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The Thin Place

I Need Peace In My Rough Days (To Help Me Deal With My Sinful Heart)

How To Turn To Jesus When You Feel Like A Hot Mess

I am in the midst of a transitional season. I gave up my space, my home in Hawaii, and my husband and I are now at home in Michigan. Except, we don’t have a home.

My parents have graciously opened up their home to us, and we are grateful. But going from a quiet, adult-centric home to a home filled with activity and young life has been a change. 

The noise is welcomed, I often struggled in Hawaii with the quiet after growing up in a house that was constantly bustling. 

I’m overwhelmed simply writing this because, instead of my usually sleepy dogs at snuggled against me, there are three dogs wrestling at my feet, knocking the ottoman away from me. The idyllic, Instagram-worthy life I try to curate is nowhere to be found.

I feel a little like the Israelites, wandering through the desert for years on end, wondering if they will ever find a home, a place to put their roots and reclaim my little bit of the Eden to come. 

I am craving life-sustaining peace. 

It is my tendency to search, frantically, for the fix-it tips the internet provides. 

I Need Peace In My Rough Days (To Help Me Deal With My Sinful Heart) I Need Peace In My Rough Days (To Help Me Deal With My Sinful Heart) I Need Peace In My Rough Days (To Help Me Deal With My Sinful Heart) I Need Peace In My Rough Days (To Help Me Deal With My Sinful Heart) I Need Peace In My Rough Days (To Help Me Deal With My Sinful Heart)

But I don’t need tips or tricks to bring peace to my heart. And while, inevitably, some things will be easier when the transition settles and I can find both shoes in a pair, the heart issue won’t change, it will just be less evident. I don’t need self-care, I need soul-care because deep down, I’m a hot mess. And no about of splurging or bubble baths will clear that up. 

I don’t need tips or tricks to bring peace to my heart. Inevitably, some things will be easier, the heart issue won’t change, it will just be less evident.  Click To Tweet

Because this season, this time of pressing and stress, is a time of refining fire. 

While circumstances might make it easier to hide my selfishness, my anxiety, my inability to cast my cares at the feet of Jesus, that doesn’t mean I am not selfish, anxious, or able to surrender to God. 

The good person out of the good treasure of his heart produces good, and the evil person out of his evil treasure produces evil, for out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks. – Luke 6:45, ESV

My heart is revealed in these times for what it truly is. But these are also the times when Christ sees the state of my heart and works with His refining fire. I can see the natural state of my heart and allow Him to work in that brokenness to make me a woman who truly seeks His peace in transitions and confusion. 

While I would love to pretend like my everything is held nicely together, always tied up with a Pinterest-perfect bow, it’s simply not the case.

It’s easy to present the Pinterest-perfect, Proverbs 31-esque life when things are going my way.

But when toddlers are spilling water in my lap during my morning quiet time, when I can’t cook in my own kitchen, and when I have no room of my own to retreat to at the end of a long day, that’s when I realize what a hot mess my soul really is.

Thankfully, the Jesus didn’t come to redeem my picture-perfect moments but for the difficult times when I want to run the other way and spew the nasty words. He came to meet me when I am stretched thin, at the end of my rope, unable to continue on in the path to holiness but through His grace. 

If you love those who love you, what benefit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them. And if you do good to those who do good to you, what benefit is that to you? For even sinners do the same. And if you lend to those from whom you expect to receive, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, to get back the same amount. But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return, and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, for he is kind to the ungrateful and the evil. Be merciful, even as your Father is merciful. – Luke 6:32-36, ESV

These situations aren’t situations to run from or excuse, they are situations that open my eyes to the true depravity of my soul. 

Instead of trying to change my situation, I need to change my heart. 

Tips and tricks might band-aid the outer appearance, but only the Prince of Peace will work in my heart to change who I am. 

So in these next few weeks, I’m going to reorient my heart around the Prince of Peace by focusing on who He is and what He has done. 

How to Deal With Your Christian Faith (When You Feel Like a Hot Mess) #christianity #christianfaith #christianliving #princeofpeace #Jesus

Turning to Jesus When Your Christian Walk is a Hot Mess #christianity #christianliving #Jesus #princeofpeace #christianwoman

Instead of focusing on avoiding situations that will highlight my depravity, I’m going to focus on habits that will point me to Jesus and remind me that my frazzled, broken heart is His. 

Instead of focusing on avoiding situations that will highlight my depravity, I’m going to focus on habits that will point me to Jesus and remind me that my frazzled, broken heart is His.  Click To Tweet

I’m taking my own 10 Days to Peace challenge, the one I wrote last year and revamped a several weeks ago, because it’s what my heart needs. I didn’t know then, but God was preparing those words for my soul even as I wrote in the Starbucks. 

Will you join me? Your heart might not be as frazzled as mine or it might considerably more battered by the spiritual warfare happening around you. But we all need more peace. 

We all need to turn our eyes back to Jesus and away from our circumstances. And this 10-day journey will equip you to do just that. 

So let us, you and I, take these next 10 days and make them the beginning of a new chapter in our lives. A chapter where we don’t run from the hard things, the things that show what we’re truly made of, but use them as an opportunity to turn to Jesus to allow Him to remake us into His image. 

Click here to join the 10 Day to Peace Challenge. 

You might also enjoy:

Can I Stop Pretending to be a Good Person? 

Why I Can’t Embrace Self-Care (Because I’m Prone to Selfishness)

Dear Proverbs 31 Woman, Sometimes I Want to Hate You

7 Spiritual Goals You Need To Start Setting Today

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The Comments

  • 1blogify2
    June 11, 2018

    Boy can I relate. I have what seems like years of wandering in the desert! But somehow, I always manage to see the cloud and the pillar.

    Reply
    • Bailey
      1blogify2
      June 11, 2018

      Amen! I’m so grateful that He goes before us.

      Reply
  • Ashleigh Rich
    June 11, 2018

    I feel your pain. My husband and I just moved to our first house, a fixer upper that still has some projects that need to be done before we can fully unpack. It’s really been throwing me off that my house isn’t in order and I’m tripping over boxes and there are things I can’t find. It’s also a good reminder, as you’ve said here, that Christ is able to give us peace even when our lives are in chaos. Hopefully we’ll both be more settled soon! In the meantime, it’s nice to know I’m not the only one feeling out of wack because of housing.

    Reply
    • Bailey
      Ashleigh Rich
      June 11, 2018

      That is such a tailspin! I am hoping that we all feel settled soon and that Jesus works in our hearts in the meantime.

      Reply
  • Elizabeth Purpero
    June 11, 2018

    This is great t, love this perspective !

    Reply
    • Bailey
      Elizabeth Purpero
      June 11, 2018

      Thanks, Elizabeth!

      Reply
  • jplagens
    June 11, 2018

    I think you are right. It is so hard to have patience when you have little kids. You will get through this time! It is even harder to have patience with teens. The toddler years are just a warm up!

    Reply
    • Bailey
      jplagens
      June 12, 2018

      “Just a warm up.”

      Not something to get through, but something to prepare you for the real challenge. I wonder how often we miss the warm-ups God sends our way?

      Reply
  • authasha
    June 12, 2018

    “The heart issue won’t change, it will just be less evident.” Wow – that so spoke to my heart. We often pray for the fix of a time or a thing, but we forget that there’s a deeper resolution that needs to be found. Amen. Thank you for this reminder.

    Reply
    • Bailey
      authasha
      June 12, 2018

      <3

      Reply
  • Kate| A Hundred Affections
    June 12, 2018

    Thanks for sharing this, Bailey. The perfect, Instagram curated life is exhausting to keep up with (and to watch from the outside, too! lol). We are in a transition, too – getting ready to sell our house and move. We thought the move was happening last summer and packed up. It didn’t happen, and we never really unpacked, anticipating a move soon. So, I’ve been living out of boxes, an undecorated home that doesn’t feel like mine or a home, for over a year now. Normal to feel unsettled, but it has pointed me again and again to the reality that this world isn’t my home. And, I have twin toddlers, so I know what that lack of serenity is like (they invaded my quiet world, too!). Thanks for pointing back to the true source of peace in all our upheaval! 🙂

    Reply
    • Bailey
      Kate| A Hundred Affections
      June 12, 2018

      It seems to be the season for moving. Such a good reminder that this world is not our home and that we need to long for the ultimate home that Christ is preparing for us. Thank you for that reminder <3

      Reply
  • Jenny Morrison
    June 12, 2018

    This is such a beautiful and transparent look at your life. It reminds me of where my life has been so many times, and how I need to refocus. Thanks for sharing.

    Reply
    • Bailey
      Jenny Morrison
      June 12, 2018

      So glad it spoke to you, Jenny. It’s hard being so transparent but I know I’m not the only one.

      Reply
  • Kelly Bolen
    June 13, 2018

    I hope things get better for you quickly! I think we have all at one time or another been hurdled into situations that make us feel like crying! Stay strong! You got this! =)

    Reply
    • Bailey
      Kelly Bolen
      June 13, 2018

      Thank you! I never thought I’d be so eager for normal

      Reply
  • kalynfoggy
    June 13, 2018

    I’ve always liked the saying “bloom where you are planted”. It reminds me that God can take any situation and help me to bloom if I have the right heart and mindset about it. Thanks for sharing and being so transparent! Praying you can find peace (and a new home) soon!

    Reply
    • Bailey
      kalynfoggy
      June 13, 2018

      I love that saying as well. Thank you for your prayers.

      Reply
  • Kat Charles
    June 13, 2018

    I totally agree that self-care is often used as a bandaid for a condition that in actuality may require surgery. We can only touch what’s on the surface, but the Spirit offers deeper healing. Thankful for your words that prod me to take a closer look.

    Reply
    • Bailey
      Kat Charles
      June 13, 2018

      It is so sad that we are using the self-care as a band-aid instead of true Biblical care. I hope that we can all seek after God for true soul care.

      Reply
  • Cayla
    June 13, 2018

    What a beautiful reminder! Sometimes life can be so hectic with everything going on. It’s important to stop and focus on Him!

    Reply
    • Bailey
      Cayla
      June 13, 2018

      Cayla, it is so important that we always lean on Him in trying times.

      Reply
  • Harley
    June 13, 2018

    “But I don’t need tips or tricks to bring peace to my heart. And while, inevitably, some things will be easier when the transition settles and I can find both shoes in a pair, the heart issue won’t change, it will just be less evident. I don’t need self-care, I need soul-care because deep down, I’m a hot mess. And no about of splurging or bubble baths will clear that up. ”

    Wow wow wow. That’s so good. Thank you!

    Reply
    • Bailey
      Harley
      June 13, 2018

      Thank you, Harley.

      Reply
  • Dianna
    June 13, 2018

    Refining…always refining: a necessity for pruning away the old so that new growth can flourish. Hang in there!

    Reply
    • Bailey
      Dianna
      June 13, 2018

      Amen!

      Reply
  • Erin @ Momma's Living Room
    June 13, 2018

    Oh man! This one really spoke to my heart!

    I’ve been going through this hot-mess stage in the past few weeks because of my washer! Our washer finally went kaput last week, which really sucks. I didn’t realize how much I relied on it and took it for granted (though, I mean I did have an idea). Anyway, ordered the part to fix it, to discover that it was backordered and I have THREE WEEKS to deal. So we’re sort of in limbo, trying to cope with this darn washing machine problem and meanwhile the rest of my house is suffering (despite the hours I’m spending washing the laundry by hand).

    “He came to meet me when I am stretched thin, at the end of my rope, unable to continue on in the path to holiness but through His grace.” So thankful for this reminder. That when I’m exhausted, grumpy, and frustrated, that God is so very gracious and that He will work on me even in this time. What a blessing that truly is!

    Reply
    • Bailey
      Erin @ Momma’s Living Room
      June 14, 2018

      Oh goodness, Erin. He is good, even when life is hard. Praying for you sweet sister.

      Reply
  • April Nelson
    November 13, 2018

    I love how you mention that turning to self care (bubble baths and spa time) will not be what helps your inner self, your soul, it will not be what creates peace within. I’m actually working on a writing similar to this. Our society is so lost in thinking turning to all these empty things will help make them whole. It’s only by the power of our Most High, our King Jesus that will help our depleted anxious self!!! Beautiful Suzie!! Keep pressing forward in sharing truth!!

    Reply
    • Bailey
      April Nelson
      November 13, 2018

      It’s so important to not turn to quick fixes but true lasting peace found in the Prince of Peace!

      Reply
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Hello, I’m Bailey
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Hello, I’m Bailey

The Thin Place was born out of a season of struggle. A season where I felt stretched thin and desperately longed to see the goodness of God in the land of the living. The goodness of God showed up in unexpected ways. During that season, the spiritual disciplines laid out in Scripture, the traditions of the Church, and the reminders of His faithfulness seen in liturgial living and the feasts and seasons of the Church calendar all opened my eyes to the hope we have in Christ.

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Baruch, as you may recall from the book of Jeremiah, was the scribe of Jeremiah. This is a prophetic book written by Baruch calling the people of Jerusalem to repent of their idol worship and return to the Lord. 
Baruch is a great reminder of the importance of confession. The book opens with a call to make respond.
Then they wept, and fasted, and prayed before the Lord; and they collected money, each giving what he could – Baruch 1:5-6 RSVCE 
Baruch is a collection of the response to sin – both the acknowledgment of sin and the call to God’s mercy. 
#christianwoman #graceupongrace #jesusgirl #inspiredfaith #womenlivingwell #jesuscalling #faithfilledcaptions #catholicblogger #Catholicconvert #CatholicWoman #chasingsacred #christianwomenleaders #bibleverse #biblestudy  #christianblogger #faithinhim #proverbs31woman #faithful #Godisgood #encouragementgallery #godslove #christianposts #christianquote #prayer #prayertime 
#biblequotes #bibleinspiration
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Baruch, as you may recall from the book of Jeremiah, was the scribe of Jeremiah. This is a prophetic book written by Baruch calling the people of Jerusalem to repent of their idol worship and return to the Lord. Baruch is a great reminder of the importance of confession. The book opens with a call to make respond. Then they wept, and fasted, and prayed before the Lord; and they collected money, each giving what he could – Baruch 1:5-6 RSVCE Baruch is a collection of the response to sin – both the acknowledgment of sin and the call to God’s mercy. #christianwoman #graceupongrace #jesusgirl #inspiredfaith #womenlivingwell #jesuscalling #faithfilledcaptions #catholicblogger #Catholicconvert #CatholicWoman #chasingsacred #christianwomenleaders #bibleverse #biblestudy #christianblogger #faithinhim #proverbs31woman #faithful #Godisgood #encouragementgallery #godslove #christianposts #christianquote #prayer #prayertime #biblequotes #bibleinspiration
4 weeks ago
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1/5
The Book of Sirach is part of the Wisdom literature of the Bible. It was also written during the Maccabean revolt to encourage the people to hold fast to their Jewish faith and not to neglect the traditions and commandments handed down to them. 
Sirach is one of the books of the Bible found among the Dead Sea Scrolls in the late 1940s. It is also found in every copy of the Septuagint suggesting that is was considered to be Scripture by the Greek speaking Jews of that period.
It is full of practical, clear wisdom that is incredibly applicable to our lives today such as: 
The greater you are, the more you must humble yourself; so you will find favor in the sight of the Lord. - Sirach 3:18
The higher your position, the more you have to actively seek humility. When you are in a low position, when you rely on others, humility is a more natural disposition and you recognize your dependence on God. When you are great, you need to actively seek humility. 
Do not say, “Because of the Lord I left the right way”; for he will not do what he hates. - Sirach 15:11
This is pretty straightforward. We cannot blame the Lord when we choose sin. The Lord does not do what He hates. He will always provide a way for us to choose good and it adds to our shame when we choose sin and blame God for it. 
A slip on the pavement is better than a slip of the tongue; so the downfall of the wicked will occur speedily. - Sirach 20:18
As the Book of James expands upon the importance of bridling your tongue but more abut consistently in the Book of Sirach we are exhorted to keep charge over our tongues. Ironically, this is much easier said than done. 
Whether you’re new to the wisdom literature or have spent years pouring over proverbs, Sirach is a great place to begin in living a wiser, more biblical life. 
#bibletime #biblereading #readyourbible #proverbs31woman #proverbs31 #womenintheword #savedbygrace #virtuouswoman #godlywoman #godsgirl #christianliving #butgod #givemejesus #trustgod #daughteroftheking #walkbyfaith #beautyfromashes #graceupongrace #dailydevotional #faithjourney #jesuslover #faithblogger #godisgood #graceoverperfection #michiganblogger #biblescripture
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The Book of Sirach is part of the Wisdom literature of the Bible. It was also written during the Maccabean revolt to encourage the people to hold fast to their Jewish faith and not to neglect the traditions and commandments handed down to them. Sirach is one of the books of the Bible found among the Dead Sea Scrolls in the late 1940s. It is also found in every copy of the Septuagint suggesting that is was considered to be Scripture by the Greek speaking Jews of that period. It is full of practical, clear wisdom that is incredibly applicable to our lives today such as: The greater you are, the more you must humble yourself; so you will find favor in the sight of the Lord. - Sirach 3:18 The higher your position, the more you have to actively seek humility. When you are in a low position, when you rely on others, humility is a more natural disposition and you recognize your dependence on God. When you are great, you need to actively seek humility. Do not say, “Because of the Lord I left the right way”; for he will not do what he hates. - Sirach 15:11 This is pretty straightforward. We cannot blame the Lord when we choose sin. The Lord does not do what He hates. He will always provide a way for us to choose good and it adds to our shame when we choose sin and blame God for it. A slip on the pavement is better than a slip of the tongue; so the downfall of the wicked will occur speedily. - Sirach 20:18 As the Book of James expands upon the importance of bridling your tongue but more abut consistently in the Book of Sirach we are exhorted to keep charge over our tongues. Ironically, this is much easier said than done. Whether you’re new to the wisdom literature or have spent years pouring over proverbs, Sirach is a great place to begin in living a wiser, more biblical life. #bibletime #biblereading #readyourbible #proverbs31woman #proverbs31 #womenintheword #savedbygrace #virtuouswoman #godlywoman #godsgirl #christianliving #butgod #givemejesus #trustgod #daughteroftheking #walkbyfaith #beautyfromashes #graceupongrace #dailydevotional #faithjourney #jesuslover #faithblogger #godisgood #graceoverperfection #michiganblogger #biblescripture
1 month ago
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2/5
The Book of Wisdom full of poetic principles and outlines how to live life well. Written around the time of the Maccabean revolt, it is written in the style of Solomon (and is sometimes referred to as “The Wisdom of Solomon”) but was written by later authors.
While this book was not accepted in the Jewish cannon, it is in every copy of the Greek Septuagint but it was quote by St Augustine over 800 times and, most importantly, was declared Scripture at the Councils of Hippo and Carthage. 
It focuses on Wisdom guiding the lives of the faithful, the follies of the wicked, and focuses heavily on our future home with God and the life to come. 
For those of you familiar with the Nicene Creed, the Book of Wisdom is one of the sources of inspiration of our description of Jesus Christ. The reference to Christ being “Light from Light” is taken from Wisdom 7:26 which refers to Wisdom as being a “reflection of eternal light.” 
There are also several passages in Wisdom which foretell the death of Christ. One of my favorite passages is Wisdom 14:7, “Blessed is the wood by which righteousness comes,” which reminds me how truly blessed is the cross which held the Savior of the world, our perfect Sacrifice. 
Wisdom is very similar to the book of Proverbs in length and style. It points constantly to the Lord who, as James tells us, is ready to give wisdom to those who ask.
#proverbs31woman #proverbs31 #womenintheword  #virtuouswoman #godlywoman #godsgirl #christianliving #butgod #blessedandhighlyfavored #trustgod #daughteroftheking #walkbyfaith #daughterofaking #beautyfromashes #graceupongrace #dailydevotional #faithjourney #jesuslover #faithblogger #godisgood #graceoverperfection #michiganblogger #wordbeforworld
#thinplaces #encouragingquotes #christianlife #christianencouragement
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The Book of Wisdom full of poetic principles and outlines how to live life well. Written around the time of the Maccabean revolt, it is written in the style of Solomon (and is sometimes referred to as “The Wisdom of Solomon”) but was written by later authors. While this book was not accepted in the Jewish cannon, it is in every copy of the Greek Septuagint but it was quote by St Augustine over 800 times and, most importantly, was declared Scripture at the Councils of Hippo and Carthage. It focuses on Wisdom guiding the lives of the faithful, the follies of the wicked, and focuses heavily on our future home with God and the life to come. For those of you familiar with the Nicene Creed, the Book of Wisdom is one of the sources of inspiration of our description of Jesus Christ. The reference to Christ being “Light from Light” is taken from Wisdom 7:26 which refers to Wisdom as being a “reflection of eternal light.” There are also several passages in Wisdom which foretell the death of Christ. One of my favorite passages is Wisdom 14:7, “Blessed is the wood by which righteousness comes,” which reminds me how truly blessed is the cross which held the Savior of the world, our perfect Sacrifice. Wisdom is very similar to the book of Proverbs in length and style. It points constantly to the Lord who, as James tells us, is ready to give wisdom to those who ask. #proverbs31woman #proverbs31 #womenintheword #virtuouswoman #godlywoman #godsgirl #christianliving #butgod #blessedandhighlyfavored #trustgod #daughteroftheking #walkbyfaith #daughterofaking #beautyfromashes #graceupongrace #dailydevotional #faithjourney #jesuslover #faithblogger #godisgood #graceoverperfection #michiganblogger #wordbeforworld #thinplaces #encouragingquotes #christianlife #christianencouragement
1 month ago
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3/5
Chances are, the Books of Maccabees are probably the deuterocanonical books you are most familiar with!  It is in these books that we find the origins of Hanukkah.
To be honest, they are a rough read. A really rough read. They detail the suffering the people of God endured while their enemies attempted to control their land and wipe out their religion. 
It is a set of books filled with great suffering as many of the faithful are killed but it is also a book of great bravery and trust in the Lord in the midst of trials.
In Maccabees, two of the theological principles used today are clearly seen. The first, that God created the world out of nothing. 2 Maccabees 7:28 details how God did not make the world out of things already created, but out of nothing. 
The second principle is that of praying for the dead. While there are references throughout Scripture and it is a clear practice of the Early Church, it is most clearly referenced in 2 Maccabees 12. 
#christianwoman #graceupongrace #jesusgirl #inspiredfaith #womenlivingwell #jesuscalling #faithfilledcaptions #catholicblogger #Catholicconvert #CatholicWoman #chasingsacred #christianwomenleaders #bibleverse #biblestudy  #christianblogger #faithinhim #proverbs31woman #faithful #Godisgood #encouragementgallery #godslove #christianposts #christianquote #prayer #prayertime
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Chances are, the Books of Maccabees are probably the deuterocanonical books you are most familiar with! It is in these books that we find the origins of Hanukkah. To be honest, they are a rough read. A really rough read. They detail the suffering the people of God endured while their enemies attempted to control their land and wipe out their religion. It is a set of books filled with great suffering as many of the faithful are killed but it is also a book of great bravery and trust in the Lord in the midst of trials. In Maccabees, two of the theological principles used today are clearly seen. The first, that God created the world out of nothing. 2 Maccabees 7:28 details how God did not make the world out of things already created, but out of nothing. The second principle is that of praying for the dead. While there are references throughout Scripture and it is a clear practice of the Early Church, it is most clearly referenced in 2 Maccabees 12. #christianwoman #graceupongrace #jesusgirl #inspiredfaith #womenlivingwell #jesuscalling #faithfilledcaptions #catholicblogger #Catholicconvert #CatholicWoman #chasingsacred #christianwomenleaders #bibleverse #biblestudy #christianblogger #faithinhim #proverbs31woman #faithful #Godisgood #encouragementgallery #godslove #christianposts #christianquote #prayer #prayertime
1 month ago
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4/5
Judith is another archetypal story of the battle being won at the hand of a woman, seen also in Judges and Esther. 
During the reign of Nebuchadnezzar, an army is sent to destroy the mountain town that Judith lives in. The people are greatly distressed and death seems to be the only option. Judith, a wealthy widow, trusts in the Lord and ultimately, kills the opposing military leader and brings peace to the people.
It is a story of God’s provision for His people in their exile through an unlikely source, a widow. In Judith, we see an archetype pointing to Mary and to the Church, waiting for her true Bridegroom. 
But it is also a story that points to the Lord’s desire to draw all nations to Himself! One of my favorite parts of the book of Judith is that it tells us of the conversion of a man who initially sets out to fight the Jewish people coming to believe in the God of Abraham, Issac, and Jacob. 
“And when Achior saw all that the God of Israel had done, he believed firmly in God, and was circumcised, and joined the house of Israel.” - Judith 14:10
It beautiful reminder that God’s deliverance is for all mankind. 
#proverbs31woman #proverbs31 #womenintheword  #virtuouswoman #godlywoman #godsgirl #christianliving #butgod #blessedandhighlyfavored #trustgod #daughteroftheking #walkbyfaith #daughterofaking #beautyfromashes #graceupongrace #dailydevotional #faithjourney #jesuslover #faithblogger #godisgood #graceoverperfection #michiganblogger #wordbeforworld #encouragingquotes #christianlife #christianencouragement
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Judith is another archetypal story of the battle being won at the hand of a woman, seen also in Judges and Esther. During the reign of Nebuchadnezzar, an army is sent to destroy the mountain town that Judith lives in. The people are greatly distressed and death seems to be the only option. Judith, a wealthy widow, trusts in the Lord and ultimately, kills the opposing military leader and brings peace to the people. It is a story of God’s provision for His people in their exile through an unlikely source, a widow. In Judith, we see an archetype pointing to Mary and to the Church, waiting for her true Bridegroom. But it is also a story that points to the Lord’s desire to draw all nations to Himself! One of my favorite parts of the book of Judith is that it tells us of the conversion of a man who initially sets out to fight the Jewish people coming to believe in the God of Abraham, Issac, and Jacob. “And when Achior saw all that the God of Israel had done, he believed firmly in God, and was circumcised, and joined the house of Israel.” - Judith 14:10 It beautiful reminder that God’s deliverance is for all mankind. #proverbs31woman #proverbs31 #womenintheword #virtuouswoman #godlywoman #godsgirl #christianliving #butgod #blessedandhighlyfavored #trustgod #daughteroftheking #walkbyfaith #daughterofaking #beautyfromashes #graceupongrace #dailydevotional #faithjourney #jesuslover #faithblogger #godisgood #graceoverperfection #michiganblogger #wordbeforworld #encouragingquotes #christianlife #christianencouragement
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