A Note from Gretchen

I’ve walked through the valley of burnout and thought my purpose would never reignite. 

I’ve trudged through the darkness of depression and thought my joy would never return. 

I’ve wrestled with unrelenting anxiety and thought I would never be able to walk in obedience to God’s calling again.

But recently, God did the impossible once more. He showed up in my utter weakness to proclaim the greatness of his glory. He took my brokenness and used it to highlight his healing through Christ.

I’ve walked through enough challenges and struggles to know that walking with a limp in this life is a gift if it makes me rely more on Jesus. There are scars on my soul that bear the marks of battle, but they tell a greater story of redemption. I don’t have it all together, but I’ve found joy, purpose, and peace in the One who does.

Just because God calls you to a task doesn’t mean it will be easy. There will be wrestling along the way, sanctification that stings, and hardship you will want to avoid, but to follow Jesus is to embrace true life (Luke 9:23; John 10:10). If something hard shows you his strength and causes you to rely on him more, it is an incredible gift.

Whatever might be holding you back from obedience today, give it to God and remember your Savior, who was broken for your healing and who is currently enthroned and reigning.

Gretchen
Founder

P.S. We’ve got something fun coming next week! Rely on Jesus by immersing yourself in his Word with our new In Every Season Journal Set! Preview the new collection here and sign up for email notifications in the listings so you don’t miss the launch.

 

A Word of Encouragement

Faith is being so sure something is true that you’re willing to take action, even if you can’t see the outcome. —Emily A. Jensen in He Is Strong: Devotions for When You Feel Weak

 

Fill Your Ears with Truth

Podcasts, Bible teaching, and worship songs we’re loving lately

Study any pastor, leader, or author who has influenced you long enough, and you’ll discover they weren’t superstars, superheroes, or superhumans; they simply loved Jesus with a sincere faith and received his supernatural guidance and strength. I’ve been on a Christian biography kick for the past few years, and recently, I’ve been slowly listening to Timothy Keller: His Spiritual and Intellectual Formation by Collin Hansen. This biography doesn’t elevate Tim Keller on a pedestal; it elevates Christ. This book has deepened my understanding of God’s grace, power, and sovereign provision for his people, and, most importantly, it has stirred in my soul a deeper longing to know, love, and live like Jesus. —Gretchen, Founder

"All in All" by Josh Garrels

"Christ Be Magnified" by The Worship Initiative, Aaron Williams

 

Read-A-Mentor Recommendations

Books, articles, and emails we’re loving lately

“You’re not a failure for…” This post by author and co-founder of Risen Motherhood, Emily Jensen, hit home. I’m prone to living with a failure mentality. Emily’s writing reminded me once again that I’m a limited human being created by God, loved by him, and cared for by him. I may be limited, but he is limitless, and he is my hope and help. —Gretchen, Founder

I’m halfway through Corrie Ten Boom’s In My Father’s House, a book of reflections on growing up in a family centered on Christ in the years before The Hiding Place. She gracefully showcases her memories as ways God specifically prepared her for the suffering to come. Her insights move me and provoke the same kind of thinking—that in each and every day, in my posture toward my children, in the norms of my home, the encounters with my neighbors, the suffering I bear and witness, the ambitions of my heart, God is at work in the present and also preparing me for the future. —Lauren, Theology Editor

 

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