Bite-Sized Christianity

☔️Day 3: Seek Refuge in Him ☔️

Have you ever been caught in a rainstorm before? Think of that moment when suddenly rain begins to fall from the sky. You blink and instinctively look upwards towards the sky. What do you do next? You look for a place to escape the storm, right? When we face "storms" in life our instinct is to lessen the pain and escape the proverbial rain. But we must be careful where we seek refuge from our struggles:

⛈Turn away from addictive substances that alter your frame of thinking.

⛈Turn away from toxic people around you who will only add to your stress because of their own brokenness.

⛈Slow down and turn away from trying to bury your head in the sand and not face your issues.

☀️Repeatedly in the Bible the Lord asks us to come and turn to Him.

James 1:2-4 reads:

Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. (James 1:2-4)

Consider the following:

😇Your struggles in life are a way for the Lord to "prune" you. He wants you to seek him in everything that you do. He wants to shape and guide you into your purpose. Turn to Him and pray for his guidance!

😇The deepest struggles in life can often leave us reeling and angry. But the Lord never harms us! He wraps us in His eternal love and grace. Give Him your pain and take refuge in His strength!

😇When you lean on God in your hardest struggles you are developing a deeper relationship in Christ. This will give you roots that will help you through all of life's struggles!

✏️Day 3 Homework: ✏️

🙏What is your gut instinct when you face trials and struggles in life? Who do you turn to when things get difficult?

🙏When was the last time that you sat quietly in prayer?

If it has been a while since your last prayer consider praying the following prayer aloud:

Heavenly Father,

Thank you for loving me eternally. Thank you for being with me through all of life's struggles. Holy Father I need you each and everyday. I am not strong enough to walk through life without you. Uplift and guide me each day. Reveal to me the purpose you have for my life. I surrender to you, Lord, and ask that you use this time of struggle to reveal your glory and majesty. Use me as a vessel to reveal your miracles on earth. Let me walk in the ways you wish for me. I take refuge in you, Lord, because I know that with You all things can be achieved!

💪Day 2: Lay Down Your Burdens 💪

Have you ever encountered something in your life that felt so difficult to get through? When you think of the word "burden" what comes to mind? In my 38 years of living I have moved 18 times. That's a lot of moving! Y'all I have had to lift suitcases, boxes, bags, and more during each move that would leave me panting, sweaty, and tired at the end of each moving day. Eventually I heard about the minimalism movement and was first on board to downsize my belongings! 🤣

Sometimes there are times when we have a burden that we can't simply lay down like a heavy box:

❤️‍🩹Money is tight and we have to take on an extra job.

❤️‍🩹A loved one becomes ill and we fill with dread and worry over medical bills.

❤️‍🩹The pressure from University feels so great as you juggle all of your coursework and life.

❤️‍🩹A new job leaves you unfulfilled and you question if you're fulfilling your purpose in life.

❤️‍🩹The news leaves you reeling after hearing negative topic after negative topic.

❤️‍🩹The pandemic has left you exhausted, burned out, and worried about catching the virus.

On and on our burdens can become trying as we go through life. You're not alone. We all face burdens that feel heavy on our hearts and minds. Today I encourage you to remember that God did not intend for you to go through life to carry everything yourself. The pressure and stress of life is not yours alone to bear. God wants you to lay your burdens and worries at his feet. He wants you to turn to him in prayer. Tell Him all of your fears! Share with Him the things that are weighing you down. There is NOTHING on this earth that is too much for the Lord to handle!

✏️Day 2 Homework: ✏️

Think about the things that feel heavy and burdensome in your life. Take time to pray to God and cast those worries to Him. If you're struggling with praying for help from God try saying this prayer aloud:

Heavenly Father,

Right now there are things in my life that feel so difficult and trying. There are things that I'm carrying around that weigh heavy on my heart. Be with me, Lord. Lift this burden of stress so that my heart may be light and at ease. You, Lord, can take away the stress of this burden because I know You can do anything. You are my Savior, the light of this world, and the Creator of all things. Bless me and walk with me, always.

7 “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. 8 For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened. - Matthew 7:7-8

😇We all will face trials and tribulations in life. Life has struggles. This is natural and something we all must walk through. But the blessing is that you do not walk alone. The Lord walks with you through every struggle in your life. When you're facing difficult times in life: 😇

💚Come to God in sincere prayer and tell Him your fears, concerns, worries, etc. Just speak to Him because He will always listen.

💛Lay down your prayers at His feet. The Lord is gracious and merciful. He loves you! Yes, YOU! You are made in His image and He wants you to turn to Him in the good times and the bad. Lean into Him!

🧡Take a breath and know that God will always answer your prayers. He understands your pain, your worries, and your fears. Let Him work on your heart. Let Him guide you in life. When you turn towards God your fears will ease.

❤️Remember, you are worthy of God's love! Every human being makes mistakes and sins. Apologize, repent, and atone for the mistakes you make. Choose to do better and learn from your mistakes. Ask those who you've wronged for forgiveness, and repent to God too. Then, embrace His unending love and mercy and move forward.

~Additional Thoughts:~

61 days ago the love of my life, my husband of nearly 10 years, passed away from a sudden heart attack and was called home by the Lord. It is only by His strength, His grace, and His unending love and mercy that I am here typing this to you all today. Let all of us who are hurting seek His love, protection, and comfort during hard times. Then, watch as He uses your hard time or "storm" to work miracles and good things into your life. God bless you all!

✏️Day 1 Assignment: ✏️