Taking a break + what I've learned!
After taking time away from the blog, here are some things the Lord has been teaching me!
It’s been quite some time since I’ve posted on here, but I've recently felt the Lord calling me back. Before this break, I got to the point where I was rushing to get a post out Monday morning because I kept waiting until the very last minute to write it. That made this publication feel like a chore, and work done for the Lord should never feel that way! I began to care more about how many subscribers I had than about glorifying God through my words.
A lot has happened since my last post:
The blog had a birthday!! Sermon Thought Bubbles is officially 2 years old YAY!! I’m so thankful that the Lord called me to this blog because it is ministry work. Even if every person reading this doesn’t accept Christ in that moment, then at least a seed was planted. Something I have to remind myself of often is that it is not my job to save people. They have to accept Christ into their hearts, and God will take care of them after that! It’s my job to plant seeds as a believer, and this is just one way that I can achieve that calling.
I went on my first mission trip!! A group of people from the BSU at my college went to Essen, Germany in May. It was so much fun, and we got to talk with students at universities in the city. We also got to help church plant and did Bible studies with some locals. Seeing the Lord work in Germany was unlike anything I’ve ever experienced, and I am so thankful that I got to go!
Now, moving on to things the Lord has taught me!!
I have grown to appreciate scripture so much more. There was a long period where I never opened my Bible except for an hour on Sunday morning. I wasn’t getting poured into by the Spirit anymore, so I couldn’t pour out to those around me. I also wasn’t consuming the Lord’s daily bread, and I was so slothful.
I eventually decided to open up my Bible and read, and that was the best thing I could have done in that moment. I read through 2 Corinthians 1:3-11. In this passage, Paul talks about the comfort we receive from the Lord because He has experienced our sufferings with us. God, in every aspect of His being, is full of comfort, strength, and help for us! This reminder has pushed me to dive deeper into scripture once again, and I have felt so renewed by the Spirit.
A common theme throughout this blog has been the concept of patience. The Lord has, once again, been testing me in that department, but it is a welcome test because it will only strengthen my patience. When I was talking to Ansley Claire about how slow my summer has been, she reminded me that patience is something that I’ve been praying diligently for. Opportunities have not been presenting themselves, but that’s because they are not ones I was meant to have. If doors do not open, that’s okay, because God knows what’s on the other side of it.
Finally, God has taught me how to find joy and peace in the little moments. I’m the type of person who dreads summer break in the aspect that I won’t be surrounded by my friends anymore. We all go our separate ways once the summer hits, and then I feel like my world flipped upside down in a matter of days. I went from spending time with people every evening to having to write “make coffee in the morning” on my calendar so it’s not completely empty.
This was a difficult adjustment last year, and it seems to be just as difficult the second time around. However, not being surrounded by people has allowed me to slow down and truly spend one-on-one time with God. He has taught me that a busy life does not equal a fulfilled one. I pushed God to the side toward the end of the school year because I was so focused on finals and spending time with friends. Being able to slow down is a blessing. I’m using this time to dive deeper into scripture, strengthen my prayer life, and talk to God at all moments of the day. I’m learning not to take this time for granted. Once school starts back, I’m going to get busy very quickly. I’m using the time that I have now to create a balance by the time August rolls around. I encourage you to do the same, even if you’re no longer in school!
Prayer request: that we would find comfort in the Lord in every moment, and that we would all dive deeper into scripture!
I pray that you all have an amazing week, and I’ll see you next Monday!
“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33
Glad you’re back! As long as we keep listening to God and then acting on what He says, we’re growing spiritually! Keep moving forward and keep on posting!
yay! i am so thankful for this post & for you <3 felt so inspired by: "a busy life does not equal a fulfilled one" def needed this reminder!