09 November, 2017

Thankfulness Thursday - Spring Buds and God Working Despite Me




Grace Anne from Totally Graced is hosting Thankful Thursdays this month – it’s about taking extra time to remember and share what we’re thankful for. I realized the reason for thankfulness in November is probably due to thanksgiving, which we don’t celebrate in Australia, but it’s always a good time to be thankful, in my opinion. :)

I’m thankful for God working even in comfort zones. Last week, I was going out for the day – volunteering talking with homeless people and doing their washing, then some shopping and teaching. I was praying on the way, asking God for strength; strength to acknowledge Him even though I didn’t feel like it. I didn’t ask for opportunities to talk about Him and witness, because I didn’t want those opportunities. I didn’t feel like stepping outside my comfort zone. I was tired. It was a lame prayer, honestly.

After I did the volunteering shift, and I was sitting in a carpark eating lunch, I saw God answered my prayer without me even realizing. I got to share my faith with three people directly through the shift, and indirectly with the others who were listening. Two people asked what I was studying, and when I answered ‘Christian counselling,’ it led to more discussion. One man apologised for anti-religion stuff he’d said earlier, and I was able to share what he'd said didn’t offend me, because it’s more about my personal relationship with God rather than structured religion. They were natural conversations, not forced, or awkward.

The third opportunity came when I was talking with another guy, and he told me I was not like other twenty-year-olds he’d known. I didn’t seem like the type of girl who’d spend time in nightclubs, and do drugs and stuff. I was able to give God credit, and say it’s because of God and my Christian upbringing. 

As I was sitting in the car thinking about those situations, it made me laugh. Here I was scared, tired, praying safe prayers. And yet, God still gave me opportunities and used me, and I didn’t even see it coming! So this week, I’m thankful God works, even through my weakness and fear. 

And I want to encourage you: if you’re feeling low, like you have nothing to offer God, and you aren’t worthy of being His witness, be honest with God. He’s not limited – comfort zones and tired hearts don’t stop Him. He can still use you, and the best part is when He does, it ignites His enthusiasm in us, and we get the biggest blessing. Stay strong, friends, and let God use even the little bit you have – He’s a God of miracles. If He can work through my inadequacy, He can absolutely use you. xx

What are you thankful this week? How has God been surprising you recently?

31 comments:

  1. Thanks for sharing this, Jessica! I'm thankful God never gives up on me, despite my sin, fear, and brokenness. <3

    And I love the photos in this post - they're so beautiful! Autumn is amazing, but spring will always be my favorite season. <3

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    1. Yes, His grace is incredible!

      There's something about spring, isn't there? I like all the new life and growth. It's like an object lesson right in front of eyes! Thanks so much for reading and commenting. xx

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  2. What a lovely reminder, Jessica. It's so neat when God brings us circumstances like that in everyday life. Thank you for sharing (and gorgeous photos, too!) xx

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    1. I'm glad it could be that for you, Emily! It is amazing to see God working. Thank you for your encouraging comment! xx

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  3. This is wonderful. God's so wonderful!

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    1. Thanks - and amen! It's incredible to catch a glimpse of His wonder. Thanks for your comment, Vanessa! xx

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  4. Wow, thanks for sharing this Jessica. That's really cool... God works in mysterious ways. I guess even when we don't want to do it or don't pan to do it then sometimes God has other plans.
    I'm thankful for many things.... the cooler weather here, my family, friends, God's Word....
    Anyways, thanks for sharing :)
    (Love the pictures, they're beautiful)

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    1. You're welcome. :) It is so encouraging to see God working - and experiencing that He provides everything I need for His unexpected plans too!

      I like your mini list of things you're thankful for - sometimes they're the things we take for granted, but they're still so valuable and special gifts from God. Thanks for sharing and leaving a comment! :)

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  5. I can relate with this post as I've experienced some "down" times of mediocrity this week when I just didn't feel like going the extra mile. Even so, I can look back over the past days and see times when - by God's grace - I've had some neat conversations with people that go below the superficial. I was telling Hosanna recently that I think God is really resourceful. He uses big fish and donkeys and - perhaps most amazingly of all - me.

    This week, today, I'm thankful for an opportunity to see one of my students around town outside of school. It encouraged me to see how enthusiastic she was to see me.

    Thanks for another relatable post!

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    1. Yes, it's a real struggle! Oh, I like that analogy! It makes me smile, but it's true - how incredible that He uses us! I feel like God would have every reason to give up on us in frustration, but He doesn't.

      That sounds like it was a blessing to you! It's nice when people are excited to see you - especially kids because they're typically very honest. :)

      Thank you for your comment, and continued encouragement! xx

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  6. Thanks for the encouragement sister!
    God is using you greatly.
    From one little brother proud of his big sister :)

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    1. Bro, you are the best. And you ought to know this comment means a very lot to me. I'm so proud of you too. :) Stay strong!

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  7. Ohh I loved hearing about your experience - God is so good and in bringing us opportunities without us even realizing it or trying to force it on.
    Keep fighting the good fight!

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    1. Thanks so much, Kara! I'm glad you enjoyed it - I hope it could be an encouragement to you! Thanks again. :)

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  8. Jessica, I think we've been learning similar lessons. =) This week is crazy. Tuesday was so stressful, and I just wanted to give up and hide in bed the next morning. =) But God used Lamentations to help me realize His strength. (funny how we find strength in often under-appreciated passages) The rest of the week has been stressful at times - but He's been so faithful. It's mind-blowing. When we acknowledge our limitations, He receives glory for bringing our miserable attempts to success. God's so good, despite our weaknesses. ♥

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    1. That's so awesome God's been teaching us similar things! It sounds like your life is pretty busy right now. I'm glad you've been able to experience His faithfulness through it all though. Like you said, He is good! It's interesting - I recently read Lamentations too, and it was a great encouragement! I'm starting to realize just because parts of the Bible aren't talked about doesn't mean they're not powerful and relevant. Thanks for your thoughtful comment, Hosanna! I hope you continue to feel His peace and rest despite the stress and busyness! xx

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  9. Whoa, you live in Australia?! That's AWESOME!!
    And all of those situations were orchestrated by God, no doubt. I'm really thankful for the Scripture, honestly. I was struggling and was trying to find a verse and one of them just spoke to me, and it was super cool!!! Also, having wonderful parents to share it with and marvel at Him. <3

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    1. Whoa, yes I do! It is pretty awesome. ;)

      Oh, that's always a wonderful experience - having a verse speak to you! It's like God reaches through the pages into our lives. He's such a personal God. I'm thankful for your sweet comment, Amelia! Stay strong! xx

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  10. Hey :)! I came here from Grace's blog to read your Thankfulness Thursday post! I think it's neat you joined "even though" you are in Australia! Yes, anytime is the right time to give thanks!!! I really loved your post, and what a sweet story about how the Lord used you when you were afraid of being used, in a way that flowed naturally out of a heart that was "there" even if your flesh was groaning!
    And I have to say... it seems so odd to see you sharing these (gorgeous, by the way, you are a great photographer!!!) pictures of spring, while our backyard is just hitting the peak of fall... it's fun!
    Blessings in Christ,
    Bri from forget-not-his-benefits.blogspot.com

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    1. Hi Bri! Thanks so much for reading and leaving your sweet comment! Yes, I'm so glad God chose to use me despite my flesh groaning, as you accurately described it!

      I'm sure it must look a little strange! But I'm glad you think it's fun. :) Thanks again for your comment, and God's blessings to you too! xx

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  11. Amazing post! I don't know if I've said this before, but I'm grateful that you're able to keep an open mind about other views on religion. Structured religion can be awful, but I believe many atheists have no issue with personal relationships with God. I learn so much from our discussions. :)

    It's true about the twenty-year-old thing. I was surprised at first by the blogging community and how it subverted young adult stereotypes. Many of my friends are absolutely into nightclubs, drugs, etc. I've seen some posts on blogger recently about how most young adults aren't into that stuff, but from my experience that isn't true - at least not where we live. It's become an almost unavoidable part of our culture. And I'm not sure how to feel about that.

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    1. Thank you! :) I try to stay open - I believe we can learn something from everyone, and there's always more to learn. And the same back to you - it's refreshing to talk about these things with someone who also has an open mind! Thanks for your thoughtful comment. :)

      Yes, it's strange for me to realize a lot of people my age are into those kind of things. It was always 'older people' you know, not my peers. It does seemed to be deeply rooted in our culture. Of course, this isn't the case in all circumstances, but it makes me ask why: could it be a lack of love and fulfillment, an increasingly callous and indifferent society? Is it just for fun, or is it to mask something deeper? What is underneath it all? That would be my analytical mind.

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  12. This is great, Jessica! I am so thankful for all the little things God seems to bless me with like a hot cup of coffee, a sunset, a movie, or nice exercise time. Sometimes the times when you don't feel like God will use you is actually the time when God uses me the most. :) He can take my brokenness and make it beautiful!!

    - Lilly

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    1. Yes, the little things add so much to life!! I found that too - it's in our weaknesses His strength shines through. So glad you've experienced that - keep living for Him! Thanks for your comment, girl. :)

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  13. Oh my goodness, Jessica, this is great! Like you mentioned and Jo said, there's actually a lot of cultural things that are in my area that I can't avoid. For example, there are these parties that are supposed to be adult hosted and extremely elegant but I always hear stories about people throwing up and... I'm not going to go much into detail, but I'm sure you get the idea. It's a different reputed breed of party. I'm grateful enough that I haven't gotten into an uncomfortable situation involving those things, but I hope and pray if I ever do get into an uncomfortable environment, nothing harmful happens to me. >.<

    xoxo Abigail Lennah | ups & downs

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    1. Thanks, Abigail! It is an interesting situation we're in with what's become 'normal' in our culture. Maybe it's an opportunity to show that this world isn't our final home. I hope you stay safe too! Thanks heaps for reading and commmenting! xx

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  14. Thank you so much for joining in with Thankfulness Thursday, Jessica! This was such a fantastic post. It it so cool how God can use us, even when we aren't expecting it! What an encouragement. <3

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    1. Thank you, Grace Anne! It's a wonderful challenge - hopefully I'll be able to join in again throughout the month. :) And I'm so glad this could be an encouragement to you - praise God! xx

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  15. The pictures are beautiful. The story was nice to read. :) It's like that sometimes at work. Just yesterday I was working, and the 2IC of the nursing home passed me in the hallway and he said, "Tomorrow is the Sabbath!" I said, "It is!" Because a while ago they wanted me to work on Saturday and I said I couldn't, because it was the Sabbath. It led to a bit of a discussion, and now I guess he remembers why I can't work on Saturdays.

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