I have a dear friend whom I have been honored to know for more than half of my life! She moved out east a couple of years ago to live and work near her boyfriend (now husband). She and her husband are in full-time ministry and they are about to make a big move to Detroit to expand the ministry. This ministry is new to the city of Detroit and they are in charge of getting things going. This is a huge leap of faith into the unknown! I am inspired and challenged by their faith and passion to serve Jesus!
About a week ago I sent her a birthday card and shared a little of my heart with her, what I have been learning about the unknown, and how feeling ‘out of control’ can actually be the best place to be. For me these feelings have been refining and I am learning to trust and rest in Him. Yes, I still have worry, fear, and anxiety but He reminds me (over and over again) to take my thoughts captive and make them obedient to Him (2 Corinthians 10:5). Although I tend to react to circumstances, God has been challenging me to practice responding instead. Reacting is done quickly and often out of emotion - which tends to reveal our sinful nature (mine can be ugly)! Responding takes deliberate action! We make the decision whether to react or to respond.
With it being Easter this Sunday, I am reminded how alive Jesus is! When we are willing vessels, Jesus will use us to honor His name by providing opportunities to display His character in our response to circumstances! How does Jesus want to use you? What areas have you continued to hold on to when they need to be surrendered to Him? Where do you need to be ‘out of control’? I have hope when I feel out of control because I know that He is in control! He is alive, His word is alive, and his Spirit is alive in us. Let’s live a life that reflects these truths!
“fear not, for I am with you;
be not dismayed, for I am your God;
I will strengthen you, I will help you,
I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
-Isaiah 41:10
“do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
-Philippians 4:6-7
“For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.”
-Hebrews 4:12
Happy Easter! He is risen!
In Him,
Katie Karlson