A Life Changing Experience: Part 2

Hello friends! If you didn't read Part 1 and want to get caught up - click here.

When I sat in quiet moments with the Lord, I knew that teaching to men would compromise my standards and He had something better for me. He was saying “Wait.” So I said yes to Him and no to the job offer.

It was through this time that I began to really believe that my life was not defined by what I did for Christ but rather that Jesus Christ defined my life. I began to more fully understand that purpose comes not from trying to do for Christ but rather true purpose and fulfillment comes from living an obedient, closely connected life with Him.

My worth and value is not based upon what others think of me, what I think of myself, or even what I think other’s might be thinking of me!

As Susie Larson puts it in the Uncommon Woman, “People are not what they do…they are someone He enjoys. In big things and small things, amidst productive seasons and desolate ones, whether surrounded by loving friends or hostile enemies, we are His treasure, and that never changes.”

When I live with the awareness of just how much Jesus loves me and that He treasures me simply because I’m His, my perspective changes.

I began to realize that I didn’t need to be in the “spotlight” to share the love of Jesus with others and I decided that I could still connect with and encourage the women who I took classes with. God helped me to see people as His beloved and I started praying for those who just weeks before I had been so critical of.

As God continued working on my heart, I started to really enjoy the new gym and got to know some great women. I truly felt peaceful with where I was at and more importantly I felt so loved, so valuable, and so treasured by the Lord.

Now that's a great feeling!!

4 months after my gym suddenly closed, I got a call from a former co-instructor. She and another former instructor had just purchased my old gym and were reopening it - for women only.

That very day I actually got 2 calls to speak and the opportunity to teach again. I was overwhelmed and wasn’t even sure what the Lord wanted. Since Clint wasn’t home yet, I prayed that his response whether positive or negative would be the confirmation I needed to make the right decision.

When I told him, he was incredibly positive! I think his words were something like “Well, that’s a no-brainer. Aren’t you excited?!”

I am happily teaching again but I realize now that teaching doesn’t define me nor does speaking for that matter. I am not defined by what I do or how I look or even what others think of me. Jesus Christ defines me, period. And it’s when I live with this truth deeply embedded in my heart that I am never more free.

It was through a death of sorts that I was able to experience the love of Jesus in a more profound way. Though it was difficult at the time, I now can say that I wouldn’t have it any other way because I know Him more today than I did before and oh how I love Him!

Jesus Christ loves you. He calls you and me his “prized possession” in James 1:18. He wants you to experience His love everyday and it is possible, my friends! Look for Him today. Ask Him to speak to you.

Ps. 147:11 says “The Lord’s delight is in those who fear him, those who put their hope in his unfailing love.” He wants us to live in obedience to Him – trusting Him enough to do what He wishes with our lives. His plans are ultimately better than ours and we will find no greater joy and peace in life than when we’re living out His best for us.

Whether we’re walking through a time that feels like a death or enjoying the mountaintops right now – let’s not go through this life alone. Let’s stay connected to the Source of Life.

Today I’m giving away Lysa Terkeurst’s book, “What Happens When Women Walk in Faith.” God has used Lysa and her writings to draw me closer to Him so I'm so excited to give this book away today! I’ll choose a winner from the comments left after today’s post and post the winner on Friday!

Here’s a few of my favorite quotes from her book.

“Remember this journey will be a lot less about the places He eventually takes you and much more about the relationship He establishes with you along the way. He wants us to communicate with Him every day through every thought, every step, every victory, every defeat, every question, and every assurance.”

“Our heart must beat in tandem with His. The only way for that to happen is for us to constantly take our dream to Him with open hands and willingly declare, Yours. Yours. Yours!”

“The important thing is not what you do for God but rather that you come to know and believe Him along the way.”

“The enemy to having a great life is to simply lead a good life. A life where you seek comfort and ease above growth. A life where you avoid the risk of taking chances with God.”