Tag:

reflection

Natalie Grant Talks About Embracing The Process Of Waiting Even In The Midst Of The Storm

by Kriza Jo Tanduyan February 28, 2024

written by Kriza Jo Tanduyan

Natalie Grant shared a profound message about embracing the process of waiting even in the midst of the storm.

Natalie Grant

The Christian singer and songwriter Natalie Grant shared a profound insight into facing life’s storms. According to her, people often expect the storm to cease when Jesus appears. However, she referenced a story in the Bible where the disciples found themselves in the middle of a storm despite Jesus being present. She then imparted a thoughtful perspective on this scenario.

“We are so busy begging God to stop the storm. We are busy wanting him to stop whatever the chaos is that’s happening, to just get us out. That we don’t take a moment to realize… ‘Jesus, I don’t need you to get me out of the storm. I need to recognize that you’re with me in the middle of the storm,’” she explained.

The Belonging Co College [@thebelongingcocollegei]. Trusting God in the Waiting. Instagram, January 31, 2024, https://www.instagram.com/p/C2tMPSAOQpi/

Embrace the Process

Furthermore, she emphasized that the turmoil surrounding individuals did not have to dictate their peace. Grant believed that they could still experience peace amid the storm and uncertainty, even when unsure of the path ahead because God was with them.

Eventually, she emphasized, “Instead of begging God to get you out of it, or to make it known which way to go. Go, ‘God, what can I learn about who you are in the middle of it?’” Afterward, she proceeded to share a beautiful prayer that individuals could use to declare whenever they face struggles. She uttered, “Help me not to despise the process. Help me to actually embrace the process. So, I can learn more about not only who you are, but in the process, you’ll also teach me more about who I am.”

Watch the full video here.

Reference | The Belonging Co College

Header Image: The Belonging Co College [@thebelongingcocollegei]. Trusting God in the Waiting. Instagram, January 31, 2024, https://www.instagram.com/p/C2tMPSAOQpi/

February 28, 2024 0 comments

Articles

Are You Worthy of Jesus?

by The Shulammite December 12, 2019

written by The Shulammite

The Crucial Question: Are you worthy of Jesus?

“Are you worthy of Jesus? Before answering, let’s consider the following story. Elijah goes through the field where Elisha is plowing with twelve yokes of oxen (see 1 Kings 19:19). Passing by, he throws his mantle over Elisha, disrupting life as he knew it. Elisha’s reactions showcased that he understood the importance and beauty of what God was calling him to do.

So, when Elijah asked, “Go back again: for what have I done to thee?” (1 Kings 19:20) Elijah knew his actions would have to outweigh any response he could offer.

How did he react?

He slaughtered the oxen, fed the people, said goodbye to his father and mother, and went to minister to Elijah (see 1 Kings 19:21) and didn’t stop to question if this was his new reality or if God had called him to be a prophet. He recognized the necessity to part with the past and choose God. Aware of his weaknesses, he first dealt with them to surrender in fullness to his calling.

As his name signifies, “God is my wealth” or “to whom God is salvation,” Elisha chose what and who could not be taken from him (see Luke 10:42).

So, Is Jesus your salvation and wealth?

Surrendering to be Found Worthy

Jesus said: “Anyone who loves their father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me, and the one who loves their son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me. And the person who doesn’t take up their cross and follow after Me is not worthy of Me.” (Matthew 10:37-38)

He left no room for interpretation. If we choose anyone over Christ, then we do not deserve to be called His disciples or friend. We are found wanting, not suitable for recognition as one who has been with Christ.

At times, we believe our life more valuable than the treasure in the field (Matthew 13:44), or not worth giving up for the rare, goodly pearl (see Matthew 13:45-46). Jesus calls us to the unknown with Him, not always providing answers to the questions we have. Instead, He warns us, “The person who finds his life will end up losing it, and the person who loses their life for My sake will find it” (Matthew 10:39).

What does He mean by this?

If we live life according to our rules, obeying the lies of our insecurities, and hiding in corners when life gets tough, we’ll willingly walk into hell. In the end, these actions sum up to disobedience. The sad part, however, is that in choosing this path, we forfeit the magnificence of experiencing God’s glory and the splendor of His love!

Instead of gaining anything, we lose everything.

A Moment of Reflection

No person can serve two masters, or supreme authorities (see Matthew 6:24). We either love one and hate the other, for we cannot please the Lord and also please those around us.

So, at this moment, we must ask ourselves:

Do I value the opinion of anyone more than I do the commands of Christ?
Is anyone held in higher esteem than Christ in my heart?
Am I worthy of Christ?

Jesus said that it’s impossible for offenses to not come (Luke 17:1). Even John the Baptist, who fulfilled prophecy and prepared the way for the Lord, questioned if Jesus was who He said He was when he sent his disciples to ask the Lord: “Are You the one who should come? Or should we look for someone else?” (Luke 7:19)

Jesus’ response? “Blessed are those who don’t become offended in Me,” or in other words, “the blessing of heaven comes upon those who never lose their faith in Me no matter what happens.” (Luke 7:23 TPT)

A Call to be Found Worthy

When the Lord leads you into a storm, don’t lose heart. He does so because you have “needs of endurance so that after you’ve done the will of God, you might receive the promise. It will only be a moment, and He who will come comes and doesn’t tarry.” (Hebrews 10:36-37)

Now, brethren, “we are not of them who draw back to perdition; but of them, that believe to the saving of the soul.” (Hebrews 10:39) So, choose Christ even if fear grips you by the throat and commands you to fall back. Choose Jesus, for you will only ever be free in His love. (James 1:25)

Be found worthy of Jesus.

December 12, 2019 0 comments

Faith

Consider Your Mirror

by Daphne Delay March 21, 2019

written by Daphne Delay

I recently had the opportunity to minister to a group of ladies at a women’s conference. I shared with them from 2 Corinthians 3:18, which says, “But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord.”

I am a woman, and I was speaking to women, but isn’t it interesting that this passage isn’t gender specific? In fact, most scriptures aren’t… which means they apply to every person.

With unveiled (or we could say, unmasked) face, we behold the glory of the Lord each time we catch a glimpse of ourselves in the mirror. I know, that’s not how you see yourself (as the “glory” of God). I used to struggle with that thought too, but I soon realized it was because I was looking at my mirror through my perspective, not God’s.

The first reason God sees His glory in you is because of His Son.

“…which is Christ in you, the hope of glory” (Colossians 1:27). When God looks at you, He sees Jesus. This alone is enough to make you glorious!But because transformation takes place from the inside-out, then as you take steps to reflect and represent Jesus in your actions and attitudes, then one decision at a time, you are being transformed “…into His very own image in ever increasing splendor and from one degree of glory to another…” (2 Corinthians 3:18)

Chris Herron was an NBA basketball player who struggled with drugs and addiction, ultimately causing him to lose his career. In an ESPN documentary, Chris said, “Before I got sober, I always took my razor and toothbrush with me in the shower. Always. Then one day my wife asked why I didn’t do that any more. And I realized for the first time it was because I could finally look myself in the mirror. Before, even a few moments of shaving or brushing my teeth was too long to look at my own reflection. I didn’t like the person looking back at me.”

I don’t think Chris is much different than most people (including myself). I always saw my mirror as the enemy because I was ashamed at the person looking back at me. But that was before I learned to see Christ in me.

So I want to challenge you today to consider your mirror…

1. Do you avoid it?

2. Do you only glance quickly and move on so you don’t have to face it?

3. Do you see Christ in you?

Remember, it’s not about perfection. It’s about transformation – one decision at a time. I can almost bet you are not who you used to be. So give God a high-five for your growth! My prayer is you will begin to see who you are from His perspective and not your own.

March 21, 2019 0 comments