Tag: Jeremiah 29:11

Barefoot Devotions

A Never Ending Light

Hannah B.

The Discovery

In the thick forest surrounded by darkness that seems to be thick with shadows, she continues to walk along the path that is set out before her. The wind is still stirring around her causing her long dark hair to blow into a tangled mess.

The debris from the last storm has covered most of her path. The aftermath of the storm is making it difficult to judge if she is even on the right path. Her vision is clouded with darkness that seems to be closing in in her.

Determined to fight through, she manages to move her feet forward and shuffle through the shattered pieces and belongings that lie around her. As she looks down and remembers the pieces that were once whole and the story they tell, sadness begins to match the power of darkness.

Once again, she is determined to look toward a light that seems to be pulling her feet forward. Knowing that if she doesn’t look forward, she will surely die. Dying was not option. She was tired of dying over and over through every storm.

Staring at the pieces of her aftermath on the ground, she cried out in desperation, “Surely, this is not what life is!” Deep down she knew she was called for more, but what? What could she possibly do that was worth anything? She was trapped in the tangled mess and broken pieces the storm left behind.

There was the light again. It was so close but yet so far away. It was peaceful and it seemed to have what she so desperately needed. A deep yearning that she did not realize was there. Unsure of where this light was coming from or what it was, it had found her. It was the opposite of everything else she knew, so surely it was good. Surely, it would help her find her way. Still surrounded by darkness, she focused her eyes ahead and chose to follow it with a desire to be enveloped in this light.

As she was walking further down the path, she realized the light grew brighter at her feet. It was leading her away from the storms that never seemed to let up and the aftermath that was left behind.

The closer she walked toward the light, the heavy burdens of being tangled in her mess were coming less worrisome. Though it was still dark, she could see at her very step and it was peaceful because she knew that as she walked toward the light, it would shine before her feet took the next step.

Abba Father. Jesus. My savior. You have searched for me and you found me. You have saved me.

Her name is Faith and this is how she was found.

A Lesson

Although we walk on dark paths in life’s unknowns, we can rest knowing that our Father has already gone before each of our lives. He has strategically planned out our every move, every day of our life, and our every breath.

He has forseen every problem we will face and has already come up with the perfect solution. We don’t need plan A, B, or C because He has the one.

Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

It’s for your benefit. It may be painful as we endure trials, but in the end, the perseverance will lead us to a greater purpose and great joy.

1 Peter 5:10 And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you.

By reading God’s Word and focusing on Jesus, our faith will grow as we begin to understand God’s heart. We are able to trust that He is there with us, has already gone before us, we do not need to fear the darkness because Jesus’ words are the light that will always lead us to our purpose that we were predestined for before we were born.

He is a light that is always twinkling and desires to catch your eye. When we allow darkness to seep in, it will cloud our spiritual eyes like a dark fog. Often we wonder why God has left us? But He has not. We have simply strayed too far down the wrong path, away from Him. It’s up to us to turn around and find Him. Chase Him. Run to Him. Don’t look back.

It’s up to us to turn the light on. We don’t have to look very far because He is closer than our earthly eyes perceive.

Psalm 119:105 – Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.

 

Xoxo,

Hannah B.

Barefoot Devotions // Faith Over Fear Series

Faith Over Fear: Season Two // Day Six

Hannah B.

As you begin to sprout into the person God has called you to be, you realize that the process is a lot harder than it looks. You will face situations in your life that will cause you to ask, “Why is this happening to me?” or “How could things be so great and I was so full of joy and happiness but now I feel like this?” Maybe you feel slightly disappointed that what you hoped for would come true. Even though our worldly surroundings are changing, we can always count on God to carry us through whatever situation we face. We know that He is working out ALL circumstances, emotions, and encounters for your benefit and for His glory. If something or someone is removed from your life, you can have full confidence that God is working behind the scenes to provide you with something far greater than your mind can comprehend. When doubt creeps in, REJOICE for what He has done for you and thank Him for what He is doing. We must continue to move forward in our growth process, no matter are uncomfortable we are!

For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. – Jeremiah 29:11

Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. – Philippians 1:6

Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; 6 in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. – Proverbs 3:5-6

Practicing

In what ways or situations are you facing that are causing doubt?

In what ways are you feeling uncomfortable as you grow into your new self?

How will you change your mindset to focus on God?

Praying

Heavenly Father,

I want to thank you for what you have done for me and I rejoice in knowing you have a perfect future that you designed for me. Even though, I can’t see with my earthly eyes and I am feeling afraid, worried, and doubting you, please take these feelings and remind me turn to you when they start taking over. In Jesus’ Name, Amen!

Xoxo,

Hannah B.

Barefoot Devotions

It’s all in the details

Hannah B.

We’ve made to the weekend! I’ve been wanting to share this with y’all but life keeps getting in the way. That’s no excuse!

This was originally posted on my Facebook Wednesday night:

I am amazed at how God doesn’t just take care of the big things in our lives but He throws in details so small they could be missed if you didn’t have your spiritual eyes open and your spiritual ears listening. Details that are meant for YOU.

I’ve been praying for confirmation to know if I am on the right path with the blog. I almost quit this week but God has shown up sooo many times and hit me over the head with a cast iron skillet full of signs and answers this week. I opened my Bible tonight with the intention of reading Romans but this is the very page I opened to. No book marks. Unzipped and opened to this very page. This is one of my absolute favorite verses that means so much to me.

This is why:

After we moved, I asked God, “What next? We made it here. Your plan for my husband is in motion and happening but what about me? What in the world do I do here? What’s my plan? You said you have plans to prosper me and not harm me, plans that will give me hope and a future. Please show me.”

As I sit here and cry happy (some sad) tears for the 100th time today, He has reminded me this whole week that I am on the right path for the future He has planned for little ‘ol me.

So, what did He do for little ‘ol you this week? Feel free to leave a comment or email me. I’d love to hear from you.

Xoxo,

Hannah B.

Barefoot Devotions

New Year: Hopes, Expectations & Reality

Hannah B.

We have made it to a new day and a new year. I’ve contemplated what I want to accomplish and the changes in my life that I want to make for the new year. This morning I woke up to a text from someone I consider one of my best friends. Little does she know, one of my resolutions is to always wake up to Jesus and His word. The passage she sent me was perfect for me to read on this first day of January.

Hebrews 4:16 So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive His mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it.

I always start the year off with a hopeful heart and a mindset to make changes to areas in my life for the better. However, along the way and after a few bumps on my path, I falter. The enemy knows the weakness of my flesh and he knows how to make me stumble. I think this has been the reason why I usually don’t make resolutions. I don’t keep them. I can honestly say, I never have. But ya know what? I’m not perfect. Ya know what else I know? If I do fall to temptation and eat the fudge covered brownie and ice cream, say a swear word or even say or think something I shouldn’t… God has already been before me. His son Jesus died on a cross and forgave my sins a long time ago. He knows what my future holds and He already knows every detail of my life, mind and how I will react to any situation I may be faced with this upcoming year. With Him, every day is made new.

Even if we falter, His grace and mercy are always available to us to help us through any hardship we are faced with. When life gets tough and you feel as you can’t go on or what’s the point in even trying, will you go to His throne room? The place of love, peace, grace and mercy that His son Jesus died for us to have continual access Him? Once you do meet Him there, dust off your knees and pick up where you left off and do better. Use it as a learning experience to grow into the person He has called you to be. It’s not going to be easy but with Him all things are possible. He cares for you in a way that is too indescribable and cares for all of your hopes and dreams. After all, He did give you those when He made you.

Psalm 37:4

Delight yourself in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart.

Psalm 37:23

The LORD directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives.

Regardless, the reward will be well worth it. His throne room is always open and His arms are always open with grace and mercy that each of us need on a daily basis. Will you go boldly to Him as you live each day of your life?

That is my resolution. To go boldly in all things. To live boldly for Him and allow all of my hearts desires, dreams and hopes fall into place for His glory. To live for His perfect plan for the days He has had mapped out for my life since before I was knit together in my mother’s womb.

Psalm 139 13:14

For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I will praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.

It is wonderful knowing that God makes every day new, even on our worst days. Lets be bold this year and boldly accept His plan for our lives. Even when trials come, let us remember that we started a new year off to a better us and even when we falter, every day is made new.

Wishing you God’s best for your life and with much love,

Hannah B. (2)