Posted on Saturday, June 5, 2021

How Prayer Ignited Our Hope During The Covid Pandemic

At 9-centimeters dilated and laboring, police escorted my support out. Covid-19 was changing hospital protocols by the minute. Heartbroken and tired I was learning the hard way that life in lockdown would look different than the plans we made.

2020 for my family was like a scene from the movie Cast Away with Tom Hanks and his volleyball friend, Wilson. My husband and I hunkered down at home with days between showers, feeling lost, ignorant, scared, and desperately reaching out for rescue with a newborn in our hands. Being stuck on our own private island wasn’t a fantasy anymore.

Family canceled flights and friends stayed home. My husband and I were forced to celebrate our little girl alone. The long days in isolation turned into weeks of postpartum tears and despair. We were facing baby battles on the outside and feeling fear on the inside.

Finding time to read my Bible for encouragement and strength was incredibly difficult. Under a slew of sleepless nights and strenuous, tear-soaked days, my thoughts were growing weary and my role as a mom was feeling heavy.

In a frantic SOS text, a friend responded, “God equipped you with His Word in all the days leading up to this moment. He knew back then what you would need today. His Word is in you.” The wrestling in my soul went still as I recalled Psalm 23 in my mind:

“’The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.’” Psalm 23:1-6 ESV

Friend, if you feel yourself drowning under the hardships of life or you feel overwhelmed by the battles you’re up against, draw on what the Lord has planted in you out of this season. Recall His faithfulness in all the moments that brought you here. God was planting His seeds of hope back then to grow in this season you’re in. The Helper is in you and has equipped you with what you need to live in His presence today.

Everything you need you already have.

During stay-at-home orders, our church started mid-week prayer calls on Zoom to help connect the congregation outside of Sunday online services. Every Wednesday my husband and I logged on to see our spiritual family face to face through the screen and partner with Jesus and the Church in prayer for our city, our nation, its leaders, and the pandemic. It was like a breath resuscitating our dry bones.

In the fabric of our being, we were all created to come to the Father with our praise, our pleas, and to just be. Present. Listening. Longing. Not the kind of self-centered prayers that focus solely on how our situation could be better. Our hearts need to be advocating for the Church with the Church, praying for the lost and those struggling through a pandemic without Jesus.

The problem was my perspective. Seemingly overnight my heart of gratitude turned into grumbling. I was giving too much attention to what wasn’t working and missing the bigger picture. It’s easy to let emotions consume us in the valley of our circumstances. We might complain, become bitter, and get angry. The enemy deceives us into thinking our pain is too great, our strength too weak, and our burdens too heavy to possibly care for others. What more can we give when everything we have has been taken?

The world looks a lot smaller when all we can see is our own struggle. When we’re staring at the trenches of our situation, we miss the Truth. I did have more to give. I had gifts of prayer stored up inside. I had songs of worship and blessings to give praise for.

Prayer and worship are what held my family together when the world was falling apart.

Burying our thoughts in prayer instead of complaints kept us free and moving forward when we felt like giving up. Prayer renewed our minds and our hearts. Prayer was God’s grace and it gave us hope again.

Personally, motherhood turned out to be much different than I had planned. I had to release my grip on what I considered my purpose with work and writing and accept this new assignment in ministry as a full-time stay-at-home mom. This was my lane to run in and thrive. I realized that I can still change the world from here. And that brought me great peace to know that I am fulfilling my purpose and God-appointed assignment.

The global pandemic helped develop my prayer life and taught me to lean in and trust the Lord for perseverance. Marriage and motherhood in lockdown have both taught me to keep my focus on God. They have forced me to spend a lot of time on my knees and to be thankful for the moments I have in God’s Word. The more I pray and the more I seek God’s will, the better my ministry to my family becomes.

‘Light dawns in the darkness for the upright; he is gracious, merciful, and righteous.’ Psalm 112:4 ESV

First Published on Empowered Women Faith Club

Posted on Tuesday, April 27, 2021

How To Cross-Examine Your Life With The Bible

Taking up your cross

He was given one sentence in scripture but that one line says it all.

“’As they went out, they found a man of Cyrene, Simon by name. They compelled this man to carry his cross.’” Matthew 27:32 ESV

Simon’s final walk with Jesus was no doubt heavy and long and yet carrying His cross offered Simon a very intimate encounter with the Savior of the world.

I wonder if we are missing out on a deeper connection with Jesus when we refuse the crosses that lay in the way of our path in life?

‘Then Jesus told his disciples, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.’ Matthew 16:24 ESV

Just after Jesus foretells his own death and resurrection, He uses this phrase, “take up his [your] cross and follow me” as a command to his followers to dethrone any human desires and self-interests and enthrone His perfect plan and ways.

Practically Speaking

Taking up our cross might be saying ‘no’ to a particular ambition, dream, or career. The cross can be a stronghold or persistent struggle with sin. Our cross is anything that comes between living in complete obedience to Jesus. It is where our will and desires come in direct opposition to God’s will and divine plan.

For some, the cross might include surrendering television shows or social media scrolling if it’s taking the place of prayer or time with Jesus. Maybe our cross is praying for those who are far from God. In the daily rhythms of life, taking up our cross is often simply setting aside what is most comfortable or convenient and doing the thing that brings the most honor or glory to God.

The cross is dying to ourselves.

It might be showing compassion to those who are hurting when we don’t share the same views about their pain or perhaps walking away from our busy work to be present with our children. Our cross may be looking past an offense to forgiveness when we don’t want to let go of a grudge because Jesus is never more on display than in our choice to love and forgive.

We cannot say we follow Jesus while we elevate our own self.

As a parent, sacrifice might feel like all we ever do. Maybe as a people-pleaser, saying ‘no’ to ourselves is all we know. Taking up our cross goes beyond our daily submissions. This is a request to look beyond the actual sacrifice and ask ourselves if this surrender points to Jesus. Our crosses in life are what serve to advance the gospel.

Is there a reflection of Christ in our giving? Does our sacrifice leave an aroma of Christ’s love and hospitality with our spouse, our neighbors, the waiter, or the grocery store clerk?

Staying Surrendered In Your Suffering

Opportunities to take up our cross sit outside of our limits. We might look at our watch for the time to serve or check our wallet for the resources to give, but carrying the cross will always ask for more. That’s why we must partner with Jesus, who sits outside of time and provides all our needs, to help us bear what we cannot do alone.

For me, I find my cross in what frustrates me the most. When I feel weak or my spirit feels heavy, Jesus reminds me that I’m limping with the cross on my own. It’s important to stay surrendered to Jesus every step of the way in our suffering. He will bear the heavy lifting and persevere us through it.

As we make difficult choices that reflect Jesus and honor God, the Holy Spirit will chisel away at our character, mature our spiritual development, and work these trials out for our good. We may not be called to missions in a foreign land or daily persecution for our faith, but as followers of Jesus, we all have a cross to take up with Christ.

If you were given one sentence to summarize your life, what would that line say? Would we read about Jesus and the cross you carried together? Every day we have an incredible opportunity to walk intimately with the King of Kings and be a living sacrifice to a hurting and searching world. Our cross is what we have in common with Jesus.

In Your Life:

Taking up our cross is unselfish living. What excuses do I get trapped in when an opportunity to serve and share Jesus is available?

Sacrifice brings suffering. What am I afraid of when it comes to taking up my cross?

Taking up my cross goes beyond sacrifice. It’s a deliberate choice to share Jesus. Where is one place I can lean in and listen like Jesus, give or serve like Jesus, and submit to God’s leading today?

First Published on Empowered Women Faith Club

Posted on Tuesday, August 25, 2020

What the bible says about anxiety

Humility Preserves Peace

Stepping out from a doctor’s appointment, my heart was racing with thoughts of being so unprepared for this part of my story. Soothing words wrestled with my emotions, but it didn’t take away the feeling of losing control.

Flipping my bible open to verses on anxiety, I read 1 Peter 5:6 and my heart sank with the first two words: “Humble yourselves.” Was my anxiety stemming from pride?

“Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.” (1 Peter 5:6-7 ESV)

Anxiety and stress can tempt us to lose sight of the sovereignty of God. Fear might overcompensate with pride and persuade us the outcome can be controlled. The problem with these emotions is that they will wear our human hands and hearts out.

A humble heart acknowledges the mighty hand of our Sovereign God and can accept that we’re not in control. Humility helps us let go of the questions and cast our cares with confidence in a loving, powerful God.

When we’re willing to release our grip on life and pray from a place of surrender and humility, we see the Truth that God cares enough for us to work it all out for our good.

The Almighty God who got us here can also take us there. He cares that much for us.

Are you still holding onto control in an area of your life, as if you can handle all that is coming your way? When those anxious feelings come up, think about where your future rests. Will any of your decisions change what God already has in mind?

If you feel like you’re drowning in anxiety, here’s a good place to refocus those thoughts: Father God, I know You are for me and not against me. You hold my past, present, and future in Your hands and will not let me stumble. Help me step down from the throne of control and humbly accept Your love and peace. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.

First Published on Beloved Women

Posted on Sunday, March 8, 2020

The Potential For Greater Power In You

Are you sitting behind a desk pushing papers and answering calls all day wondering if this is even making an eternal difference? Perhaps your 9 to 5 is tripping over toddlers as you try to tidy up the house and run errands. Or maybe your days are spent studying and filling out job applications. No matter where you find yourself at work today, Jesus reminds us of the magnitude of power believers hold in their hands, their words, and footsteps.

“Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever believes in me will also do the works that I do; and greater works than these will he do, because I am going to the Father. Whatever you ask in my name, this I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.” (John 14:12-13 ESV)

In John 14, Jesus says He is going to be with the Father so that we can not only do the works Jesus did on earth but greater works even.

Today, you hold incredible power in whatever it is Jesus has called you to.

Whether it’s parenting, sitting behind a computer, or being a neighbor and friend, you have magnificent power behind all that you do! You can walk with your head a little higher, your feet secure, and use your words to encourage others knowing there is great power at play.

Do you find yourself downplaying the kind of power you hold in Jesus because of your profession, your age, or your location?

Pray, Jesus, I see You on the throne advocating for me. I can’t diminish what You’ve called me to do when Your word tells me You are doing an even greater work through me. I trust You to guide my time and talents for the glory of Your name. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

What would your problems look like if you answered them with this promise?

First published on Beloved Women

Posted on Thursday, May 10, 2018

Faith is…

The gaze of a soul upon a saving God.

It’s pretty simple. The God of heaven, who made the sea and dry land.

The God of the storm and our oasis.

The God of our strength and every weakness.

The God of our only saving grace, His son, Jesus Christ.

Posted on Tuesday, April 3, 2018

Is Fear A Sin?

Just ask Jonah

We don’t discipline our children for being afraid. When we flip back through the pages of scripture, we don’t see fear showing up as one of the Seven Deadly Sins. So is living afraid even bad? Is fear a sin?

“Do not fear” is one of God’s most frequently repeated instructions in the bible. Have you ever considered why?

When fear takes the lead in our lives, it often causes us to disobey God’s Word.

If fear leads to disobedience, is fear a sin?

Jonah’s story is a testament to what fear will lead us to do. God told Jonah to go to Ninevah and tell the city that God is bringing His judgment on their wickedness. Jonah’s fear took control and he ran from God’s request. Jonah’s paralyzing fear led him away from his purpose, God’s calling on his life.

Our choices have significant consequences. The emotionally uncomfortable, conflicting feelings of fear can keep us from the high calling God has placed upon our lives. We might struggle with the fear of commitment, the risk of being hurt, and so we hold back emotionally and stay away from relationships. We might be afraid of the expectations of others so we refrain from speaking the truth.

Fear disrupts faith and becomes our biggest obstacle to trusting and obeying God.

Moses let fear make a few decisions in his life. Being a slave to fear can keep us from an opportunity to discover that God can be trusted.

When we feel called by God to act, our fears can hold us back. Fear can keep us from acknowledging reality, from speaking the truth, from being authentic with others, from admitting struggles, sharing our pain, and standing up for what is right. When we focus on our fear, we end up elevating our feelings above God’s ability and ultimately, we forget all about God’s faithfulness.

Fear might be the number one reason we are tempted to run from what God has called us to do.

If fear leads to disobedience, is fear a sin? Trust and fear are constantly battling for our decisions.

If you live in fear, you will never experience the potential that God has placed in you.

When you choose fear, you lose the opportunity to discover that God can be trusted. Any kind of growth inside you is going to involve risk, and risk always involves fear. You will have to face your fear, act even when you are afraid if you intend to do what God has created you to do.

We will all have moments when we must choose between trust and fear. Where is Jesus asking you to step out, step up, step into the face of fear? What is holding you back? There are good fears that keep us from reckless choices, but your ‘no’ because of fear shouldn’t keep you from saying ‘yes’ to faith.

Use your fear and fight back in faith. Click here for a tool I created to help your faith grow the next time a fear presents itself.

Posted on Friday, March 30, 2018

The single worst day in history and God said it was good

God wrote “good” on the single worst day in history. There is not one day, or week, or month, or year of suffering… not one trauma, loss, or pain with which God cannot write “good” over you in Christ Jesus too. All it takes is the belief that His blood covers all of you; in the past, the present, and what is to come.

In God’s presence, pain has no place, sickness has no place, weariness has no place, depression has no place.

At the cross, we find all our answers.

In what Jesus lived for, in what Jesus died for, that is the meaning to life.

Posted on Wednesday, February 14, 2018

Use F.E.A.R. To Fight Back

Taking on challenges builds the core of who you are, even if it’s not done perfectly. Your greatest fears can be a threshold to God’s greatest transitions in life. The next time life throws a scary situation your way, use F.E.A.R. to fight back.

We use God’s mighty weapons, not worldly weapons, to knock down the strongholds of human reasoning and to destroy false arguments. 2 Corinthians 10:4 NLT

F

Filter your fear through God’s truth to equip your mind with a bold spirit and to expose the enemy’s lies. Feed your spirit daily with God’s encouraging Truth. Surround yourself with uplifting music and positive people. This will push your fears out of mind and replace your thoughts with His thoughts. You are more than your feelings. You are a powerful, wise, beloved child of God, and you can do whatever you need to do in life through Christ, who is your strength.

Fear says ‘what if… what if… what if…’ Faith says, “Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life…” Psalm 23:6 NIV

E

Expect God to work for your good and ultimately, His glory. Expect Him to show up, to step in, and to act with justice and mercy. Increase your determination and be willing to fail, then use failure as a teacher. When we live expecting God to intervene, we must be careful not to limit our confidence by our own agenda or understanding.

Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego refused to bow down to the king’s image. These three Hebrew boys expected their God to come through. And He did, in the furnace.

When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames shall not set you ablaze… Do not be afraid for I will be with you. Isaiah 43:2-3, 5 NIV

A

Act with courage. Live willing and available to move, to reach out, to speak up. For someone who wrestles with worry and doubt and yet still obeys, trembling but trusting- that is true courage.

C.S. Lewis reminded us that courage is not the absence of fear but acting in spite of it. Everyday ordinary people take steps to accomplish extraordinary things while they still feel the fear.

Sometimes we see heroes of faith and think they have it all figured out. Brave people don’t stop hearing the whispers of fear. They hear the whispers and take action anyway. God asks us to do things afraid so that we will lean into Him with faith.

R

Remember God’s faithfulness. Recount the stories in scripture and in your own life where God has come through before. This is what David did when faced with the giant, Goliath. In 1 Samuel 17, David remembers God‘s faithfulness when the enemy looked like a lion and a bear. David concludes if God rescued him before, He will surely do it again.

So we can confidently say, “The Lord is my helper; I will not fear; what can man do to me?” Hebrews 13:6 ESV

Be assured that the same God, the same power available to you is the same one that raised Christ from the dead.

He will never leave you nor forsake you.

LORD, you are my God; I will exalt you and praise your name, for in perfect faithfulness you have done wonderful things, things planned long ago. Isaiah 25:1 NIV

The only way to live a fearless life is to live looking to God.

The next time you are taunted with the flames of fear, use F.E.A.R. to refocus. When you filter fear through God’s Truth, expect Him to work for your good, act with courage, and remember God’s faithfulness, you will have the confidence to stand strong. Be willing to feel the fear and do what you need to do anyway because facing fear will help your faith grow.

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable–if anything is excellent or praiseworthy–think about such things. Philippians 4:8 NIV

Posted on Wednesday, September 20, 2017

The bottom offers a new beginning with God

God will let you get to the bottom, maybe lose something important, or even become desperate just so you and I can experience Him all the more. The Almighty waits for our hands to surrender so we can see His sufficiency is all we ever need.

Our Creator God cares about having a relationship with His children. He holds the keys to life and is championing every effort to discover Him more.

Instead of complaining or stressing out about a situation, this is the time to say, God, you have created an opportunity for me to see your power, to experience your hand, to go deeper in my relationship with You by seeing You like I have never witnessed your grace, your favor, or your strength before.

“Only God.” This is the beginning of every God-glorifying story.

Any temporary loss has an eternal gain if you can change your perspective on the problem. Our promise-keeping God never asks us to give up anything without offering something far greater in its place.

Posted on Monday, August 14, 2017

How To Have Faith When Prayers Are Not Answered

Therefore is my spirit overwhelmed within me; my heart within me is desolate. Psalm 143:4 KJV

When it seems life is falling apart, we might throw a hail mary prayer request in hopes God will fix the situation. But what happens when our prayers go unanswered or things don’t turn out the way we had hoped? We might get angry, have doubts about God’s motives, or take matters into our own hands.

It’s always a mistake to wrap our faith and confidence in God around the fulfillment of our dreams or the answers to our prayer.

The foundation of our faith is not answered prayer. The foundation of faith is not everything going our way or happily ever after endings either.

We live from a place of peace and rest that God has got this. Whether or not it looks the way you wanted, you can still trust has your best in mind.

Dreams that don’t come true and prayers that don’t get answered say nothing about the presence, the goodness, or the faithfulness of God.

Through the highs and lows, and all the ups and downs, God is still with you. – Andy Stanley

Trisha Keehn

Living in the midst of gravity and grace. Biblical perspective for when life doesn't make sense.

Category Archives: Faith