Farm Girl

Life and love homegrown.

Coffee Date

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Good morning! I am linking up with my sweet friend, Rachel for a coffee date on her blog! This is a fun way to share our hearts and encourage one another. :)
This Sunday at church, we started a new series of sermons called “The Counselor.” To watch this Sunday’s message, click here.
Pastor Craig spoke volumes to Zack and I with this truth. I feel like God really laid this on our heart because we struggle with worry and stress so much lately.
I always want this blog to be on a platform of honesty. Our life is so far from perfect. We live on one income right now with me being in school, things are very tight for us. We worry about having surprises pop up where we may not be able to financially afford them, we worry about bills, and ultimately just “having enough” to get us by until I pass nursing boards and can help carry the load along with Zack. Don’t get me wrong, we are UNBELIEVABLY BLESSED. So undeserved yet so loved. I am very thankful for all that we have.
I too often feel like I unintentionally question my God’s ability to get us through any obstacle. Shamed, my worry outweighs any prayer and trust because I feel like I “should” have control over the situation.
I am going to go over some of our talk notes we had Sunday because I truly feel like this was such an important message for not only me but for everyone. If you have a moment, follow along and watch the message that is linked above.
If Jesus were sitting in your living room, counseling you in the flesh while asking the questions below, how would you answer?
Why are you so afraid?
Do you believe I can do this?
Do you want to be well?
Why do you doubt?
Powerful but simple questions.
That day when evening came, he said to his disciples, “Let us go over to the other side.” 36 Leaving the crowd behind, they took him along, just as he was, in the boat. There were also other boats with him. 37 A furious squall came up, and the waves broke over the boat, so that it was nearly swamped. 38 Jesus was in the stern, sleeping on a cushion. The disciples woke him and said to him, “Teacher, don’t you care if we drown?” 39 He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Quiet! Be still!” Then the wind died down and it was completely calm. 40 He said to his disciples, “Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?” 41 They were terrified and asked each other, “Who is this? Even the wind and the waves obey him!” Mark 4:35-41
God is always in our storms with us. He is in our boat. Why do we worry? Stress is so consuming that it makes me lose sleep, I become moody, It affects my relationships, and without realizing, I doubt my Savior.
Two things to remember when you’re in the storm:
1.) You’re in the storm with his presence.
2.) You’re in the storm for His purpose.
There is a reason and a purpose for the trials in our life. They may open a door to minister to others in a similar situation. The storm may lead to an opportunity to witness and share about God’s faithfulness and love to someone who is a non-believer. As hard as it may seem, we need to find joy in our storms.
Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters,whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3 because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. 4 Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete. not lacking anything. James 1:2-4
I feel like the more we trust in his presence and that he will get us through any trouble, we show obedience and strength.
One of the quotes that I loved from pastor Craig was:
“Christianity is not a play ground, but a battleground.”
This is so true. Just because we are Christians, does not mean that the storms of life are over and we will not face them again. He tests our faith which is producing perseverance, using them to draw near to him and mature in faith.
I hope you enjoyed this message and that this can help someone who has been dealing with a “storm” in their life. My goal for this blog is to be nothing but encouraging for others as well as a journal of our journey through life.
“My hope is no longer in the boat, but my soul is anchored in The Lord.”
I hope you have a wonderful Wednesday! Be sure to link up with Rachel today for a coffee date. :)
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Comments

  1. Amen sister! :) Love your honesty here. This reminds me again of one of my favorite passages in 2 Corinthians 1, we comfort others, because the Lord has comforted us. There is always a purpose in our difficulties, pain, and sufferings. ALWAYS! It is such a relief to know that when things go wrong the Lord is not surprised or caught off guard, or out of control…He is still God, and therefore He is still good…even in the rough places. Hallelujah! :) He is worthy of our praise in all circumstances! Thanks so much for linking up for the coffee date, if only we were really face to face so I could hug your neck in person! Sending you much love this morning!!

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  2. SO true! Stress and anxiety are something that often try to take a root in my life but I’m thankful that I know the Peace Maker and the One who calms all storms! Thank you for opening up and sharing your heart. I know sometimes it feels hard and even scary to be raw and open but so often it is needed to minister to someone else!
    Xoxo

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  5. This is so awesome! Thank you so much for sharing! It’s so necessary to remind ourselves that everything we go through is a part of His sovereign will, and that he has a reason for it all. :)

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  6. Thank you for sharing! This is timely for me because my husband lost his job yesterday. I know that God will take care of us, but sometimes let worry overshadow the promise.

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  8. Oh my word, how timely is this! I’m a single mom and I’m in nursing school and I only work part time so I completely understood when you said how y’all are on a limited budget. I have the tendency to worry about finances and this week I found out my son will need $1800 worth of dental work a week from tomorrow. Talk about the devil throwing thoughts of doubt in your head! The more I’ve studied the past few days the more I know that God will provide and He loves and cares about us so much more than the sparrows! He is such a gracious and wonderful Father! This blog was so perfect. Thank you!

    http://www.lincsmomma.blogspot.com

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