Our Truth

"...Provide for those who grieve in Zion-to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of His splendor." Isaiah 61:3 

There are thousands of scriptures in the bible, and in certain seasons of life one may stick out more than others. Have you ever been there? It's like when you listen to a song that describes the very situation that you're in. This particular verse in Isaiah 61 is one that, I'm sure, everyone has been able to relate to at one time or another. When I read this verse it is like a relief that better days are coming and that hard times are not in vain. This is one of many of the truths that God has given us in His word. Sometimes, we have to make it personal. It is Our Truth.

Through the next couple of entries, I would love to break down this verse with you. Please feel free to respond and add on to what God is speaking or showing you through this verse as well. I would love to hear from you! Before we dive into our selected verse I want to back up just a little bit.

The title of Isaiah 61 is "The Lord's Favor." Now, I don't know about you, but I it humbles me to know that the God of the universe favors little ole me! The author, Isaiah, in verses 1 & 2, states that "The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me because The Lord has anointed me to preach the good news to the poor (Isaiah 61:1a)." 

Now, let's pause right here. If you started freaking out about the word preaching or poor in that section...STOP!   As Christ followers, we are called to teach the gospel to others. That doesn't mean we have to put on a suit or a fancy dress and stand in front of a congregation; it can be as simple as putting on your work uniform and leading a co worker to Christ. This lifestyle is being obedient to the great commission that Jesus, Himself, instructed (Matthew 28:16-20). The word poor in this passage does not necessarily mean the homeless on the street corner. Don't get me wrong, they need to be reached as well, but it goes beyond people who are physically hungry or lacking financially. I believe this is also speaking of proclaiming the good news to people who are poor in peace, poor in their spiritual walk with Christ, poor in joy, poor in freedom, and poor in victory! 

"He has sent me to bind up the broken hearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners. To proclaim the year of the Lord's favor and the day of vengeance for our God to comfort all who mourn, (Isaiah 61:1b-2)." 

Everyone has a unique, God breathed life story from the time we are born until the time that we die. We will all experience a season of ashes, but there is also a season of beauty. God will allow our season of ashes to fulfill out verses 1b and 2 of chapter 61. We are all Isaiah's. You ask, How am I going to live up to that? The answer is by leading the captives out of darkness, taking the broken to the Healer, and all the while proclaiming His ultimate freedom. 

If your ash season hasn't arrived, it will. I'm sorry to rain on your parade (it is literally raining as I am writing this) but our life simply isn't about us. I know some of you are like wait..WHAT?! It is the truth. Our truth. We were created for the Creator, and however He sees fit to use our life, that's how it will be. God never intended for us to walk this life journey alone. It is such a blessing to me to have a body of believers warring for me when I can not fight for myself. You are someone's soldier.

When Jesus exchanges those ashes for His righteous beauty, His harvest comes with it, and That's the truth. Our truth. 

Loving You,

Chelsea Elizabeth

Take Refuge

Hey All,


What a morning! Getting to work was a challenge, but I am grateful to have a job to come to today! Are you?!

Walk with me as I stray a bit. :) I am apart of a group of women who love reading God's word and discussing it together. The website we connect through is called www.shereadstruth.com. If you are a young woman looking to plug into God's word and be able to share your thoughts with millions of other women, I'd say this is definitely the place to go! Check it out.

Recently, we did a study on the book of Ruth, and wow was it life changing. It is something about rereading a passage of scripture and have it take another affect on your life situations a second, third, or even fourth time around!

Weekly, we have a verse that we like to focus on as a group and memorize. I would like to share that with you. It comes from Ruth 2:12b: "May you be richly rewarded by the Lord, the God of Israel, under whose wings you have refuge."

Wow. So whatever this day looks like for you, remember that you have a God who you can take refuge in. Today in Georgia it is very cloudy and it will most likely rain all day. I think of God's refuge in this way: just as I take shelter from the rain and stormy weather in the comfort of my dry and cool office building is the same way I can take refuge in Him. Now, I am going to have to leave this office at some point today, but I can be covered by a jacket AND an umbrella.

Take God's protective shelter with you wherever you go today. Wrap it around you. Hold it above you and if you're really bold, praise Him in the rain! What a rich reward we have in our Heavenly Father.

Loving You,

Chelsea Elizabeth

Welcome

Hey Guys,


Thanks so much for hiking this journey with me! I believe God has given me this platform to share my story and what God is showing me through His Word. I encourage us to walk this journey of life together!

Many of us a Christians tend to not want to share our downfalls, short comings, and despairs. However, we gladly share our victories. Here is a safe place where we can grieve with each other, but we can also celebrate with each other as well!

I am recently learning that whatever I go through or have gone through isn't just for me, but it's to help someone else. God is always thinking of a harvest. I am honored that He chose me to be an agent for His Kingdom to reach and love His people.

I pray through this opportunity, lives are changed and encouraged, and that we would be a light to a watching world. Unpack your heavy bag, grab some coffee or favorite beverage, and hear Our Redeemer's heart for you. Let's watch Him turn our ashes into His glorious beauty.


Loving You,


Chelsea Elizabeth