Hey everyone!

Sometimes, when I was younger, I would watch acceptance speeches at award shows. Some of the award winners would come on stage and say, “first I would like to thank God…” And I said to myself, that if I ever won an award, I would say that too. Why? I’m not sure, I just thought it was what I was supposed to do as a Christian. Well, last week, I went through some pretty stressful times at my job and I fully understood why the winners always thanked God.

So last week was the most stressed and overwhelmed I have been in my life; more stressful than applying for colleges and definitely more stressful than studying for finals. There were a couple of days I was on the verge of tears because it was all too much for me. There was only so much I could do in a 9-hour day, but there was so much to be done.

Tuesday night, I stayed home (instead of going to Bible study) and had my own quiet time with the Lord. It was through worship songs, prayer, and reading the Bible, that I started to feel better. Wednesday at work was a little better and by Thursday, you couldn’t even tell that the first part of my week was like hell. It was through this experience that the Lord showed me that He is taking me through a process to get ready for my next chapter.

The best part about going through this experience was that I was able to share it with the students at my church. I won’t give the whole thing here (I can post it on my YouTube if you want to watch it), but I will give the highlights.

1. God intends for us to go through the process

Ephesians 2:10 “For we are God’s masterpiece, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which was prepared in advance for us to do. ”

In order for us to grow, we have to go through some type of process. We don’t just go from immature to mature or somewhat knowledgeable to really smart over night. There is a process that God takes us through so He can take us to the next chapter, which will bring Him glory.

2. God gives us the tools we need for the process

John 16:33 “I have told you these things, so that in me you will have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

In this verse, God tell us that we will go through some hard situations and troubles…but He also promises us peace and victory. The process will hurt, can be frustrating, and even last a long time, but we can have peace knowing that we will get through it all with God.

3. God wants to use our process to help others

1 Peter 5:9 “Stand firm against [the devil], and be strong in your faith. Remember that your family of believers all of the world is going through the same kind of suffering you are.”

Bishop Dudley in Illinois once preached a message titled “Our Journey, His Story.” And it resonated with me so much, that I created my first blog and titled it myjourneyhisstory.blogger.com. The point I’m trying to make is our story is not only for us, it’s to help others as well. We can share advice and resources with others, as they go through a situation we have already experienced in life.

Now I have a reason to thank God, because He is helping me to continually grow and is with me every step of the way. Are you going through something and need advice? Or have you gone through something and want to share those lessons with others? Comment below. There is power in community, and in helping one another.

Want to hear more about the process? Check out this amazing sermon by Bianca Olthoff, who preached at my church this past Sunday. She also has a new book out called “How to Make Your Life Not Suck,” so pick up a copy.

Have a great Tuesday!

Love,

Britt ❤️