It Is Finished

I had a different blog post planned for today. I had spent the week brainstorming, writing, preparing a post for this weekend. But today, when I stood in church and heard three simple words, something inside of me broke. Three words I have heard over and over again suddenly carried new weight and meaning.

It is finished.

Jesus was betrayed, beaten, and crucified on a cross. He was mocked and ridiculed. He carried the weight of our sin and shame. He became our sin and paid our debt. 

“Jesus knew that his mission was now finished, and to fulfill Scripture he said, ‘I am thirsty.’ A jar of sour wine was sitting there, so they soaked a sponge in it, put it on a hyssop branch, and held it up to his lips. When Jesus had tasted it, he said, ‘It is finished!’ Then he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.” John 19:28-30

He had completed his mission. He fulfilled every prophesy. This is a BIG deal! I mean, this is the whole story of the gospel. Because Christ died for us and rose three days later, we have the opportunity to spend eternity in Heaven. Glory to God!

It is finished.

As I heard those words sung today, tears began streaming down my face. Yes, I am thankful for the sacrifice He made. Yes, I am amazed that we serve a God who has so much love for us that He would send His only son to take my punishment. Yes, I am excited that I will be with Him in Heaven for eternity. But today, I felt so much more than that. I spent too many days carrying the weight of my sin, holding onto it like it is a lifetime obstacle that may never be overcome. But IT IS FINISHED! His death finished so many things in my life and in yours!

Your sin is finished.

Your depression is finished.

Your anxiety is finished.

Your addiction is finished

Your pain is finished.

Your old life is finished!

Jesus didn’t say “It will be finished.” His last words weren’t “It might be finished.” He said “It IS finished.” The price as already been paid. Our sin was already nailed to the cross. The curse of sin and shame that the world has carried since the garden is finished. Don’t ever forget that! We may never live the perfect lives, but we can let go of the weight of our transgressions. Don’t walk around holding tight to the weight of sin and shame. We are new creations in Christ, wrapped in mercy and grace, covered by His blood. Whatever “it” is in your life, let it go. Give it to God each day.

"Those who have been born into God's family do not make a practice of sinning, because God's life is in them. So they can't keep on sinning, because they are children of God." 1 John 3:9

→ Let me hear from you!← 

What has Christ finished in your life?

My __________ is finished. 

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Waiting on God's Timing

Why is trusting God’s timing so challenging? Probably because God’s timing and my timing don’t always line up. In fact, they rarely do. I want prompt answers, immediate action, instant blessings. I want to pray for God’s guidance, receive it, and walk it out right away. However, that’s not how it works. God’s timing often means waiting and those periods of waiting can be unbearable.

Have you ever had to wait for a blessing God promised you? Maybe you thought it would happen right away, but, instead, you wondered if it would ever come to fruition. You felt that you had done everything right. You did exactly what God asked of you. Sowed the seed, tended it carefully, but it seemed that you would never reap the harvest.

Back in February my husband, Joshua, and I really began to pray about our next phase in life. As part of a fellowship program, Joshua had an opportunity to pursue a position at the National Cancer Institute. So, together we sought God for guidance. I found myself at peace with the move and feeling deep down in my spirit that this is the path we were to take. Joshua and I had such faith in God that this was His plan for us. We had put our trust—our hope—completely in Him and this job. And I began to plan out my timeline. Interview. Job offer. Wedding Day. Move. Everything was perfectly planned… by me. But I was sure God would agree with it.

The deadline for job offers came and went. We heard NOTHING. No answer. It was disheartening to say the least. I kept praying “God, if that wasn’t your plan, what is? What are we to do?” Over and over again I prayed, seeking an answer.

After days of praying, He responded, “Do you still trust me?”

“Yes, God. Of course I do. I trusted you this whole time!”

“Even in this time of waiting?”

I trusted His promises. I trusted His plan. But did I trust His silence? Did I trust Him while I was waiting?

Well, I learned to. I continued to pray and seek God’s guidance. Then I waited. And I trusted through the waiting.

Days later, everything turned around. Joshua was offered the position. I had set my own deadline, but God had a different one in mind. In that period of waiting, He was still working. Mostly, He was preparing us for the next big step.

So what do you do in that period of waiting? Galatians 6:9 says,

^“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”

Keep doing good. Serve. Seek God. Do not lose hope. Do not give up. God is making you ready. When the timing is right, God will give you the blessing you have been waiting for.

→ Let me hear from you! What blessing or promise are you waiting for?← 

How can you grow during this time of waiting?

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Salt and Light Linkup || Flourishing Today

Five Spiritual Truths I Learned as a Teacher

Disclaimer: I am not an expert! 

I taught third grade for two years at the most amazing Christian school. This year I am beginning a new journey as a preschool teacher at a local KinderCare.

I became a teacher to impact the lives of children. I never realized how much more they would impact mine! I not only became a better teacher, but I became a better person. I not only learned more about my career, but I also learned more about Christ. Today, I want to share five Spiritual Truths I discovered while teaching! These truths are not just for teachers, but for every Christian, no matter your career, calling, or season of life.  

1.     Patience is a process.

“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.” Colossians 3:12 (NIV)

This one probably seems obvious, right? Kids and a need for patience just go hand-in-hand. I never knew how much patience I had until I began teaching. I also never knew how much patience I NEEDED! If only there was a switch I could flip to receive an unlimited supply… but there isn’t. It is something I prayed for and worked on daily. When my classroom was a zoo and my “cool” was being lost, I let myself pause, take a deep breath, and pray (usually aloud), “Give me patience!” Short and simple, but effective!

2.     It’s okay to make mistakes.

^“For though the righteous fall seven times, they rise again…” Proverbs 24:16 (NIV)

Students should make mistakes; it’s a part of learning. But me, the teacher?! No way! I needed to be perfect! Sadly, I made mistakes. Plenty of them. As hard as I tried, I assigned the wrong page numbers, misplace papers, derailed my train of thought, and, dare I say it, lost my patience. *GASP* However, my students never cared about my mistakes. My mishaps never caused them to love or respect me less. Usually, they got a good laugh out of it! (I once said “Black Booty” instead of “Black Beauty.” You can imagine the kick my third graders got out of that!) Imperfection is human. Mistakes are expected. My students never expected perfection and neither does God! So, work hard, try your best, but if you fail, grace abounds.

3.     Don’t take your calling lightly.

“In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” Matthew 5:16 (NIV)

Being a teacher is a HUGE responsibility! Future doctors, lawyers, business men and women, and scientists are in your room waiting to learn. My calling as a teacher was to give these students the best learning experience I possibly can, but as a Christian, my calling went far beyond that. I was not only educating students’ minds, but I was also ministering to their hearts. If they forgot everything I ever taught them, I hoped they always remember this truth—Jesus loves them. Whatever your career, use it to minister and shine God’s light.

4.     See people the way God sees them.

“…The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” 1 Samuel 16:7 (NIV) 

In my first year of teaching, a coworker shared that each morning she would pray, “Lord, help me see these students through Your eyes.”  I liked the sound of that so I thought I would give it a shot. LIFE CHANGER! The way I taught, encouraged, and even disciplined my students changed. I no longer labeled them by their actions, but I saw their struggles and desires. I saw their hearts. How are you viewing those around you? Is it through the world’s lenses or through God’s? Choose to see people through God’s eyes because, when you do, only one label will seem fitting for all those around you: Child of God.

5.     Above all, LOVE people.

“Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.” 1 Peter 4:8 (NIV) 

I discovered early on that the way to gain my students trust and respect was to let them know that they were genuinely loved and cared for by me. Children are not immune to the ugliness of this world. They feel hurt, pain, frustration. Some students come from broken homes or have obstacles they are struggling to overcame. Some days all they need is a hug or an encouraging word. They just need to know they are loved unconditionally. Isn’t that what being the salt and light is all about? Loving God’s people. Take a look around you. Who is crying out for love? Who needs an encouraging word? A shoulder to cry on? Reach out to them. You could be the only love they feel today.

→I want to hear from you! What truths has your calling/career taught you?← 

How is God using your “job” as His ministry?

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Married By His Grace