens.  Well...it happened.  We moved in together and all seemed perfect. My youngest daughter came into our lives in 2006.  We were a loving family. 

We were engaged in 2009. He was raised in a Christian home and knew the Lord.  He talked with me about it and we agreed to start going to church with the girls and having God in our lives.  Spring in 2011 I was saved and baptized. We talked about having a backyard wedding in summer 2012.  

My Journey begins.....

In Feb of 2012...my life had the rug of security pulled out from underneath me. Infidelity had taken place once again.  I was a single Mom of 2 in the blink of an eye.  I didn't understand...I was confused.  This time it sent me into a depression and anxiety attacks and felt so empty.

I was a new believer in Christ. I had two options....run from God or run to God! I was in my kitchen one morning getting ready to start my depression meds, then God spoke to me. He asked me if I was going to allow him to heal me or the depression meds? I stood there crying and thinking of my baby girls...What do I do?  

How can I be there for them and comfort them if I am on medication? I knew right then and there that God can be my healer! Phil 4:13 I CAN DO ALL THINGS IN CHRIST WHO STRENGTHENS ME! 

Everywhere I went it seemed I read or heard "The truth will set you free".  What did this mean?  I realized that all those lies the Enemy was trying to attack me with....God was going to replace them with his Truth and set me free! THE WORD!! I dove in as deep as I could. I relied and trusted and leaned upon his word!

As I went through emotions of rejection, fear, hopelessness, no self worth, loneliness.  God showed me that the Enemy had no ground to stand on those lies and his daughter was going to rise from those ashes!!

The healing process began,  and true Intimacy with him!

I was feeling rejection, but with him I discovered I am accepted. He loves me. He cares for me.

 Eph 1:4-6 God chose us in Christ before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love,  having predestined us to adoption as sons by Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will, to the praise of the glory of His grace, by which He has made us accepted in the Beloved.

I was scared...feeling unloved,  

I am not alone.  He is with me! 

 Psalm 23:4-6 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for You are with me, Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.

I was lonely,  He came to me and called me to be alone with him and gave me Hope!

 Hos 2:14-16 Therefore, behold, I will allure her(Israel) and bring her into the wilderness, and I will speak tenderly to her heart. There I will give her vineyards and make the Valley of anchor (troubling)to be for her a door of hope and expectation.  And she shall sing there and respond as in the days of her youth and as the time when she came up out of the land of Egypt. And it shall be that day, says the Lord, that you will call me Ishi (my Husband), and you shall no more call me Baali (Baal). 

There was a pattern in my life.  I was putting all my Faith and Trust in the men to fill the void in my heart that I longed for.  Having lost my Dad at an early age, I was missing that Love from a man, I looked to them for comfort, protection, my identity and to love me. When you put all your Faith and Trust in man...you will be disappointed.   They couldn't fill that void and it was absurd for me to think they could.  

God was the only one that could! Their choices didn't define who I was. I AM a new creation in Christ!  I am responsible for my own choices.  I chose LIFE!  I needed to make the choice to break those chains of bondage. I am forgiven by the blood of the lamb!  His Mercy and Grace poured over me. Forgiveness filled my heart for all. His Spirit rose inside me.  God showed me what true Love and Intimacy was!  

He is the true lover of my soul and I hand my will to him to guide my ways and lead me.  He has chosen that perfect Godly man for me and I will wait patiently knowing we are both being prepared for each other and its all in Gods timing and plan!  His plan is not good...not better...its the BEST!  

Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the thoughts and plans, says the Lord, thoughts and plans for welfare and peace and not for evil, to give you hope in your final outcome. 

I am making a LEGACY for my daughters.  Showing them to seek God first and He will show them their identity in Christ, that they are precious jewels and Daughters of the King. To wait patiently in purity and excitement for that man God has already chosen for them. With Gods help it will be for His Glory for both of them!  

My Life now was never what I though it would be at 37...But I know with God it will be more than what I ever imagined.  He is the author and finisher of my faith.  My end WILL be greater than my beginning. His Love never fails! 

               God Bless!!

               XOXO

 

~Amy

Women Empowering Women {Day Five}

Written by: Alyssa Morden 

Hi. My name is Alyssa Mae Morden. It’s nice to meet you. J Do you mind if I ask you a question? No? Okay, here goes…

What’s your story?

How would you answer that question? What was the first thing that came to your mind when you thought about it? Was it something great you’ve accomplished? Some fantastic place you’ve been? Perhaps how you were raised? Where you grew up? Or maybe your job? Your family? Your schooling?

When I was asked this question I answered by talking about how I’d gone to India. Yep, I’ve been to India. I was there for five weeks in fact. Pretty impressive, eh? I thought so.

Much later, when that conversation was over and done with, I couldn’t stop thinking about it. What is my story? Why was India my answer? Well, I think how we answer that questionreveals what we think is the most important thing about us. I picked my trip to India because I thought it was impressive. I wanted to wow this person. I wanted them to think, “Woah, she went to India! Her life is awesome!” But really, going to India doesn’t even come close to the most important thing about me. So…what is it really? What’s really my story? To put it simply:I once was lost but now I’m found, was blind but now I see. My story is one of redemption and of a life empowered by Jesus Christ. The most important thing about me…isn’t about me after all, it’s about Jesus.

“I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” (Galatians 2:20)

 

“As for you [that’s you and me], you were dead in your transgressions and sins…But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved.” (Ephesians 2:1;4-5)

 

“May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.” (Galatians 6:14)

 

Do I still think that going to India is pretty cool? Of course! Dude! I’ve been to INDIA! And I’m positive the things that you have done/are doing are pretty fab, too. But these things are only possible because of God. He has given us the abilities and opportunities we have and when we live and grow in Him day by day He empowers us to use them to be more like Him and reflect who He is to the world.

So, let me ask you again…

What’s your story?

 

 About Alyssa Morden: 

Alyssa Morden is a 22 year old homeschool graduate whostrives to be like Jesus. She enjoys life, loves people and is known for her constant smile.  She is involved with the music program at her home church and leads their youth group with her boyfriend, Anthony. She loves the Lord and looks for opportunities to share about Him.

Women Empowering Women {Day Four}

Gospel Girl- Written by:

Rachel Shaw

"You can always tell who the strong women are. They are the ones you see building one another up instead of tearing each other down."

This quote hit me in the face like a ton of bricks. For weeks I have meditating on these words and evaluating my intent within in my conversations. Are they meaningful? Are they uplifting? Are my words hurtful? Am I benefiting and contributing to the Kingdom of Heaven?

Gossip. (noun)
1. Casual or unconstrained conversation or reports about other people, typically involving details that are not confirmed as being true.

Admit it. We all have struggled with gossip at one point in our lives.

One of women's greatest traits is that we are highly verbal. This is such a God given gift to all of humanity. (Yes...even a gift to the men). It is natural for us women to have the desire to verbalize our emotions to our loved ones. We were created to share our thoughts and feelings to have intimate communication and closeness between friendships and sisterhood. What a blessing!

I know that I can sit at a Tim Horton’s for hours on end with no agenda...just simply talking about whatever comes to mind. This is a great thing but it can become extremely dangerous.

Sometimes we can take our blessing of being highly verbal and use it to tear our sisters down. How devastating this must be for God. Think about it. We use our tongue that literally has the ability to speak life into another sister, and we choose to tear her down instead. For me, it is so tempting to gossip about my fellow sisters because of the temporary increase in my own self-worth. It is common for women to talk about each other to feel better about themselves and their own life situations.

I have been caught in countless arguments that involved megossiping about a friend that has backfired on me. High school was a time where I lived for gossip. What a thrill it brought to my clique of friends as we learned about one another’s deepest, darkest secrets behind each other’s backs that were not even true. I had hoped that once I got out of high school, I would be free from the world of drama but then I started college and entered the workplace. The temptations followed me out of high school and into the next stage of life. Maybe the problem wasn't that specific clique in school... maybe it was me.

Jesus explains that our tongue is a powerful weapon. In Proverbs 18:21 it states..
"The tongue can bring death or life...."

The words we choose can literally speak life or death into another human. Our tongue is so powerful that we can uplift and encourage our sisters in desperate time of need. Our words have the ability to change someone's life for the better. Our words can build up the army of sisters, to live powerful lives that can defeat the devil.

As women of Christ, we are called to encourage and to love one another in the same way Jesus did. Not once did Jesus find out juicy information (that may not be true) about one of his disciples and run to tell all of the others to build up his self-worth.

I challenge each one of you readers to think before you speak. Ask yourself if what you are about to say is going to build someone up or tear them down. Find your identity and self-worth in Christ and not in other people's opinions of you. Talk to God daily, asking for strength to rise against the temptation to gossip. Pray with one another. Establish meaningful friendships with sisters. Rise up an army of women that live with the power of the Holy God.

 

About Rachel Shaw:

 

Hi! I am Rachel. I have a passion for young people and feel called to the mental health field. I am in the Child and Youth Worker program and plan to go further in my education. I am a Day Program Staff at a community agency, working with adults who have mental and physical disabilities. I am married to the world's most-handsome man! I am blessed!

Women Empowering Women {Day Three}

Written by: Luisa Parish

I am in a funk! 

​I could list multiple reasons that would contribute to my mood. Could be the piles of snow and -50 degree weather that is keeping my children and I indoors most days. Maybe the constant illnesses that seem to follow us everywhere we go and leave me feeling exhausted most days. Maybe it’s my children as they exercise their free will and push every button they can find; which leads to my inability to balance grace and discipline. I sometimes forget the dreams that God has given me so long ago and feel trapped because I can’t make those dreams come true at this time in life.

All of the above makes me feel like a failure.

Sound familiar?
​As I stop to reevaluate my current state I realized one very important thing, my relationship with Christ has gone stale. ​

I have entered a state of helplessness, sadness, frustration, exhaustion and at times anger mainly because I have forgotten my true love and his promises. 

Isaiah 40:31

But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.

 

Psalm 46

God is our refuge and strength…

 

Psalm 28:7-8

The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him and I am helped. My heart leaps for joy and I will give thanks to him in song. The Lord is the strength of his people, a fortress of salvation for his anointed one.

 

James 1:2-3

Consider it pure joy my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance

 

 

​When we separate ourselves from God, the giver of life, we find ourselves in a funk. It’s hard to be loving, gracious, joyful, forgiving, patient, full of life when we are separated from our roots.

 

John 15:4-6

4 Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. 5 I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. 6 If anyone does not abide in me he is thrown away like a branch and withers; and the branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned.

 

Now what?

​I know that I personally have to stop dragging my feet, to stop watching endless TV on Netflix and complaining about things that I myself can change. I need to make the choice to live according to God’s plan. He has already given us instructions in his word. Regardless of how I feel I need to make a choice and act. I want to be free of this depressive state; I want new fresh dreams and a sense of purpose.

So let’s take it! He’s offering it to all of us! He sent his son so we can live!

 

John 10:10

…I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.

 

​It’s a choice only you can make and one that will take work! You will need his strength to achieve this. Ask Him! Seek Him! Chase Him!

 

Jeremiah 29:11

For I know the plans I have for you declares the Lord. Plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans for a hope and a future.

 

​Look to His word, there you will find Him calling you to a better way of living. He has great plans for you, to prosper you! Let him help you discover a fresh direction and dreams that will draw you closer to him!

 

1 Corinthians 10:31

So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.

About Luisa: 

 

Luisa Parish is married to her handsome husband Corey for almost 6 years! They currently reside in Sudbury Ontario where Corey is the associate pastor at New Sudbury Pentecostal Church. They have two gorgeous and very active children. She loves to sing, read, have random dance parties with her kids and has a very large sweet tooth! 

Women Empowering Women {Day Two}

 

A story about feeling empowered that you are beautiful in God’s eyes....

 

As women, we have a lot of standards that society gives us to live up too. Who we hangout with, what we wear, our body size, our makeup, hair, all aspects of society that focus on outward beauty instead of inward. With so much technology at our fingertips these days it is easy to get caught up in society’s image of what a beautiful women should look like.

 

I would like to remind all you lovely women that all of us our made to be different then the person who is next to us, as God made us unique and beautiful in His image. We all have qualities inside and out that make us beautiful. “Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as braided hair and the wearing of gold jewelry and fine clothes. Instead, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God's sight.” 1 Peter 3:3-4

 

Nothing is wrong with getting dressed up and feeling beautiful on the outside, but it is important to remember that if we are beautiful on the inside that we radiate that beauty onto others that we spend time with. People are attracted to those who are kind, open, and compassionate because that type of beauty is what makes friendships, relationships, and keeps us all connected. When we have these traits, this can help us lead others to God, which is what our calling is.

 

“Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.” Proverbs 31:30 though it is lovely to have compliments on outward appearance, it is so much more important to know that you are pleasing to God through your actions. The blessings that God can shower on you for being a positive influence on others will far outweigh beauty that does not last forever. Compliments on having a beautiful personality is something we should never take for granted!

 

Everyone has there own kind of beautiful, feel empowered that you are beautiful in God’s eyes and that he has an incredible plan for you life if you choose to follow His ways. Society does not get to deem who is beautiful and who is not. You are beautiful, inside and out. Never forget that fact! Love yourself, just as God loves you.

~ Taylor

 

 About Taylor Horner:

 

 

My name is Taylor. I am a fourth year Bachelors in Social Work student and soon to be graduate. I cannot wait to begin working in the Social Work field and see how God will use this passion to help me lead others to Him and help empower those around me. I am also getting married this September and cannot wait to start a new adventure with my wonderful husband by my side that God handpicked for me.

Women Empowering Women {Day One}

A vulnerable story of finding true identity and eternal hope in Jesus Christ...

Eight years ago I could not remember a week where I wasn’t scrounging for the next $10.00 so that I could afford a dime of weed to get me through until payday.

 My life consisted of drugs, alcohol, partying, and exposing my body sexually to different men. I had no hope. I had no reason to live, and even though numerous people surrounded me, I felt so alone. 

I had one close girl friend and at that time she was more than a friend. We were the best of friends when she wasn’t using me sexually, or manipulating me to fulfill her own emotional and sexual needs. 

Yes – some people would have defined this as being bi-sexual, but I define it today as a stolen identity. I was born into what I would call a Non- Christian family – we went to church, but never lived as we did. My dad left my mother, my older brother and I before I was born. Growing up with a Father who walked out on me, I began to believe the lie that I could NOT trust men. 

So likely I only entrusted woman with my heart, actually one particular woman, and guarded myself emotionally from men. My mother, well she was a great mother, but working double shifts to provide for her family left her completely in the dark of my life. 

....I hated what I had become and myself. I believed that I was unwanted, unworthy, stained, and as many would think unattainable. 

However, what we believe about our situation or ourselves does not limit the power of God. I ended up giving my life to the Lord in grade 12, when I was 17 years old at a Winter Retreat, that my friend invited me to when I was in a hard place. 

That was the most life changing moment in my life. I was the last person people thought would ever follow the Lord. 

I want to encourage you to continue to pray for those who have not found salvation in Jesus yet, because with God all things are possible. With God no one is unattainable, with God no one is unreachable. 

With Christ there are no “lost causes”. With Christ there is hope, with Christ there is freedom! Jesus is our Shepherd, and scripture says that, “In the same way your Father in Heaven is not willing that any of these little ones should perish” 

(Matt: 18:14). 

God’s will is for all to come to Him.

 I wanted nothing to do with God. I went to the Retreat because I wanted to “get away”, funny how I was running towards the Lord before I even knew it. 

God’s plan is beyond anything we can imagine. Romans 8:28 “He works ALL THINGS together for the good of those who love Him and are called according to His purposes”. 

God was orchestrating this divine appointment when I would meet Him– and experience Him, before the time I was even born. 

I came home from the Retreat, quit drinking, drugs, and cut ties with my “girlfriend” and other people who I associated with in that crowd. This was the first high of the roller coaster; of the journey I was about to partake on.

 I began to live the life of a Christian – going to church, and praising Jesus to songs like “take take take it all”, but inside I was struggling with this temptation, this longing to be intimate with a woman. I wrestled with God – Lord your will is for men and woman to become one flesh, so why do I have this disfigured desire to be with woman. 

For years I wrestled with this, jumping in and out of relationships, hating myself because I felt feelings towards women. 

I finally convinced myself freedom was hopeless and I admitted defeat to this downward spiral that I knew would only lead to eternal death. I was longing for an intimacy with God – even though I didn’t know it at the time, but instead I was filling this void with the affirmation, affection, and sense of self-worth I thought I was getting from women. 

The enemy used the lie that I began to believe as a little girl to fuel my belief that I was doomed and would never love a man. I of course jumped back into drinking (the only way I knew how to shut down and forget), which lead me back to a life of alcoholism and partying. 

To cut this story short and not take away from the glory God deserves – by the will of God and His divine orchestration 

I attended a conference where they did an alter call for people who wanted to be free from sexual sin. 

I went up, people laid hands on me and began to speak freedom over me, and declare my true identity: that I was chosen, that I was worthy, that I was forgiven, that I was royalty, that I was free, that I was wonderfully and beautifully made. 

The Holy Spirit fell on me like a blanket, tears began to pour down my face and the Peace that transcends all understanding rose up within me. 

That night the Lord lifted the burden I had been carrying for years, and directed me to the truth that “who the son sets free, free indeed he will be”. I began to walk in freedom; 

I began to walk in my identity.

 I began to believe that I was a mighty daughter of a great King.

 I began to believe that I had been forgiven and that I no longer was condemned because Jesus paid it all. I began to see the hope in my life, and I finally began to receive Gods undying love and forgiveness.

 I began to forgive myself for the things of my past and as I learned to open my heart to God and trust Him, He began to enter the deep areas of hurt in my heart and brought freedom, and revealed to me His love as my Father. 

You see I grew up without the model of a Father and never knew what unconditional love looked like. 

So of course, I didn’t trust God because 

I associated Him with my earthly father, but He continued to pursue me and watch over me. 

Like the prodigal son – I left home and tried to fill my life with the things of the world, but when I returned to Him I found my true identity, and experienced the unconditional love and forgiveness of God the Father. 

 ...I share this story with you because 

I was trying to live a life for Jesus while I was still shackled to the floor. Be set free! He has paid it all. 

Any holds that the Enemy has on you do not let it define you, because God already paid for your freedom. On the cross he screamed with His last breath, “It is Finished”, that means that every curse, every sin, every sickness – He paid it all. 

So forgive yourself. Forgive those who have hurt you, who have disappointed you.  We have been saved by the Grace of God to live freely for Him. “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus” (Romans 8:1 a). The Lord desires for all of His children to walk in complete freedom. Do not compromise, do not admit defeat, and do not forget who you are in Christ. 

1 Peter 2:9 “But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light”. 

When I invited Jesus into my heart, 

I was saved and brought from darkness to light, but the battle we fight every day will not end until the coming of Christ. “Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses”(1 Timothy 6:12).  

So my Sisters in Christ, lets use each day as an opportunity where we can know Jesus more deeply, where we can live sacrificially for Him even when it cost us everything. He died so we could live in freedom for all eternity and so we too could be used as the body of Christ to set others free through Him. 

So lets together pick up the cross together, encourage our sisters and brothers in Christ, pray for those who are in captivity, and praise Jesus every day for we are chosen daughters of a Mighty and Glorious King.

 

About Kristen Scott:

My name is Kristen Scott, and I am 26 years old. I have been a Christian since I was 17 years old, but have only been passionately pursuing the Lord for 2 years. I am engaged to an amazing man of God, who has expressed so much grace and forgiveness. He waited patiently while God worked on my heart so I could receive his Love. I live in Regina Sask, and I work for Youth for Christ in a young woman’s Christian group home setting, and my role is to model the love of the Lord that these girls have never experienced so that they would know their worth and the hope that’s found in Jesus in a world filled with so much darkness.