Tag: life

Barefoot Devotions

A Purposeful Journey

Hannah B.

Jonah 4:2 NLT |So he complained to the Lord about it: “Didn’t I say before I left home that you would do this, Lord? That is why I ran away to Tarshish! I knew that you are a merciful and compassionate God, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love. You are eager to turn back from destroying people.

You have been uniquely crafted by the hands of the Creator for a specific purpose that only you can fulfill.  But what if we don’t like where God is asking us to go or do? What if it’s too scary?  Perhaps, you don’t feel qualified?

Jonah’s life teaches us one thing and that is this:  God will have His way.  

You have the power to choose to take the way God desires for you or you can take the way you desire.  In the opening chapter, God doesn’t waste any time in telling Jonah, “Go to the great city of Nineveh and preach against it, because its wickedness has come up before me.”

 Then there is a but.

 Jonah decided to hop on a boat and head in the opposite direction, away from God.   We quickly see that Jonah’s life is being interrupted by God – the very One he was trying to flee from because he did not like the mission that God called him to.  Once the sailors realized that Jonah’s God was causing the great storm, Jonah told them to throw him overboard so that the storm would stop.  

If Jonah would have simply said, “Okay God, You know best” and set out to complete his mission, a lot of time could have been saved and he would have avoided putting himself and the lives of others in danger and being swallowed up by a fish.    Instead, it took being inside the fish’s belly for three days to finally understand that God’s plan was going to happen.   I know I have found myself stuck inside the stomach of a fish until I came to God’s senses.   Once Jonah finally makes it to his destination and completes the mission God gave him, the people immediately repent of their sins and turn their hearts back to God.  

God is so gracious and compassionate that when we truly repent and seek His face, He is faithful to forgive us of our sins – regardless of how dark and rotten our hearts are.  Here is the other but:  Jonah wasn’t happy.   He would have preferred the entire nation be judged, condemned, and destroyed.   All through the mission, Jonah’s heart was not compassionate, and he is treating this great calling like a task that has to be done.   Even at the end of the story (Jonah 4:4), he is more worried about his reputation and says, “it would be better for me to die than live.”

Whatever God has called us to, He has equipped us, and He has prepared the place and people that we will serve and witness to.   It’s so much easier to allow fear, doubt, and our own selfish desires to overrule our judgments and plans than to listen to God because it removes “us” from the equation. It’s important to not Listening to God requires us to die to self and choose God and His plan over the desires and dreams we may have for our life.  Sometimes the hardest thing we have to do is to be compassionate toward someone we may feel they don’t deserve grace.

 

 In the grand scheme of things, the plan God has for your life is oh, so good!  His purpose is to work everything for the good of those who love Him.  If we fully submit to Him and His will, we are guaranteed this promise!  Just as we see in the testimony of Jonah, God’s compassion for us is continual and even when we don’t listen the first time, He will provide another chance.

Romans 8:28 | And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.

So next time God sends you on a mission, do a heart check and go with a joyful heart and a willing spirit to serve!

Let’s Ponder!

1.        How many buts are you going to let come between you and your purpose that was uniquely hand crafted for you?

2.       What is God calling you to do but your heart is not in it?

3.        Will you allow God to work on your heart to prepare you to go with a heart of joy?

Let’s Pray

Heavenly Father,

I thank You for creating me specifically for the unique purpose that You have called me to.  I ask that You continue to shape me into the person You created me to be so that I may fulfill the call You have on my life.   Make my heart match Yours and the desires You have for my life, guide me as I walk closer with You and discover my unique purpose.  When the buts come, remind me of your grace and that You have called me for such a time as this.  In Jesus’ Name, I pray, Amen.

Barefoot Devotions

Wandering In The Darkness

Hannah B.

I was driving home last night from Bible study and I was spending time talking to God about this current season I am in. The night time in Eastern Kentucky is a different kind of dark compared to the the city night I am used to. As this thought came to my mind, I realized that this season I am isn’t any different.

God showed me that even though this season isn’t ideal to me, it’s necessary. He is still here and when He answers me, it’s like a huge bright light shining on my path.

Often times in our journey, we find ourselves wandering in the dark. Seeking and searching for any kind of sign from God that will bring comfort, peace, or an answer as we continue to walk out the call God has for our life.

During this season of trials and tribulations, we can take comfort in knowing that God’s eye is on us. If we stay focused on Him, He won’t let us aimlessly walk in the dark without a purpose. He is there and we can trust that He is purposefully guiding us. He is allowing us to get to know Him intimately and is building our trust in Him. Though He may seem far away, the next time He speaks to you, answers a prayer, or gives you what your spirit is needing – it will be the brightest and purest light bulb moment that can’t be missed.

Though I have been in the dark and have felt like I have been aimlessly kicking up dirt down here on Earth, it’s the clearest I have ever heard from God in any season. For me, these moments have been pivotal and defining.

I pray you are having them too as we need to always be growing, stretching, and planting seeds. Too many people given up the fight in the darkness. Suit up and even if you feel like your just kicking up dirt, fight.

I leave you with God’s truth that is sure to get you ready for battle!

Ephesians 6:10-18

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 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. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

With all of my love and encouragement,

Hannah B.

Barefoot Devotions

The Power Of A Woman – Choosing Life

Hannah B.

As women, our bodies were created to grow the next generation and bring them into the world. God chose us to be His vessels to carry the miracle of life.

We are women. We are mothers. We were born women for a higher and worthy purpose. We must be united and stand up for our unborn children – all of the unborn life in every city and in every country.

Life begins well before a child is conceived. The Word of God tells us this,

“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.” – Jeremiah 1:5

No matter what you are facing, there is a community of women with hearts of desire, love, and encouragement to come along side of you and see you through this chapter of your life.

No matter your situation, whether you are married, single, withchild going through a divorce, or even raped. We all share the same fears and doubts about motherhood and failing at motherhood. Every woman asks, “Am I even good enough to be a mother?” Maybe you are questioning, “Will I be able to find the strength to give this child up from adoption?” or “How am I going to do this by myself?” or “How can I love this baby since it was a product of something negative that happened to me?”

Even if the pain is too deep, we must take that one step of faith and deny ourselves to honor the gift of life that is growing inside our bodies. There is a greater purpose for our pain and there is a purpose for our heartache. I know this is repeated but I can’t stress enough how important it is to not get sucked in by the pain.

” And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who ihave been called according to his purpose. ” Romans 8:28

You may not know the answers but with one step of faith, you can do this. You were born as a woman to do this and you are capable. There is a community of women that will come alongside you. You were created by the God of the universe and He can be there if you allow Him to. He makes the bumpy road we are traveling, straight, and He always provides for His children.

If you are considering abortion, I am pleading with you to find the courage deep down to take on the opportunity God has given you to raise this child despite the challenges you may face.
Maybe it’s not the right time for you, and that is more than okay. Rise up with courage and give the most precious gift of life to a woman desiring a child to love. Your decision could be the answered prayer for a woman waiting for a child to love. The perfect gift of love and sacrifice that would display through your obedient act.

It is up to us to live up to the power of being a woman. We were given the gift of growing children in our bodies and we must protect the gift of new life. For the sake of humanity, let’s unite. Let’s raise our voices and let’s take a stand. When God gives us the opportunity to birth new life, we must follow through with His plan and accept His will for our life. Trust that He knows better, and His purpose extends past us and into generations to come.

Our sisters need us and we must do it for the unborn that cannot speak.

With all my love and encouragement,

Hannah B.

Barefoot Devotions

A Christmas Miracle

Hannah B.

As I am sitting here reflecting by the tree, I am reminded of a time of my very own Christmas miracle I experienced as a little girl.

Many years ago I was in a church Christmas play but I just didn’t have my lines completely memorized. I don’t remember much about this Christmas play, the part I played, or even the year. This part I am about to tell you, I remember well.

My mom, sister, and I were on our way to the Christmas play but as we reached the top of our long drive way, my dad was parked at the top with his truck. From the back seat, I heard him tell my mom that I didn’t need to see this. Immediately, I knew something was wrong as my dad neared the window of the car. He told me the absolute worst news I ever thought I’d receive. My dog Daisy had been run over and did not survive.

The pain was heart wrenching and I didn’t understand why this had happened. During the complete hysterical meltdown and out of no where, I knew every word to my part of the play. My crying immediately ceased and my mournful cry turned to joyful cry. For a little girl, it was truly a Christmas miracle despite the devastation that was experienced just minutes before.

As life has passed me by, I’ve often wondered if Christmas miracles really happen anymore. This past holiday season, I have witnessed a beautiful Christmas miracle. It started with a chance encounter with one man that changed my life. With my brief encounters with this man, I have learned the true meaning of Christmas and I have learned that Christmas miracles do happen.

This kind hearted man has been living in a tent under a bridge. He is the most genuine and selfless person you will ever meet and when you are in his presence, you can feel his goodness. He volunteers at the local shelter and gives what he can. Our local hotel has given him a place to stay until his housing is official. Although he has experienced a rough time, he has shown me that love, kindness, and giving are free and it doesn’t take much to make a difference.

For the first time in my life, I truly understand the meaning of Christmas. I thank God for placing a stranger in my life as I have witnessed the pureness, sweetness, peace, and joy of the Christmas spirit and the possibility of Christmas miracles.

When the body of Christ works together in unity, amazing God miracles can happen. This my friends, is why it is important to drench every fiber of your being with God’s word so that you may walk in spirit and truth because you never know what miracle you are missing!

Have a Merry Christmas, my beautiful friends!

With all of my love,

Hannah Boyd

Barefoot Devotions

It’s always His best

Hannah B.

Today was one of the most frustrating days I have had in a while. I like to think that I can hold my frustrations together fairly well but today my flesh got the best of me.

When I received news about last minute change of plans that required me to adjust my Christmas Eve plans, I was really upset. My family is coming to visit for Christmas and I wanted to spend as much time with them as possible.

After being upset long enough, I finally prayed and talked to God about my entire day. Almost instantly, I began to feel better because God reminded me of the beginning of the story of His son Jesus’ birth. How did Joseph feel having to pack up his very pregnant wife and return to his hometown for a census that was ordered by the king? We are talking about last minute travel right before the birth of The Savior, God’s son, and our King.

They accepted the change of plans and made the journey doing the very best they could. I couldn’t imagine they grumbled too long since they had to be quick about their journey since Mary was so close to giving birth. They knew God had each of their best interests at heart and trusted in Him.

Just like when our circumstances and plans do not go as planned, we have to trust that our Heavenly Father has our best interests at heart that match His grand master plan for our lives. I know there has been or even will be disappointments that come up. It’s important to be able to continue to walk forward and make the best out of the situation we have been given. Who knows, it could be a blessing is disguise. Don’t forget to open your heart and eyes to look for it.

Be sure to rest this season!

With all my love and encouragement,

Hannah Boyd