A letter to the girls who love Jesus in this dark world...
Hello there everyone.
Bet you didn't expect to hear from me again this month, did ya? That's the best thing about having my own blog-- I can write whenever and whatever I feel like the Lord is leading me to write. And sometimes that means three blogs in a month, so here we are.
This is a topic I've had on my mind for a while. Ever since I wrote my "Dear Friend" letter back in September. And I asked for a lot of help on it, from some of my dearest friends who I know love Jesus with all their hearts. As a disclaimer, this isn't all the knowledge on all these subjects. This is just what I feel like is on my heart to share, and my viewpoint. So that's that.
I hope it can speak to you, or your daughters, or wives, or best friends and that you'll share, share, share it.
Thanks for always believing in me, y'all. Here we go, again.
Hey there, friend. I've been thinking about ya lately. I mean really thinking about ya.
The world is a crazy place right now, isn't it? There are people all over our own country divided over so many different issues. There's chaos everywhere it seems, across America, Europe, across Asia.. all over the globe.
And here we sit, in the midst of the chaos. Proclaiming peace and comfort and Jesus loves you.
Because it's true. Because there is peace in the faith of the Almighty. Because there is comfort found in the love of the Father and the Son. Because Jesus does love each of us, regardless anything, He loves us all.
But friend, it is not easy.
This world is full of things that constantly tell us the opposite of what the Bible tells us, of what we know is right.
So I've been thinking a lot about some lies the world tells us, as Christian girls.
Like the fact that the world says that since you follow Jesus, you must be perfect and have it all together, all the time.
And to that, I laugh. Because yes, we are called to strive our hardest to be holy and grow to be more like Jesus.
But Jesus was and is the perfect one. He was and is the only one who has it all together, all of the time. I've yet to meet someone else who does.
Friends, you don't have to pretend like your world is perfect all the time.. It's not going to be. This world is full of despair and sin. You are going to have struggles, you are going to mess up, you are going to have to ask Jesus for forgiveness... I have to do it everyday.
But it is okay. As Christians, we are not perfect. We are just forgiven. That is what sets us apart. You can admit that you are having problems.
What matters is that you know that when you are having problems, when your world is dark, when you don't understand, that you turn to Jesus.
This is what sets you apart from those who don't know Him. Jesus is here for your difficulties and your challenges and your deepest, darkest fears. Turn to Him friends.
Another lie the world is constantly telling us that love the Lord is that we are not good enough. It's a lie the world tells everyone, but especially if you follow Jesus.. you will never be pretty enough, smart enough, kind enough... basically the world says that you will never be enough.
And friends, the world is wrong. You are enough. You are enough to the Father, and the Son. You are enough that Jesus would die on a cross for you, an awful death..
because YOU. ARE. ENOUGH.
Your worth is valued above jewels. You are a treasure. You are a light.
Charm and beauty are great things. But they go away. They fade. They don't last. Only a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.
You are you, and you are you because the Father created you to be you. Live that out friend.
The world also says that since we love Jesus, since we follow the Lord, that our lives must always be fine and we must know exactly what the Lord's plans are for us.
This is one lie I wish was a truth. I am always wondering what the Lord's plans are for me, what I'm supposed to do next. Alas, that is not how the Father works, is it friend?
Our lives are full of challenges. We read in James that the Lord gives trials to those He loves. He does it so we will grow in our faith, grow in our trust, grow in Him.
But our lives are not always easy, as the world likes to tell us that they must be. There are times when we don't understand, when we grieve, when we are angry. But in the end we trust that the Lord's plans for us are better than our plans for ourselves. We believe without seeing. We trust the unknown, because it is planned by the one who knows it all.
When writing this, one of my best friends gave me an analogy she heard once.
There was once a woman walking down the street in shorts, flip-flops, and a t-shirt. She looked next to her and there was a woman in a long ballgown, with heels and a fur coat. She said, "God?!?!? Why would you dress me like this, and dress her like that??" God said to her, "I have dressed you for what you must walk through, and her for what she must walk through. Trust me."
The world thinks that all Christians know their perfect plans. But friend, we as Christians also think that our walks with the Lord must look like others. We compare our paths with others and are upset when they're different, when God gives them something He doesn't give us like when a blessing pops up in their life, but a challenge comes into ours. This is when we must trust.
Proverbs 16:3-4
Psalms 27:14
Trust that God is doing in our lives what must happen right here, right now.
The world also tells that we care too much about certain things. We worry too much about what others think of us. We should lower our standards of who we want to date because they're impossible to meet. We shouldn't care so much about finding a church in college because it's just four years and you won't have time. Why should we care so much about spending time with God in the morning when we could be sleeping.
Friend, keep caring. We care because that is what our hearts lead us to do.
Care (somewhat) about what other's think of you, because you are being a light to them. You are representing the Savior and other Christians in your words and actions.
Care about who you date, PLEASE, care. It's easy to get caught up in the fact that it's hard to find someone who loves the Lord as you do, it's hard to not have a guy when all these other girls (even fellow believers) seem to be in great relationships.. It's hard. But take it from me, as I sit here in Starbucks looking (glaring) at the many couples around me.. please care. Please wait until you find someone who shares your morals and your values and your love for Jesus.
Care about finding a church and staying in church. We are called to be in the body, of the body, glorifying and praising the Father in corporate worship. Whether you think you do or not, the Bible tells us that it is important. So care.
Care about spending time with the Lord in the morning. The ten/fifteen minutes won't kill you. It will start your day off better than if you get those extra minutes of sleep.
Colossians 3:17
"And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him."
Please. Keep caring.
The world also tells us that we can't share Jesus with others and be successful. We can't talk about Jesus and have people take us seriously. We can't share on our blogs about the ever loving, wonderful Father and have people actually read it.
It gives me much pleasure to prove this lie wrong. And the fact that you're sitting here reading it proves that. Friends, keep sharing with me. Talk about your faith and the love of the Father.
That leads to my last lie.
The world says that there is no point in sharing your faith as a follower of Jesus.
The world says that in this day and age no one will believe you. That you are pointlessly doing it. That you would be better off not believing in nonsense. That no one is with you on this anymore.
And friend, the world is wrong. wrong. wrong.
First of all, I am with you. There are a lot of people with you, fellow believers in this crazy world that love Jesus and want to share Him.
Keep sharing Him. You are an influence. You are shining the light of the Lord in your school, and your workplace, and your neighborhood. You are following His words to go out to the ends of the earth and tell of the good news. Keep going. Keep doing it. Show with your words and your actions the love of the Father. Tell of how you once were a wreck, without hope, and have come to find the Savior, find the light, find the hope. Tell of the comfort and peace the spirit brings. Tell of the miracles, the change of heart.
Matthew 5:14-16
Friend, this world we live in is dark and crazy.
But you are not alone, and you are not doing this in vain.
Take heart.
Keep caring.
You aren't perfect, but you are forgiven.
You are valuable to the Savior, and His plans are for your good.
Keep shining the light.
He will overcome the world.
I hope this encourages you friend. If nothing else, I feel encouraged after writing it.
And friend? I pray for you. Whether I know you or not, I pray for each and every one of you who reads the words on these pages. So know that.
He has come to save the world. Merry Christmas.
Love,
Bet you didn't expect to hear from me again this month, did ya? That's the best thing about having my own blog-- I can write whenever and whatever I feel like the Lord is leading me to write. And sometimes that means three blogs in a month, so here we are.
This is a topic I've had on my mind for a while. Ever since I wrote my "Dear Friend" letter back in September. And I asked for a lot of help on it, from some of my dearest friends who I know love Jesus with all their hearts. As a disclaimer, this isn't all the knowledge on all these subjects. This is just what I feel like is on my heart to share, and my viewpoint. So that's that.
I hope it can speak to you, or your daughters, or wives, or best friends and that you'll share, share, share it.
Thanks for always believing in me, y'all. Here we go, again.
A letter to the girls who love Jesus in this dark, crazy world:
The world is a crazy place right now, isn't it? There are people all over our own country divided over so many different issues. There's chaos everywhere it seems, across America, Europe, across Asia.. all over the globe.
And here we sit, in the midst of the chaos. Proclaiming peace and comfort and Jesus loves you.
Because it's true. Because there is peace in the faith of the Almighty. Because there is comfort found in the love of the Father and the Son. Because Jesus does love each of us, regardless anything, He loves us all.
But friend, it is not easy.
This world is full of things that constantly tell us the opposite of what the Bible tells us, of what we know is right.
So I've been thinking a lot about some lies the world tells us, as Christian girls.
Like the fact that the world says that since you follow Jesus, you must be perfect and have it all together, all the time.
And to that, I laugh. Because yes, we are called to strive our hardest to be holy and grow to be more like Jesus.
But Jesus was and is the perfect one. He was and is the only one who has it all together, all of the time. I've yet to meet someone else who does.
Friends, you don't have to pretend like your world is perfect all the time.. It's not going to be. This world is full of despair and sin. You are going to have struggles, you are going to mess up, you are going to have to ask Jesus for forgiveness... I have to do it everyday.
But it is okay. As Christians, we are not perfect. We are just forgiven. That is what sets us apart. You can admit that you are having problems.
What matters is that you know that when you are having problems, when your world is dark, when you don't understand, that you turn to Jesus.
Isaiah 43:1-2 "But now thus says the Lord, he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel: Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you."
Another lie the world is constantly telling us that love the Lord is that we are not good enough. It's a lie the world tells everyone, but especially if you follow Jesus.. you will never be pretty enough, smart enough, kind enough... basically the world says that you will never be enough.
And friends, the world is wrong. You are enough. You are enough to the Father, and the Son. You are enough that Jesus would die on a cross for you, an awful death..
because YOU. ARE. ENOUGH.
Your worth is valued above jewels. You are a treasure. You are a light.
Charm and beauty are great things. But they go away. They fade. They don't last. Only a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.
Proverbs 31:30 "Charm is deceitful and beauty is fleeting, but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised."
The world also says that since we love Jesus, since we follow the Lord, that our lives must always be fine and we must know exactly what the Lord's plans are for us.
This is one lie I wish was a truth. I am always wondering what the Lord's plans are for me, what I'm supposed to do next. Alas, that is not how the Father works, is it friend?
Our lives are full of challenges. We read in James that the Lord gives trials to those He loves. He does it so we will grow in our faith, grow in our trust, grow in Him.
But our lives are not always easy, as the world likes to tell us that they must be. There are times when we don't understand, when we grieve, when we are angry. But in the end we trust that the Lord's plans for us are better than our plans for ourselves. We believe without seeing. We trust the unknown, because it is planned by the one who knows it all.
When writing this, one of my best friends gave me an analogy she heard once.
There was once a woman walking down the street in shorts, flip-flops, and a t-shirt. She looked next to her and there was a woman in a long ballgown, with heels and a fur coat. She said, "God?!?!? Why would you dress me like this, and dress her like that??" God said to her, "I have dressed you for what you must walk through, and her for what she must walk through. Trust me."
The world thinks that all Christians know their perfect plans. But friend, we as Christians also think that our walks with the Lord must look like others. We compare our paths with others and are upset when they're different, when God gives them something He doesn't give us like when a blessing pops up in their life, but a challenge comes into ours. This is when we must trust.
Proverbs 16:3-4
"Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established. The Lord has made everything for its purpose, even the wicked for the day of trouble."
Psalms 27:14
"Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord!"
Trust that God is doing in our lives what must happen right here, right now.
Friend, keep caring. We care because that is what our hearts lead us to do.
Care (somewhat) about what other's think of you, because you are being a light to them. You are representing the Savior and other Christians in your words and actions.
Care about who you date, PLEASE, care. It's easy to get caught up in the fact that it's hard to find someone who loves the Lord as you do, it's hard to not have a guy when all these other girls (even fellow believers) seem to be in great relationships.. It's hard. But take it from me, as I sit here in Starbucks looking (glaring) at the many couples around me.. please care. Please wait until you find someone who shares your morals and your values and your love for Jesus.
Care about finding a church and staying in church. We are called to be in the body, of the body, glorifying and praising the Father in corporate worship. Whether you think you do or not, the Bible tells us that it is important. So care.
Care about spending time with the Lord in the morning. The ten/fifteen minutes won't kill you. It will start your day off better than if you get those extra minutes of sleep.
Colossians 3:17
"And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him."
Please. Keep caring.
The world also tells us that we can't share Jesus with others and be successful. We can't talk about Jesus and have people take us seriously. We can't share on our blogs about the ever loving, wonderful Father and have people actually read it.
It gives me much pleasure to prove this lie wrong. And the fact that you're sitting here reading it proves that. Friends, keep sharing with me. Talk about your faith and the love of the Father.
That leads to my last lie.
The world says that there is no point in sharing your faith as a follower of Jesus.
The world says that in this day and age no one will believe you. That you are pointlessly doing it. That you would be better off not believing in nonsense. That no one is with you on this anymore.
And friend, the world is wrong. wrong. wrong.
First of all, I am with you. There are a lot of people with you, fellow believers in this crazy world that love Jesus and want to share Him.
Keep sharing Him. You are an influence. You are shining the light of the Lord in your school, and your workplace, and your neighborhood. You are following His words to go out to the ends of the earth and tell of the good news. Keep going. Keep doing it. Show with your words and your actions the love of the Father. Tell of how you once were a wreck, without hope, and have come to find the Savior, find the light, find the hope. Tell of the comfort and peace the spirit brings. Tell of the miracles, the change of heart.
Matthew 5:14-16
"You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, os that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven."
John 20:21
"Jesus said to them again, "Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I am sending you.
Friend, this world we live in is dark and crazy.
But you are not alone, and you are not doing this in vain.
Take heart.
Keep caring.
You aren't perfect, but you are forgiven.
You are valuable to the Savior, and His plans are for your good.
Keep shining the light.
He will overcome the world.
John 16:33
"I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."
I hope this encourages you friend. If nothing else, I feel encouraged after writing it.
And friend? I pray for you. Whether I know you or not, I pray for each and every one of you who reads the words on these pages. So know that.
He has come to save the world. Merry Christmas.
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