You can DO this! Here’s how…

Posted on by andreachatelain

My daughter may need eye surgery and it totally freaks me out. I’m going to have to have “the you know what talk” with my son soon and I don’t even want to think about it. Deadlines are looming. Changes are coming. Anxiety much?! Life seems to be more than I can handle most days, but I don’t want to miss the good because I’m focused on the hard. You’ve got a mountain to move too, or everyday hills that are exhausting. But you and I can do this. Here’s how…

Number 1? Give up.

Yep that’s right. Give up everything, but not to just anyone. Hand it over to God. How? Pray with real words of your real stress and ask for what you really need. No fluffy christian words, no chapel required. Just go to a quiet space in your house and let it all out to Jesus telling Him all your fears and stresses and asking Him to do something about it.

Jesus tells us in Mathew 21:21-22 that if we have faith and don’t doubt, that we can move mountains. That our prayers have power to do the impossible, not because we’re awesome, but that the awesome God is listening and ready to move on our behalf.

 

2? Remember your why.

When I feel like giving up I have to remember why I’m doing what I’m doing. And usually it comes back to the fact that I want to love my people. Why will I push on through anxiety and have hard talks and make scary appointments, and write vulnerable things? Because I love my people and I want them to thrive. And that means that sometimes (most times) I have to take the uncomfortable so they can be loved and cared for. Who do you love? What do they need? How can you sacrifice your comfort for their best? Remember your why.

 

3? Rally your people

Last week I let others in when I told my fears to them. And they showed up. Friends texted reminding me they’re here. My sweet cousin came over and helped me learn new ways to help my daughter’s eye issues. It was a big reminder that OTHERS CARE, but they can’t show it if they don’t know it. (hear me laughing at my cheesy rhyme, but it’s true!)

Turns out God doesn’t require or advise you to do life alone. Scripture tells you to come to Him when you’re burdened. Which means you’re never alone in the hard. Jesus sent the disciples out in pairs, He surrounded Himself with 12 close friends and let crowds gather to join His movement of love. You need people too. You need friends and family to step in when you’re tired and weak. To encourage you when you don’t think you have what it takes. To share their wisdom when you have none. Let. Safe. People. In. You will be stronger for it.

Yes, the things God calls you to do are often beyond your capacity. If we trudge along alone, anxiety will wage war on our minds. BUT there’s peace and power as you surrender the scary to Jesus in prayer. There’s courage in remembering your why is bigger than your fear. And there’s support waiting as your invite others into your journey knowing God gave you people to be tangible representatives of His love when you can’t see His face.

 

Find your voice in the conversation on Facebook or Instagram. P.S. Jesus is so incredible! I’m so excited for you as you get to know the One who wants to be your EVERYTHING!

Q: What scares you? What are you avoiding that God’s asking you to do, but it seems too big for you? Who has God already given you as support that you can invite in. Have conversations with God and safe people this week to empower you forward in the face of anxiety.

featured Photo by Joseph Pearson on Unsplash

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Andrea Chatelain’s mission is to meet women in their struggles and love them forward with God’s truth. She’s a Midwest mom of three, faith and family writer, and college English instructor to immigrants and refugees. She believes Jesus transforms lives when His people boldly seek Him. Her writing reflects her love for Jesus and heart for fellow believers.

Find Andrea also at WhollyLoved Ministries and her devotionals with WL on YouVersion Bible App and Crosswalk

How to Change for Good

Posted on by andreachatelain

What is it that you really want this New Year? Social media will be lit up with all sorts of changes to be a new you. How you can have a rockin’ body or 4 steps to a more successful you. Looking back, there’s only one decision that transformed my life. And it’s the one we tend to avoid. Get to know Jesus.

Look. I know it sounds more logical that if we alter our bodies or eating habits we will feel better about life. But I’ve tried all sorts of diets and none can repair the things that really matter…my marriage, my family, my sinful heart. Only Jesus.

I’ve tried all sorts of diets and none can repair the things that really matter…my marriage, my family, my sinful heart. Only Jesus.

Of course, take care of yourself. Make healthy choices and enjoy the life He gave you. But let’s be honest, a beautiful body doesn’t mean as much if the soul is still unhealthy. So if you’re like me, wrestling with wanting to live bigger and better, wanting to see extraordinary things happen in your ordinary life, there’s only one way. You have to tap into God’s supernatural power, and it’s easier than you think.

Jesus said, “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.  Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light” (Matthew 11:28-30 ESV emphasis mine).

If you’ve been laboring for a better version of you, stop. Come to Jesus and take a break.

That’s what I’m going to do this New Year. I’m trusting Him to transform me from the inside out as I spend time with Him in prayer, learning by reading bits of my Bible each day, and following where He leads my days and life. It’s not an overnight fix, it’s a new way to live that gives energy instead of taking.

It’s not an overnight fix, it’s a new way to live that gives energy instead of taking.

Jesus doesn’t require anything but you. You don’t have to be awesome. You don’t have to try to be anything, because you are already His. You are loved and valued by the Savior of the world and that is enough. He has a purpose for you if you put down your striving and dare to follow.

So yes, I will probably do some yoga this year and eat more veggies, but that’s not what will change me. Be bold with me this New Year as this group of believers decides to take Jesus at His word. That when we come to Him we will find rest for our burdens and that He truly wants us to learn His ways because His ways fight for real transformation.

So the question is, do you want more from Jesus? He’s ready when you are.

 

 

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Andrea Chatelain’s mission is to meet women in their struggles and love them forward with God’s truth. She’s a Midwest mom of three, faith and family writer, and college English instructor to immigrants and refugees. She believes Jesus transforms lives when His people boldly seek Him. Her writing reflects her love for Jesus and heart for fellow believers.

Find Andrea also at WhollyLoved Ministries and her devotionals on crosswalk.com