The Arms that Hold the Universe

Can I just start off by saying that God is SO GOOD?

So most of this post is a repeat of the one before because I'm just really good at doubting God.

I got off to a kind of rough start, mentally, with school. It was all fine until classes started and I started freaking out. I have a few Christian Studies classes and sitting there, I couldn't help but think "what the heck am I doing here?" Trying to answer questions, and failing, I was sure that I was in the wrong place, that there is no way that I'm supposed to really do this, that I'm not smart enough, good enough, or brave enough for this. It was intimidating and scary until God reminded me that He's still there.

Romans 12:12-Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.

Ephesians 3:20-21-Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.

Ephesians 6:13-Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.

Romans 10:14-15-How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can anyone preach unless they are sent? As it is written: “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!”

Isaiah 41:10-So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

Everywhere I turned, there was something else to remind of God's presence. Church, BCM, Elevation Church online, notes from random people, random verses, verses of the day-God was all over EVERYTHING. I couldn't get away. And you know, it's reallllly hard to doubt God when He gets obnoxious with you.  

So, I guess it is a learning process. I can't go in expecting to know it all and have it be easy to me. A lot about Christian Studies is foreign to me, but I have God and He holds me. There's no reason to fear, no reason to want to hide, no reason to want to run from His plan. It is for HIS ultimate glory, not my own. And thank goodness the arms that hold the universe are holding me.

God is good.

Prayer Time: Thank you, God, for having a plan for me when I don't. Thank you for loving me through the doubt, for holding me through the skepticism. You are far too good. Amen.

Having An Open Mind

Proverbs 1:5- ...let the wise listen and add to their learning, 

and let the discerning get guidance...

 

I think I've learned more about having an open heart in the last half a week than I have in my whole life.

It's funny to me how whenever we decide to have an open heart with God and we decide that maybe we do just need to trust Him, He always performs. If I ever thought God was showing up before, when my heart was closed, guarded, and only I knew how it worked, I didn't know anything. God has shown up more since last Saturday (seriously?! It's only been four days?!) than I've ever realized in my life. 

It's weird to talk about this because God is always there.

Joshua 1:9- Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.

God has made it clear that He is ever faithful and that He will reign. Looking back now, why was I ever so ignorant to doubt His presence? Why did I ever think that my plan was better than His place?

When we have open hearts, we welcome God. We let our minds be a place for Him to live, a place for His grace to reign, and a place for His glorious plan to unfold.

I'm learned to have an open heart to His will. Afterall, it is ten times better than my plan could ever be.

Classes start today. So I'm really trying to have an open heart. I know that if I do, God will show up, and what could be better than that?

Prayer Time: Dear God, thank you for this life. Thank you for sending Your Son to be murdered on a cross for my sins. Thank you for loving me and holding me, even though I doubt your will. I pray that I would have an open heart today to hear your will. I pray that this semester, I take heart in knowing that You are faithful, You are good, and that You adore me. I pray that I will be open to your will and that I will let it rule over my life. It's in your sweet name that I pray.

Little Dorm Post



Not one, but TWO Pathfinders packed and ready to be Anderson bound

________________________

Roommates are great.
School is great.
People are great.
Anderson is home, without a doubt.
That's all.

my bed :)



and Savannah's bed above mine



and Amanda's bed

and mine and Savannah's desks and dresser.

Welcome Home, Brenna.