Becoming a Proverbs 31 Women Part 2

     Becoming a Proverbs 31 Woman Part 2

    Day 4 was about maintaining your mindset.

    Proverbs 31:16-18 “She considers a field and buys it, out of her earnings she plants a vineyard. She sets about her world vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks. She sees that her trading is profitable, and he lamp does not go out at night”

    

    Proverbs 31:24 “She makes linen garments and sells them, and supplies the merchants with sashes.”

    1 Peter 4:10 “Each of you should use whatever gifts you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.”

    She worked inside and outside of her home and ran her own business. Her family is well looked after. Anyone else tired yet? She did not spend time scrolling on her phone. Although that too has its time and place too. The idea/ principle has also been suggested to me over the years that God gives us each enough grace to complete the tasks that He has give us to do. Meaning that some people can handle more than others and that there is no need to compare. I suspect the same can be applied in this case as well.

    The author reminds us that we are all different and should not compare our gifts and talents with those around us. This is becoming increasingly hard with social media, if you ask me.

    Proverbs 31:10 suggests that it is hard to find a woman like her. She is different in a good way. Not every woman can be her.

    Our identity should not be wrapped up in what we do or the gifts we have been given. Rather, in what Jesus says about us. We have been given these gifts in order to bless those around us, but they are not who we are. Yes, they can add to our identity, but they are not the most important part of our identity. For example. When someone asks us who we are, our first response should be that we are children of God. Then we can mention our athletic abilities, or the paintings we have painted, cakes we have baked, dresses we have sewn, books we have written, etc. Or the titles we hold. We are first a child of God before we are a wife, sister, friend, employee, etc. Because all those earthly titles can be taken away, but the title of Child of God can’t be taken away.

    She sees the value in her work. Not only is it helping others, but it is also producing income for her family. I have a tendency to not only undervalue myself, but my work as well. My excuse is often that “it's not my main income source,” so therefore I shouldn’t charge more. And because I love the task that I am doing or the service I am providing, it is wrong to charge for it. But both are false. If God allows it, we should be charging for the goods and services we provide that are outside of our main source of employment. Heck, maybe they will become our main source of income. I’m looking forward to building a business around sewing down that road, and maybe I need to charge more for my services. We shall see what God says when the time comes.

    Today’s challenge asks us to look at our lives and ask ourselves if there are areas where we are holding back because we do not value our gifts or are second-guessing our work? Where are my overthinkers today?

    Day 5 is about strength and dignity in action.

    Proverbs 31:17 “She sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks.”

    Proverbs 31:25 “She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come.”

    Proverbs 31:30 “Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.”

    2 Corinthians 12:9 “But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weakness, so that Christ’s power may rest on me” I’ve never quite understood boasting in our weakness. I guess we could say it like this, “I can’t, but God can.”

    As present-day Proverbs 31 women, we need to manage our time well. It's not about squeezing in every task. It's about prioritizing both the tasks and time. And if you are able, multitasking. It's also not about doing more and burning out. It's about sitting down with God and asking Him what He wants us to do in this season and every season to come. He will give you the strength to do all the things He has called you to do.

    She is also not focused on her outward appearance. She is dressed well and likely takes pride in her appearance, but she is more focused on the Lord and her relationship with Him and the tasks that He has given her.

    Today’s challenge asks us this: What does walking in strength look like for you practically today?

    There are a handful of verses that the Bible study leaves out, but I think are equally important.

    Proverbs 31:15 “She gets up while it is still dark; she provides food for her family and portions for her servant girls.”

    She is up at the crack of dawn preparing for the day and takes care of not only her family but also her servant girls. She could task her servant to prepare breakfast for her family, but that's not who she is. She serves others first. Also, it's okay if you are not a morning person. I’m sure that there are some Proverbs 31 women out there who are night owls.

    Proverbs 31:19 “In her hands she holds the distaff and grasps the spindle with her fingers.”

    We modern women have the advantage of going to the store and buying the fabric; we don’t have to make it first. Can you imagine how much longer it would take to make a pretty sundress? Oh, my goodness. And here I thought cutting out or creating a pattern was time-consuming.

    Proverbs 31:20 “She opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy.”

    Proverbs 31:21 “When it snows, she has no fear for her household; for all of them are clothed in scarlet.” She is always prepared for the season ahead.

    Proverbs 31:22 “She makes coverings for her bed; she is clothed in fine linen and purple.” Again, she is well dressed but not consumed by her outward appearance.

    Proverbs 31:23 “Her husband is respected at the city gate, where he takes his seat among the elders of the land.”

    Proverbs 31:26 “She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue.” She doesn’t say the first thing that comes to her mind; she thinks through what she wants to say and decides if it is helpful or necessary. Something I know I struggle with, and I imagine many others do as well.

    Proverbs 31:28 “Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her.”

    Proverbs 31:29 “Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all.”

    Proverbs 31:31 “Give her the reward she has earned, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.”

    At the end of the day, the Proverbs 31 woman is a blessed woman who knows her worth, works hard and loves her family. The list of things that she does may seem daunting to some, but I imagine that there are many of us who love and fear the Lord and are born-again believers who could have a similar list written about us.

    I pray that this encourages, blesses, challenges and teaches you today, friend. If you find yourself feeling condemned while reading this section of Scripture, don’t let the enemy get the best of you. Pray and ask the Holy Spirit what you should be working on to become a Proverbs 31 woman.

    God Bless

    ~Hannah

Becoming a Proverbs 31 Woman Part 1

    The topic for Day 1 was recognizing your worth and value.

    Proverbs 31:10. “A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies.”

    Noble character: a person possessing high moral principles, integrity and a magnanimous spirit. Ex. Courage, honesty, and selflessness.

    

    I am in the process of becoming a Proverbs 31 woman and a wife of noble character. I am better at practicing the qualities that a wife of noble character possesses when I am not feeling worthless or irritable. Holy Spirit is doing a lot of work in me at the moment. I realize that those are both feelings and should not be allowed to dictate things, but sometimes they do. I struggle with my emotions. But I desire to be a blessing to my husband and those around me, and now I'm thinking about it and wonder if I can be a blessing to myself. Is that a thing?

    2 Tim 3:16-17 “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.”

    Every word, every sentence of the Bible is helpful and useful for teaching. We can learn something valuable from every word even if it doesn't apply to our current situation. We can still learn from it.

    Psalms 139:14 “I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.”

    One of my favourite verses. I struggle to believe it someday, though; the morning that I started this reading plan was one of those mornings, and now that I'm writing and preparing to make it into a blog post, I feel like I'm retraumatizing myself with feelings from a few weeks ago that resurface regularly. The idea of triggering yourself is a weird feeling. I guess I never realized you could trigger yourself. Anyways, I'm fighting through these feelings because I want to write about this passage of scripture.

    While I was processing this Bible study, I was also struggling with how to separate my worth and my work in my everyday life. Meaning, how do I separate my adult responsibilities of cooking and cleaning for my family like every other responsible adult, but also reminding myself that it has nothing to do with my God-given value? Because work is not a bad thing. God gives us each work to do. It has been a few weeks since I started writing this post. Life has been busy. One of the mindsets I struggle with is the idea that when hubby asks me to do something for him, it somehow takes away my worth and value. Don’t ask, I can’t explain it. Anyways, I’m working on practicing reminding myself that it doesn’t take away my worth and that not only does hubby have value, but he is worth taking care of. If anything, taking care of others adds value to ourselves.

    The author of this Devo tries to encourage us that the P31 woman isn't real. Personally, I think she is. I think she is what God desires for all women. Not in a condemning way, but in an encouraging way. She is what we are aiming for, but we need to remind ourselves that we will not be perfect or check all the boxes. But we are to work towards her. But don't beat yourself up when you don't meet the mark. This text should bring freedom. I don’t believe we are all called to be a carbon copy of a P31 woman, but our own unique version of her.

This passage refers to all women, to the working wife, the working wife with kids and the stay-at-home mom and the housewife. We are all in there. All the elements of womanhood, so to speak, are in this passage. But not every verse is for everyone in every season. I guess some parts are literal and some are figurative depending on your season of life.

    The author reminds us that we are precious in God's eyes. The first verse in this passage talks about her worth, before her works are mentioned. When I first read that, I was so taken aback I didn't want to believe it at first and went and did a Google search to remind myself of what 'noble character ' really meant: that the word character refers to your personality, not your actions. I wrestled with the Holy Spirit over it for a bit. I wanted to believe that that was what I was reading, but struggling to accept it. The devotional portion of the Bible study stopped me in my tracks. I had never noticed that God says she is valued as a person before her wonderful deeds. I finally came to accept it. I went and shared with hubby what the Holy Spirit had revealed to me. I also realized that deep down I didn't want to work and earn my worth, and yet I feel that I have to. Yes, I know what Scripture says. I also struggle with that. If I just lost you on that, let me explain. Scripture says I don't have to earn my worth. Period. Okay, my struggle with all of us is that I don't want to have to work for my worth, but my head/heart (not sure which one is which at the moment) tells me that I do have to work for it, and that makes me upset.

    I went and shared all this with hubby. It felt like a big aha moment. I explained that I was feeling upset at the need to earn my worth. I said I understand what Scripture says and explained the disconnect. He then basically stopped me in my tracks and informed/reminded me that I was and am dealing with a spirit of religion. Religion says you have to work to get into heaven. But God says that it's a gift freely given. I don't think I realized that I had a religious spirit on me. Something I need to ask God's help on.

    Also, I'm feeling better now.  I worked through the negative emotions from earlier as I wrote out the first bit of this post and now am feeling better.

    Proverbs 31:11-12 “her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value. She brings him good, not harm all the days of her life.”

    After reading these verses, I asked myself how I am doing in this department. I believe 90% of the time I bring him good and not harm.  One of my struggles is along with working on my worth, is that I don't love myself, and that overflows into our marriage by me struggling to love him as well and not becoming reactive when something happens that triggers my issues.

    1 Cor 12:17-20. “If the whole body were an eye, where would the sense of hearing be? If the whole body were an ear, where would the sense of smell be? But in fact God has placed the parts in the body, every one of them, just as he wanted them to be.  If they were all one part, where would the body be? As it is, there are many parts, but one body.”

    Many parts, but one body.

    Proverbs 31:27 “she watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness.”

    Day 2 is about stewarding your relationships.

    

    The author starts by talking about the importance of trust in our relationships. Regardless if we are married and referring to our relationship with our husband or just our girlfriends. In our friendships, it could look like keeping any plans we make with our friends. Within our marriage and household, it's about being trustworthy, dependable and reliable, among other things. It's about keeping your word and completing whatever tasks you agreed to do in the timeline you agreed to. Our husbands have confidence in us knowing that we will make dinner for our family and that we will do our best to have it served on time. Or whatever the task is.

    The author then adds the passage about all the different parts of the body of Christ and how that is both played out in our friendships and in our marriages.

    Proverbs 31, verses 11 and 12 also speak to the fact that she respects, honours and submits to her husband. The text doesn't directly say that she does submit, but I imagine that she does, considering her character.

    She is a blessing to him and takes care of all the details of their life. She sees to it that his favourite snacks are refilled and his shower gel never runs out.

    Proverbs 31:27. “She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness.”

    She looks after her household. She pays attention to her family's needs and doesn't worry about what the neighbours are doing. She isn't comparing her home and the dirty dishes in the sink, although there probably aren't any, to the neighbours' highlight reel from their recent vacation.

    Culture these days tries to tell us that we don't need traditional gender roles or that romantic relationships can work between same sex couples. The Bible is clear, though, that it doesn't work. Traditional gender roles work because that's how God created us to function. Every marriage is a little different, of course, but for the majority of couples, traditional roles work.

    At the end of each day's reading, the author gives a challenge. Today's challenge asks us to make a list of the roles we play in our lives. Child of God, wife, daughter, employee, etc. It then goes on to ask us how we can serve more intentionally in those relationships. Not necessarily with more time/energy. But are there other ways we can be more intentional in our roles and relationships?

    Day 3 is about using what is in your hands.

    P 31:13-14 “she selects wool and flax and works with eager hands. She is like the merchant ships, bringing her food from afar.”

    Not only does she work hard, but she has a good attitude about it. I am a hard worker, but I don't always have a good attitude about it. She ensures that her family is well fed and looked after. She is willing to travel a distance and inconvenience herself in order for them to eat good food. She puts effort into feeding her family. Actually, she puts effort into everything she does. She doesn't just order in. That being said, ordering in does have its place.

    Exodus 4:2 “then the Lord said to him, 'what is that in your hand?' "A staff," he replied.”

    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.”

    On the days that I have energy, I work happily. But on the days when I'm tired, or something else is wrong, I don't work with a joyful heart. A little convicting today. Holy Spirit, with the help of hubby, recently convicted me that it's not enough to do a task without complaining; our actions, particularly including our body language, need to be loving. Actions speak louder than words.

    The author talks about how many woman now work outside the home as much as inside the home. Holy Spirit is convicting me about making sure I give my best at home along with work. I give my best at work, but tend to not give my best effort at home. I apologized to hubby when I got home. Then started making changes.

We should also think about the gifts and talents that God has given you and ask Him if you can make a side hustle out of it. He might say no, or not yet, but He might say yes.

    Personally, I was raised with the opinion that even if you, as a wife, are not working outside the home, you should have some sort of job to help your family. Mom ironed shirts for a man and cleaned houses.

    God is not asking us to be perfect. But He is asking us to do our best with what He has given us and to love on those around us well. By human standards, the Proverbs 31 woman is an impossible standard, but with God, all things are possible.

    I pray that this post teaches, encourages, challenges, and blesses you today, friend.

    

    God Bless

    ~Hannah

Picking The Right Purse Style For Me.

    As a young girl, I switched my purse almost as often as I switched my underwear.

    I loved all the different sizes and styles of purses. I was likely in my late teens when I started to 'calm down' and stop changing my purse so often. To this day, I still have a collection of purses, though, a fraction of what I used to have, mind you.

    Anyway, I go back and forth on which purse style is best for me. Last year, I decided I wanted to have a smaller purse and be more minimalist and surprisingly I was decently successful. I am not by nature a light packer. I also struggle a bit with liking a certain style of purse, but afraid of the image it gives off.

    I watched a video recently talking about what style and size of purse you should use according to your physical size and personality type. The video had some interesting points and did direct me towards a style of purse that I do like and have used in the past. But I was still struggling with it. The style was fine, but I didn't truly love it.

    I was sitting on my couch the other day, thinking about it again and stressing over it. I told myself to picture myself sitting down at a booth at Tim Hortons. Then I asked myself what outfit I was wearing and was thrilled by the response. Then I asked myself what style of purse I had just placed on the table. I quickly answered myself. I felt relief and peace. I had picked the purse. A pink top handle style with a structured body. The style of purse that woman mostly carry on their elbow. I have had this style on and off over the years, and sometimes worry about the look/image it gives off. That I'm uptight, snooty, preppy (in a bad way), etc., but in all honesty, those are some of my characteristics, and I'm not ashamed of some of them.

    If you can't tell by now, I struggle with indecision, people-pleasing, and worrying about what people will think. All things I am working on.

    So, if you also struggle with being indecisive about one topic or another. Try practicing picturing yourself in a situation, and ask yourself what you are doing, or in my case, what are you wearing/carrying? I was pleasantly surprised to see how freeing it felt to honestly answer myself.

    I feel a little silly and embarrassed to be posting such a trivial and inconsequential post. Most of my posts are substantially more spiritual and, in theory, add real value. But not everything that we post online has to be super serious.

I pray that this post blesses and encourages you in whatever way you need today, friend.

God Bless

~Hannah

Time to Grow Up

    I have written on this topic before, but this time it's different. It's also harder because I'm about to be more vulnerable and admit to a more awkward sin in my life. Up until recently, I was a grown-up who threw temper tantrums when I didn’t get my way. Really grown up, eh? Hubby has been rightfully calling me out on it for years, but I wasn't listening. Okay, I was listening but not changing.

    A few weeks ago, we were watching a movie, and I threw a temper tantrum. He rightfully called me out, and then he gave me a word from God. I needed to spiritually grow up as well. I needed to move from spiritual milk to solid food. Something changed that night. God got a hold of me.

    I don't recall what all went through my head and heart that night, but something shifted. Weekend mornings are usually hard because I would rather do my own thing than make breakfast for my family. Which usually end in a fight or argument of some sort

    Well, the next morning, it was the weekend, and I don't recall which day. I made up my mind to make breakfast for hubby and me. I was still struggling with my attitude, but it was a start. I reminded myself that part of being a grown up was doing things that we don't always want to do, but know that we should do them or that we know that they need doing. I was still heightened, and it still landed in a small disagreement. But smaller than usual. Progress.

    I believe within a day of hubby's last 'you need to grow up' speech. God gave him another word for me. God wanted to remind me that I am His daughter. I decided that the next day, when I have my quiet time with the Lord, I would start a Bible study on being a daughter of God. I found a plan that I had saved in my 'You Version' app a long time ago and restarted it. I do find that You Version Bible studies are not always accurate; sometimes, the passages they use are not in context, so you need to be mindful. That being said, the study I read over the next few days was all on point and everything I needed to hear. Praise the Lord.

    I can't fully describe all of what God has done over the last few weeks in me. All I know is that I am a changed woman. Not flawless by any means. But changed. I feel free.

    I have repented to hubby and God, and I do ask that if anyone reading this has experienced one of my childhood temper tantrums, that you would forgive me. I apologize, and I am embarrassed by how I once acted.

    And now it's time to move on and move forward into this next season of life with Christ. I feel more at peace and calm. More than I have ever felt before. Not every day will be perfect by any means, but that's where God's grace comes into play. Progress isn't always linear. Sometimes it's two steps forward and one step backwards.

    I'm practicing apologizing to hubby and not defending or explaining myself. Simply apologizing and asking for forgiveness. Which is a huge step forward for me. I am also practicing saying, 'yes, but give me five minutes,' when hubby asks for something when I'm in the middle of doing something. The old me would get up and storm around while I did what he politely asked for. This new practice is definitely a work in progress. But again, progress isn't linear, and praise God for His grace.

As always, I pray that this blesses, encourages, and maybe challenges you in someway shape or form today, friend.

God Bless

~Hannah

Comparing Platforms

    I recently looked on YouTube for hair care ideas, routines, etc. I researched it a long time ago, and every so often, I go on and see if there is anything new. Usually, there isn't. To my pleasant surprise, there was new information. Or at least new to me. I was very excited about all the info and couldn't wait to share it here with you. But, in the process of being excited, I questioned if anyone would see it. Personally, I go to YouTube for hair information. Not an online blog or article. At least for the most part. And yes, I know that there are people who read my blog, and it blesses me when I hear any feedback. And yes, I know that if you are a regular reader, you already read that blog.

    Anyways, I thought that because I go to YouTube for hair info, I assume everyone else does. But I'm not a YouTuber. And even if I did make a video, I doubt everyone would see it because you need to make a whole lot of videos before anyone's algorithm picks you up. I also don’t think I have the confidence to talk into a camera and make a video. I also know that the amount of time and energy that it takes to edit videos is crazy, and I don’t have it to give.

    I also thought about making a video about what I have learned over the years since I got back into sewing. But, again, some problem. I have hemmed and hawed about both of these items and what I wanted to do. I eventually wrote about all the hair things I learned about. Although I don't like how I structured that post. I'm thinking of redoing it. Making it into two posts. One about all that I learned and another about what my routine looks like. I have considered making a youtube channel for sewing turotirals, but I know that this is not the correct season for that. Maybe down the road. Or maybe I’ll just write sewing tutorials instead.

    Anyways, the other day, I was sitting on our bed editing a blog post. Hubby came in and hung out for a bit. We talked about my blog, and he encouraged me. He is so sweet and supportive when it comes to my blog. He doesn’t care for them himself, but is happy for me and how God has used me to help and encourage others. I told him about what you just read, and we started talking about all the different platforms there are and how God calls us to different ones. I told him about the cop that I just started following in the States. This cop feels called by God to be a cop and to make videos and then post them online. In the first video of hers that I saw, she addressed the topic of God calling her into being a police officer and how being a woman has given her unique oppertunities to encourage those who are in trouble with the law for different reasons. She was at the scene of a car accident once, and one of the people involved was a young woman who needed her mom, who was not there at the moment, and this officer held her and let her cry in her arms. There was also a time when there was a little child in a situation, and because of the abuse that little boy had suffered at the hands of men, he didn’t trust men and wouldn’t talk to or hug the officer (I don’t remember the particulars). So she stepped in and took care of the little boy. I was in tears for the majority of that video. I went to the comment section, thanked her for what she had said and told her that she had just “earned” herself a new follower.

    Hubby talked about how he likes YouTube and how podcasts are also a great platform. I agreed. I then felt reassured in my spirit that the platform that God has given me is my blog, and I am so grateful for it and blessed by it. I am also equally thankful and blessed that God has called other people to make podcasts or videos and post them on whichever platform He directs them to.

    

    So, I’m going to continue enjoying the platform that God has blessed me with and be blessed by others who have content on other platforms. While Blessing and I were out exercising the other day, I was meditating on this post and thinking about how, at the end of the day, this is all just a comparison game. One of which I do not wish to be a part of. God has made each of us unique with our own gifts and talents, and instead of comparing our lives to others, we should be lifting each other up. I was thinking about how there was someone in my life for a season who was a very quiet person, and whenever I was around them, I felt calm and at peace. I enjoyed their presence. I talked to another quieter person and said how sometimes I wish I were a quieter person because sometimes my big personality gets me into trouble. This person’s response was that she wished she were bolder and less quiet. So, instead of equally enjoying our own personalities and each other, we were simply comparing ourselves to each other.

    I pray that this encourages you in whatever platform or lack there of that God has called you to. Not everyone is meant to have an online presence, and that is good, too.

God Bless

~Hannah

God has each of us on our own beautiful journey.

Journaling Over Social Media

    When I first started writing my blog, I would journal whatever was on my heart and then type it up on my computer and edit it. It was quite a lengthy process, and I struggled to find the time to complete it. But I love writing in a physical journal, so I would. I eventually transitioned into typing it on my phone instead of my journal. I noticed I had more time to sit for a minute on my breaks at work or out and about, and typing on my phone was faster and more convenient. Then emailed it to myself and finished editing it on my computer. Much faster and more convenient to write it as well.

    Recently, I was taking notes after listening to a sermon. I tried to type it on my phone as I had before, but it felt awkward and cumbersome. So I returned to my journal and loved the process. Yes, it took twice as long, but I enjoyed it.

    I found myself doing the same thing after listening to a podcast the other day. Feeling awkward taking notes on my phone, so I went back to my journal. For both messages, I brought my journal to work with me and wrote during my breaks or sometimes scrolled on my phone instead. I decided last week to do a social media fast, yes, some of you are reading this on Facebook. I post it from my blog website to Facebook, but I don't look at Facebook, check notifications or start scrolling. I simply post and leave.

    The other day, I was going through my bookshelf and getting rid of some old books. I saw a handful of journals, both new and used and started longing for them in my soul. At work the next day, I was journaling a reflection of what God taught me through the recent podcast I listened to, and I thought about how kind God is. I am no longer mindlessly scrolling on social media; I'm redeeming the time and using it to journal instead. He has given me the desire of my heart back with journaling, and at the moment, I'm enjoying it during my breaks at work. That being said, there is nothing wrong with social media. It has its place. It's a tool, not a toy. And for the next little bit, I'm enjoying putting down that tool and picking up my pen and journal instead. There is something very therapeutic about journaling.

    So friend, if this encourages, challenges or blesses you in any way, then that is a blessing to me aswell. So, lets put down our phones a little more often and pick up a book or a journal or whatever it is that God is calling you back to and see what God has in store for us.

Happy Sunday, friend

God Bless

~Hannah

Surrendering Certainty

When I opened up Spotify to listen to a podcast recently. I asked the Holy Spirit what podcast I should listen to. He directed me to 'The Proverbs 31 Ministries podcast'. One of my regulars. I opened up their podcast and looked for an episode. I came across this one, “How To Trust God When You Don’t Have All the Answers” with Abby McDonald. I started listening and instantly knew it was the one. One of the first things that Abby talked about was “2x4 moments.” I smiled and shed a tear. For me, it means I have checked and double checked with God, and He lovingly conforms again, usually by saying, 'I already told you,' and it feels like He is hitting me upside the head with a '2x4'. I shed a tear because not only was it relatable, but it also showed me that this really was the episode God wanted me to hear.

    For Abby, a '2x4 moments’ refers to a moment when you seek after God for an answer, and when He gives it to you, it's crystal clear with bells and whistles. If I recall corectly, she mentioned that leading up to those moments God did answer, but they were queiter answers that she may have missed.

    She goes on to tell a story of how God's leading in a situation was unmistakable. Now. That being said, there were months of prayers leading up to that answer. It wasn't instantaneous for her. She shared that after God gave her and her husband the answer.  Then they started moving in the direction of the answer, but as they did that, they had some roadblocks. Which I imagine we either have experienced those situations or will someday. So, every time a “roadblock” would appear and they started questioning God, they reminded themselves that God did, in fact, give them clear direction earlier, and they clung to that.

    She shared that as the years went by, she has less of these big '2x4 moments’ and now receives smaller nudges. On her walks with her dog, which is one of my ways to connect with God, too. God has now given her a ministry to help encourage others when they are struggling to hear God's voice. She reminded me and anyone else listening to that episode that God also speaks to us all differently, and it's beautiful to watch. I have recently come to love how differently God speaks to hubby and me. Or at least I’m working on it. I still struggle to compare how the Holy Spirit speaks to each of us, but I am working on it. Sometimes when one of us is praying for something, God will tell the other person the answer, and we can then enjoy the confirmation of whatever we needed/wanted to know.

    She shared how she connected with and understood God while she was growing up, and how everything changed about her perspective of God when she had her own children. She learned that God wants to hear about all her desires. She noticed that not only did her children trust her and felt safe with her, but they also freely and openly came to her with their requests. Just like how God wants us to come to Him. She learned over the years, like many others I imagine, that God also speaks through our hearts or a burning we feel in our soul. After seeing her children approach her the way they were, it encouraged her to approach God the same way. She noticed that God was shaping and moulding her into the woman that He wanted her to be. Which is such a beautiful thing. The idea that as we seek God, He moulds us into the men and women that He desires us to be.

    She spoke on the story in John 10. The story of the Shephard and His flock, and how in vs 9 Jesus says that He is the gate and if anyone enters by me, he will be saved. From this verse, we learn. 

1. The sheep aren't standing around waiting for direction. They are moving around. They aren't waiting for someone to tell them to graze in the place that God has led them to. They simply grazed. It also reminded me that after we pray for an answer, we are to wait, well, what do “waiters” do? They serve. So, while we wait for the answer, we continue with our daily tasks and serving others.

2. They are enjoying the provisions that God has already given them. Ouch. That preaches. I don't know about you, but I have definitely complained about something I prayed and asked God for. They also aren't waiting for another door. They have already walked through the gate, Jesus. How many gates do we want God to open up for us, but He already has, we just don't want to go through it. I'm walking through one of those doors as we speak.

3. The Shepherd, Jesus, never leaves the sheep (us). He is always with us.

    Abby admired that more often than not, she questions His voice rather than act on Him. We ask for a sign and then question God when he gives us one.

    She hit the ball out of the park when she said that the question that the serpent asked Eve, 'Did God really say that?' is the same question we are asking today. Now, we are asking with a different spirit, but the same question. We think that if God just gave us all the answers, we would have more faith. But that's not how faith works. Hebrews 11:1,2 NKJV “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. For by it the elders obtain a good testimony.”

    She reminds us that we think the more info we have, the better. But our world of tech and the internet at our fingertips has taught us the exact opposite. We have so much stress, anxiety and worry these days. We have more answers than ever before and less peace of mind. Because God is infinite and we are finite, He knows that we can only handle the information that we need for today. He isn't keeping it from us to harm us, rather to protect and love on us.

    In Matthew 11:28 NKJV “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and My burden is light.” He says He wants us to bring our burdens to Him. Even if we don't feel like He is there or listening. He is there. He is likely working behind the scenes. We are trying to carry a yoke that doesn't fit us. We are trying to take on more knowledge than we can carry because we think it will help us, but in reality, it just hurts instead.

    God taught the speaker and is now teaching me to not only trust God's voice but also His character. Because God is trustworthy. I'm reminded of the phrase 'WWJD', what would Jesus do? When you are in a situation, and God feels quiet, think about how He would respond and do your best to act accordingly.

    She reminds us that when we fall for the deceiver and try to be like God and have more knowledge, we are being like Eve and failing. God gave Eve all the knowledge she would need for her life, and we need to trust that God has given and will give us all the knowledge at the correct time. He wants us to have freedom, and part of that freedom is freedom from worrying about tomorrow. Matthew 6:34 NKJV "Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble."

    He wants to speak to us and have a relationship with us if we will only listen. If we are honest with ourselves, we may come to see that we treat our faith like a checklist or a to-do list at times. But God wants so much more for us than that, and if we will approach God with an open heart. He will reveal Himself to us. Something I'm working on. I have recently discovered that the Holy Spirit talks to me through reading plans. I don’t absorb very much of the Bible if I just read it. But if I follow a reading plan, the Holy Spirit uses it to transform me.

    It can also feel frustrating when you are earnestly seeking the Lord and an answer for something, and he hasn't answered yet and so you don't know what to do.

God also can't speak to a heart that is closed off to him. So check and see if your heart is turned off from him. Also, don't get upset and turn your heart off to God when He isn't answering you. I am guilty of that.

    If you are struggling to hear from God while waiting for an answer. Ask a friend to pray for you and with you. It's funny, just the other day I was feeling frustrated and waiting on God to answer a prayer. I got home and shared with hubby my frustration. He prayed, and God answered. Unfortunately, I didn't like the answer and wanted to pray again and get a different answer. But that's not how God works. So I accepted the answer and moved on. I decided to be grateful for the answer I had received and go from there. Don't close the door of communication with God. Keep it open. Be honest with Him. Emotions are okay. Good Infact. God gave them to us so we should bring them to Him. Read through the Psalms for comfort. The Psalms are full of lament and worship. Pray through the Psalms and share your heart with God.

I pray this encourages, challenges and blesses you today, friend. It certainly did for me.

God Bless

~Hannah