Still.

Still.

by Nikki Rich Writes ♥ 2 Comments

Have you ever been over yourself? Tired of bad habits. Tired of failing. Tired of doubting. Tired of falling for the same lies. Tired of telling the same lies. Tired of starting and stopping. Tired of sinning and apologizing. Just tired. If you have, what did you do about it? Did you sulk? Did you avoid? Did you hide? If you’re anything like me, you probably had the inclination to feel unworthy. That feeling of unworthiness always led me to stay stuck in sin. If I wasn’t worthy of God’s righteousness, I might as well accept my fate and stay in this box of less than. Can you relate? It took some time, years even, before I realized that the exhaustion I felt was not a death sentence. That exhaustion, instead, was His invitation to see how much I mattered to Him.

““But our ancestors were proud and stubborn, and they paid no attention to your commands. They refused to obey and did not remember the miracles you had done for them. Instead, they became stubborn and appointed a leader to take them back to their slavery in Egypt. But you are a God of forgiveness, gracious and merciful, slow to become angry, and rich in unfailing love. You did not abandon them, even when they made an idol shaped like a calf and said, ‘This is your god who brought you out of Egypt!’ They committed terrible blasphemies. “But in your great mercy you did not abandon them to die in the wilderness. The pillar of cloud still led them forward by day, and the pillar of fire showed them the way through the night. You sent your good Spirit to instruct them, and you did not stop giving them manna from heaven or water for their thirst. For forty years you sustained them in the wilderness, and they lacked nothing. Their clothes did not wear out, and their feet did not swell!” – Nehemiah‬ ‭9:16-21‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Many of us struggle with who God is and how He functions. We often think He’s either the most kind or the most unjust, depending on what side of the fence we happen to be on at any given time. That polarization, however, often negates the core of who He is: love. It is His love that convicts and challenges as well as encourages and preserves. It is His love that exalts us as well as humbles us. It is His love that sees our sin, blatant and unrestricted, and still pursues us. Still protects us. Still guides us. Still loves us. As I read Nehemiah, I felt myself get emotional. Like the Israelites, I could pinpoint the various times I chose an idol over God. I could see the times I took His blessings and favor for granted. I could see my attitude and stubbornness. I could also pinpoint God’s hand. I could recall the times God made sure I was taken care of and protected even when I didn’t appreciate it. I could see that even in my failings, He still wanted me.

It was a God given sensitivity to His kindness that brought about a conviction that led to repentance. How could I continually turn from someone who so desperately wanted me to be His? Though I was a nobody, to Him, I meant everything. It was that realization that grew a desire in me to take Him more seriously. I wanted to be as committed to Him as He was to me. Does any of this sound like you? Are you someone who feels like you’ve fallen too far to even be worthy of God’s kindness? If so, don’t worry. None of us are worthy. Thankfully, because of our belief in Jesus and the gift He gave to all of us, we all have another chance to press in and let Him have our hearts, desires, and lives. Don’t miss the opportunity to witness the depth of His love. Don’t forfeit the chance to see His transformative power in your life.  He’s willing. Will you respond to His pursuit? 

“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” – 1 John 1:9 NIV

If you’ve lost your step with God or you’re battling with sins and habits that feel too hard to break, my prayer is that you’ll begin to see yourself the way God sees you. Especially in this Christmas season, where we focus on the birth and purpose of Jesus, my heart wants so badly for you to see how deeply loved you are, even in your messiness. You have a purposeful and prosperous life ahead of you. Know, however, that you can’t live the fullness of that life hiding and shrinking away from God. He sees you. He knows you. He wants you. Return to Him, just as you are, and let Him make you new (Psalm 51: 10-12) .

He loves you STILL, twentysomethings ❤️

For David’s Sake

For David’s Sake

by Nikki Rich Writes ♥ 2 Comments

“He committed all the sins his father had done before him; his heart was not fully devoted to the Lord his God, as the heart of David his forefather had been. Nevertheless, for David’s sake the Lord his God gave him a lamp in Jerusalem by raising up a son to succeed him and by making Jerusalem strong.”
‭‭1 Kings‬ ‭15:3-4‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Many of you may be familiar with the concept and/or reality of a praying grandmother. If not, praying grandmas (or any person who prays intently about you) are those who consistently and passionately plead the blood of Christ over you and your loved ones. Their earnest prayers, over the years, have often saved many of us from various crises and heartaches, whether we realized it or not. What a privilege to be cared for in such a way that even while you and I were far from God, God still kept us for their sake. The realization of that privilege was brought to my attention quite recently while reading about many of the kings in the Old Testament of the Bible. While there were a few good kings here and there, who ruled with justice and reverence for God, the vast majority of them were terrible. They were greedy, self seeking, disregarding, power hungry, and unjust. Despite their disobedience and pride, God would often repeat a phrase that illustrated mercy towards His people. Though it was simple, the phrase meant provision. The phrase meant salvation. The phrase meant favor.
For David’s sake.
David, the giant slayer. David, the psalmist. David, the man after God’s own heart. Great King David. I appreciated and admired the way God honored David so much that even as his descendants acted foolishly, actively deciding not to follow the ways of God, God still continued to bless them and preserve their line for David’s sake. Israel was His people. The line to Jesus needed to be preserved. For David’s sake, God forgave, pardoned, corrected, warned, and waited. How blessed they were by God’s honor. How blessed we are.

Witnessing God’s honor of David sparked not only gratitude but desire. I found myself wanting to be someone God honored in that way. I found myself wanting to save the lives of future generations as well as the people currently connected to me that were lost or had fallen away. For my sake, I wanted God to cover, to protect, and to save. While I felt this desire build, I simultaneously felt inadequacy rise. David, after all, was the anointed one set on pleasing God. David had great faith while mine could be faulty. David had boldness in the face of opposition while I was often willing to list my fears and excuses. David was a different breed, not at all like the person I currently saw myself to be, the person you may see yourself as. Even still, the desire grew. I thought that maybe if I read about David and saw, play by play, how he reacted in situations, I could learn how to strengthen my faith and be more like him. As I studied, thank God, I quickly realized that David and I already had a lot in common.

As much as David is celebrated for being a man after God’s own heart, David sure messed up a lot. He was someone with two sides. He was indeed a man of God. He worshiped God in humility and gratitude. He consulted God before making decisions. He trusted God to fight his battles. He ensured that the Israelites followed God’s law.  Despite those great acts, David also committed adultery. He murdered to try and hide his sin. He responded cowardly when conflict in his family arose. He sometimes let pride stop him from ruling well. It soon became clear that God’s honor of David had very little to do with his “greatness”. God honored him because more than any error he made, David was consistent in seeking the face of God. He readily asked God to clean his heart of sin and injustice. He quickly humbled himself when pride tried to overtake him. He accepted punishment from God, not with disdain but with appreciation. He cared about God’s approval more than anyone else’s. He was after God, whether he was up or down, good or bad. That’s what I pray God honors about me. That’s what I pray God honors about you.

“… and observe what the Lord your God requires: Walk in obedience to him, and keep his decrees and commands, his laws and regulations, as written in the Law of Moses. Do this so that you may prosper in all you do and wherever you go and that the Lord may keep his promise to me: ‘If your descendants watch how they live, and if they walk faithfully before me with all their heart and soul, you will never fail to have a successor on the throne of Israel.’”
‭‭1 Kings‬ ‭2:3-4‬ ‭NIV‬‬

As we continue to adult, piecing together our lives in hopes of a better future for ourselves and our families, I pray that we also factor in the weight of God’s endorsement. I pray we seek His favor, not just for ourselves but our circle as well. While financial stability is awesome, salvation holds eternal weight. I ask that you be the person seeking after God. I ask that you begin to value and trust His word even when it proves difficult. I ask that you walk in the brightness of your light. I ask that as God instructs you, you pray for help and boldness to be obedient. This goes beyond living a good life and going to heaven when you die. It’s about the salvation, protection, healing, and restoration of your parents, your children, your coworkers, your neighborhood, and your generation. That’s the model Jesus set. That’s grown up stuff. That’s real adulting. Let’s begin to look around. This world is yearning and groaning for us (Romans 8:19-23). Let’s be the people who change this world.

For your sake, twentysomethings. 💕

Weary Me. Loving Him.

Weary Me. Loving Him.

by Nikki Rich Writes ♥ 2 Comments

Weary Me

“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” – Galatians‬ ‭6:9‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Many of us know this verse well. It’s all about honoring God, doing our best, and trusting Him to see us through. We know it. We hear it. We believe it. What happens, however, when that verse doesn’t quite feel like enough? When it’s been just one too many days? When your last nerve has been stepped on just one too many times? When you’re unable to hold back the tears any longer? When accepting defeat almost feels relieving? Anything but this place. Anything but this state of being. What do you do when weariness seems inevitable?

I’ve dealt with this many of times: trying to push pass negative feelings but failing, wondering if complacency is really that bad, even entertaining lies that tell me God’s promises aren’t really for me. I allow myself to lose hope and confidence. I question myself and my circumstance. I wonder, for a moment, if God really knows what He’s doing. Why on earth would God tell us not to give up when He knew how hard it’d be not to?

Loving Him

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” – Matthew‬ ‭11:28‬ ‭NIV‬‬

The more I learn about Christ, usually though the various trials and storms I face, the more I realize how chill He is. The juxtaposition of my frantic and exhausted spirit with His calming and all-knowing spirit is striking. I fight and push and try and fail all while He rests, looks on, and waits for me to turn to Him. As I scold myself, wishing I could hold on better, keep my attitude more in check, or even choose gratitude more often than tantrums, He sits there patiently until I wear myself out. When I get just weary enough to turn my attention back on Him, it’s there that I’m taught, once again, about His long-lasting love.

His love.

It’s His love that calls me righteous, even when I feel like I don’t deserve it (Philippians 3.9). It’s His love that prepares a table for me in the presence of my enemies (Psalm 23:5). It’s His love that keeps a hedge of protection around me (Psalm 91). It’s His love that encourages me (Deuteronomy 31:8). It’s His love that convicts me, molding me into the person He saw while I was still in my mother’s womb (Psalm 139:13; 15-16). It’s His love that provides an abundance of mercy and goodness to follow me all the days of my life (Psalm 23:6). It’s His love that empathizes and understands me when no one else does (Hebrews 4:15-16). It’s His love that never fails to provide comfort (Psalm 119:76). He brings His promises to mind, challenging me to remember that last time He rescued me, favored me, and covered me (Hebrews 8:10). If He did it before, isn’t He faithful enough to do it again?

This post is a plea, for all of us, to breathe. To remember that we aren’t doing this life alone. We have a Heavenly Father more than willing to help us, guide us, direct us, and mature us. Will we let Him? Will we learn the patience, the discipline, and the humility necessary to become our best selves? Will we accept the promises of God even when they don’t seem yet applicable to our lives? Will we choose to believe God loves us, even in the depths of our sins and mistakes?

My prayer is that each and every one of you know that you’re okay. Know that no amount of weariness can separate you from the love and promises of God (Romans 8:38). Know that no matter how hard the trial may be, it serves to produce the endurance and patience needed for your elevation (James 1:2-4). Know that no matter how far it may seem, God’s promises are still yes and amen (2 Corinthians 1:20). Know that though you stumble, doubt, and sometimes even fall, the righteous (which you are in Him) do indeed get back up (Proverbs 24:16).

Take your eyes off of yourself and place them on Him, twenty somethings ❤️

CHALLENGE: Take a verse from this post or in your own study and meditate on it for a week. Aim to memorize it, if you can. What does it say about Him? What does it say about you? Write it down and revisit it often. You can’t trust God, like He wants you to, until You learn who He is and how He feels about you. See who He is and test Him on it.

Is It Reliable?

Is It Reliable?

by Nikki Rich Writes ♥ 0 Leave a Comment

Even though I have a few years left, there’s no denying that my twenty something journey is coming to a close. With thirty on the horizon, my mind can’t help but think about who I’ll become as a thirty something. For many, thirty announces true adulthood. No longer struggling (as much) to figure things out, thirty somethings seem to have a greater handle on crises with much more wisdom and responsibility. I can’t forget about the stereotypical thirty something events either. Marriage, babies, owning homes, finding that stable job, and finally starting your life (as if it’s been on standby all this time). These are all wonderful and exciting things to anticipate. As I reflect on these upcoming events however, there’s something about them that seem a little sketchy. They look like a lot of pushing, pressure, expectation, and comparison. For me, to a degree, they raise a red flag. Is this the marker of success for me? Is this who I must become? What if I don’t achieve everything in time? What will that mean for me?

When I ask those questions, what I’m truly getting at is purpose. We’re told to build the family, climb the corporate ladder and secure wealth to pass down. We’re told to look for stability, to do better than our parents, and never settle for less. These are great things, honorable aspirations. What happens, however, when those things fail? What happens when that stable job lays you off? What happens when you’re 35 and aren’t married with kids yet? What happens when you do your very best and still don’t get promoted? Do you crash and burn and settle in defeat? Who even told you that you had to follow that specific path on that specific timeline anyway? If you veer off and take some back streets to the final destination, are you any less than? I hope you already know the right answer.

What frustrates me most is that these expectations don’t put God in the equation at all. We are told to hustle. To network. To date. To pursue. To fight. Did God tell us to do that though? Moreover, did God finish developing the character necessary for us to handle such things responsibly? It all feels like pressure to perform without the wisdom to discern. As the world makes these cultural rules for us to follow, have we ever considered how shaky the world and its ways are? Have we ever considered how shaky and unreliable even we can be? We believe something one day then prove it wrong by next week. We have mood swings and make hasty decisions that prove detrimental. How can we follow a guideline put forth by people and institutions that can barely hold themselves above water? What’s the solution?

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.” – Proverbs 3:5-6

One of the things I love about God is that He is all knowing. Even with the best education and life experiences, sometimes our plans and ventures fall flat. Our understanding is faulty. Our foresight is nearsighted. On our own, we can’t always be sure our decisions are their absolute best. When we take the pressure off of ourselves however, and let God lead us, we gain confidence. God is now on the line for the plans and steps He tells us to follow. We are assured that even if things seem to be going left, God is not a liar. If He promised that all things work together for the good of those who love Him (aka us), then good they will be. No unnecessary pressure. No worldly standards. No burden. God has it under control.

“Honor the LORD with your wealth, with the firstfruits of all your crops; then your barns will be filled to overflowing, and your vats will brim over with new wine.” – Proverbs 3:9–10

Put notice on the promise of overflow in this scripture. Have you realized that in order to fill to overflow, you must be the source of the abundance. Once again, it’s a promise from God that releases the pressure from us. You’re honoring God with the firstfruits because He was the one who supplied it in the first place. If He’s the ultimate provider then our only job is to work well and trust Him for the provision. His provision may be a job you weren’t qualified for or an extra check you weren’t expecting. His provision may be that job layoff, which protected you from scandal at the corporation, or even just enough to pay the bills another month. Whether it seems grand or simple, the source is solid. It’s reliable. It’s generous. It’s trustworthy. It’s God. Let the characteristics of God bring about the peace you need in this world of striving.

“Humble yourselves in the presence of the Lord, and He will exalt you.” – James 4:10

I realize that what I’m suggesting is a tall order for some. We aren’t necessarily wired to just trust God. We’ve been taught to do our best, be responsible, plan for the future, and strive to live our best lives. I’m not suggesting we stop having goals and aspirations. I’m only asking us to assess the source whenever we’re motivated to move in a certain direction or desire something that the world told us was necessary. Will you actually let God lead instead of you? Will you accept His sovereignty even if it comes at the hand of changing your perfectly decorated vision board? Will you stop just hearing what God has said and finally test Him in it? I challenge you to simply stay open and available to whatever God is wanting to do in you. He promises that it’ll be far more than you can imagine! (Ephesians 3:20-21)

We’re not stable enough to run our own lives. Let God take the reins, twentysomethings ❤️

Don’t Mind the Wind

Don’t Mind the Wind

by Nikki Rich Writes ♥ 2 Comments

Shortly before dawn Jesus went out to them, walking on the lake. When the disciples saw Him walking on the lake, they were terrified. “It’s a ghost,” they said, and cried out in fear. 

But Jesus immediately said to them: “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.”

“Lord, if it’s you,” Peter replied, “tell me to come to You on the water.”

“Come,” He said.

Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!”

Immediately Jesus reached out His hand and caught him. “You of little faith,” He said, “why did you doubt?”

Matthew 14:25-31

My favorite person in the Bible is Peter. I’ve always identified with his zeal for Christ coupled with his overwhelmingly flawed humanity. The way in which Jesus so deeply loved him, despite his mistakes, always gave me hope. Currently, God has been pushing me to truly conquer fear with faith. He has put me in situations that require my yes even when it’s terrifyingly scary to do so. In the middle of one of these fear provoking situations, God drew me to this particular passage about my favorite guy, Peter. When I usually read about Peter, I read the words with a smile, understanding his flaws and extending my sympathy towards him. As I read this passage however, I immediately felt sad and convicted. It was something about Peter starting to sink that really messed me up. 

What’s particularly convicting about this passage is that prior to this moment, Jesus had just finished performing the miracle of feeding thousands with only two fish and five loaves of bread. Peter saw and was an active participant in this miracle. Despite that, in this new situation at the lake, the evidence of Jesus’ power meant nothing.  Why on earth did wind frighten Peter when God clearly called him forward? Wasn’t it obvious that Jesus would make sure the wind and waves didn’t hurt Peter? Ready to call Peter out for his foolish doubt, I realized that I am no different than him.

“You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You.” – Isaiah 26:3

As I reread the passage, I began to focus on the moment where Peter looked away from Jesus and focused on the wind. It was when he changed his focus that he ultimately began to sink. Aren’t we the same? Don’t the winds of life change our focus too? The wind, though different for all of us, tends to be centered around those “what if” taunts. For Peter, the presence of the wind reminded him of his humanity and  made him question if he could actually stay afloat. For us, the wind may be negative self-talk, life experiences that tell us we can’t succeed, or even the devil whispering lies in our ears that seem too true to negate. The presence of the loud and threatening wind makes us look inward and focus on our inabilities. Keeping our focus on God, however, reminds us that we aren’t doing life alone. In every way that we are inadequate or unsure, God is there with strength, boldness, confidence, purpose, and peace.

We are called to be a light. We are called to be positive. We are called to have hope. We are called to stand strong in the face of fear. For us to have these qualities, we must believe in the foundation and covering of God in our lives. We have to choose, no matter how scared or even stupid we may feel, to believe that the character of God is true. It is faith that moves God (Hebrews 11:6). It is faith that helps us fight against the constant attacks on our lives (Ephesians 6:16). It is faith that renews our strength when life seems overwhelming (Isaiah 40:31). All Peter needed to do was keep his eyes on Jesus. Jesus was a solid and steady foundation amid the tumultuous winds and waves. 

The most beautiful part of this passage is how Jesus responded to Peter. Despite Peter’s actions, Jesus still, immediately, reached out His hand to save Peter from drowning. Jesus called Peter out on his doubt but still held onto him with love. Thank God for all the times He still held onto us, doubt and all. I pray that the next time we are faced with winds that threaten to steal our peace, we won’t need to be rescued from the water. I pray that we will continue to walk forward, trusting that if God says come, we don’t need to worry about anything else. 

Eyes up, twentysomethings ❤️

Who Do You Look Like?

Who Do You Look Like?

by Nikki Rich Writes ♥ 0 Leave a Comment

Think back to your high school years. Do you remember when everyone wanted to be a part of the popular crew? Many, maybe even you, changed their fashion style, taste in music, or even moral convictions in hope of being deemed worthy of befriending. Fortunately, once many of us left school, the power of blending in lost its strength and we committed to being our true selves. Though some have remained uniquely themselves, it seems as though many of us have fallen back into the toxic trait of conformity over the years. What on earth happened to us? Why do we crave, so badly, to be like the majority? Why do we hate the confrontation or isolation that being different can bring? Why is the sacrifice of morals and faith a common casualty in this battle? Why aren’t we glad to be set apart?

“And so those whom God set apart, He called; and those He called, He put right with Himself, and He shared His glory with them.” – Romans 8:30

When I think about being set apart, this verse immediately pops into my head. It’s simple, isn’t it? Those who have been set apart are the ones called by God to do His will. They are the ones justified by grace and deemed righteous. They are the ones thrilled to have their lives point back to Him. Despite how beautiful this promise from God sounds, many of us push it away easily. It saddens me deeply, to be honest, to see how much we blend in. We put glory on the back burner for quick thrills. We disregard reverence of God for the sake of not offending people. We placate unbelievers with half truths in hopes of maintaining the peace. I too am guilty of this. We never want to look like the bad guy. We never want to cause pain to someone. We never want to be disrespectful. As a Christian, we shouldn’t want to be those things. In the same way Jesus operated out of love and respect towards others, so should we. The question, however, still remains. If we all follow the ways of the world, how can the distinct beauty and truth of God be shown through us?

“Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in them. For everything in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—comes not from the Father but from the world.” – 1 John 2:15-16

Showing the distinctive beauty and truth of God goes much deeper than simply not participating in acts such as premarital sex and getting drunk. It goes beyond checking off some “good Christian” checklist.  The glory of God is shown most often through our love and self-discipline, even in the simple things. In a culture of lying, do you attempt the stay truthful and walk in integrity? In a culture of “doing me,” do you choose to submit your will to God’s? In a culture of spilling the tea, do you walk away from gossip or even discourage others from doing it? In a culture of “God forgives but I don’t,” do you take the initiative to forgive someone simply because you know how often God forgives you? It’s crucial, especially in a time where God is deemed unnecessary at best and nonexistent at worst, that we stop hiding the glory displayed through us. If we blend in, there’s nothing about us that draws someone to Him. If people don’t see the help, power, and purpose of God shown through us, then what’s the point of even doing this Christian walk?

“To put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness.” – Ephesians 4:22-24

This post, simply, is a call to action. It is time for all of us, myself included, to be more intentional about pointing back to Him. The allure of the world can easily draw us in because it speaks to our flesh. As flawed people, all we want is for our flesh to be satisfied. God’s love, however, is greater than our fleshly desires. The deep love He has for us, to the point of fighting for our salvation (John 3:16), is not something we should be taking lightly. In the same way that God fought for our love, He is fighting for those who still don’t see His value. We, as His children, need to be living and breathing examples of that value. We need to be willing to share how God saved us. We need to be brave enough to break from the trend and honor God. It isn’t about following a rule book and not having fun. It’s about reverence and gratitude. Its about submitting the power of your flesh to the righteousness of God. Let your life showcase His power. Let His truth speak louder than the world’s voice. Let the beauty of God shine through you. Be proud of the victor God called you to be. There are countless lives depending on it, whether they realize it or not.

“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. – Matthew 5:14-16

 

Stay lit, twenty somethings 💕

Overwhelmed

Overwhelmed

by Nikki Rich Writes ♥ 3 Comments

“If I could speak honestly, it don’t feel good. But growing never does. It don’t seem fair for You to call this love. But if necessary pain is the ingredient for change, even when life may be bittersweet, it’s working just for me.” – Kirk Franklin

As a twenty something, I know you’ve felt overwhelmed at least a few times in your life. You may have felt overwhelmed by work deadlines, bill payments, school assignments, business plans, or even just what to eat for dinner. Likewise, I’m sure you’ve been overwhelmed by your dreams more than you can count. Think about it. How many times have you seen yourself in the position you desire, living a life that currently seems unattainable? How often do you space out from the real world and instead fill your mind with creative ideas and plans to propel your career? Despite your dreams and aspirations, admittedly, it can be a real disappointment to look around and see that life appears to be stagnant. While you’re sincerely grateful for what you have and who you currently are in this season, discontentment can still easily creep in when everything you dreamed about seems light years away. What do you do to cope? How do you endure when you don’t really see the light at the end of the tunnel?

This is me. Every morning, I wake up thinking about the hopes and dreams I have for my life. Despite my faith, the gaping holes between my now and my hope to be still feel overwhelming. Though I make attempts toward my goals, I find myself unsure and slow moving, not nearly as graceful as others around me seem to portray.  I hear tons of advice from family, friends, and spiritual leaders but still feel a void, wondering how, if, and when it’ll all apply to me. I feel tired by my exertion while simultaneously annoyed by my rest. I’m in the middle of this thing, trying to fight for the dream, while resistance around me taunts me to settle. The hike is all uphill and if I don’t make it to the top, I’ll succumb to the land of complacency. Overwhelmed.

I’ve recently been obsessed with Kirk Franklin’s new song “Just for Me”. He asserts and assures the necessity of the fight, of disappointments, and of dreams deferred. What I love most about the song is the declaration that everything is working out even though the process is tumultuous and unnerving. As a Christian, I’m often tempted to operate out of a false righteous strength during more overwhelming seasons. This “strength” disregards real hurt, pain, and disappointment and replaces it with a smile unaffected by affliction or heavy pruning. The strength asserts that everything going on is fine and dandy because in time, God will make it all better. Though it is true that God will make everything right in its time (Ecclesiastes 3), that doesn’t mean I enjoy the waiting and wondering. I’ve learned, especially during difficult times, the importance of being honest about your stress, worry, and weariness. God cares when you hurt. He doesn’t want you to try to figure it all out on your own. He isn’t interested in you being tough and unbothered. What He really wants is dependence. He wants you to lean on Him not just for direction but also for perspective and revelation. It is only when you rest in Him, away from your plans and schemes, that your mindset starts changing and you experience real strength.

God’s revelation and perspective will change your outlook on slow-moving and difficult times in your life. You will be able to admit how painful the feelings of insufficiency and inability are while simultaneously using those feelings as the motivation necessary to keep fighting for the dreams you know God placed down in you. You’ll acknowledge how tiring it is to constantly hike uphill yet still see the hike as an endurance builder, preparing you for the more you’ll have to conquer at your next level. Simply, you will no longer see yourself as a failure. You’ll see every struggle, every overwhelming moment, and every mistake as preparatory steps. You’ll realize that you had to go through those situations in order to become better equipped for when your time actually comes. Though overwhelming moments will continue to threaten your peace, the change in your perspective will be the way you push pass them and continue believing. Remember, God called you for His purpose. He will make sure it gets done. The key, then, is really to hold on and trust God’s timing with your life. You need to relax. You already know God works everything out for your good (Romans 8:28). You already know that God will give you everything you need to fulfill His purpose for your life (Philippians 1:6). Don’t give up. Your dreams are not in vain.

Its working out for you, twenty somethings 💕🙏🏾

Estoy Aprendiendo

Estoy Aprendiendo

by Nikki Rich Writes ♥ 0 Leave a Comment

Estoy aprendiendo Spanish.

I am learning Spanish. Though still a new journey, it has already proven itself to be incredibly exciting and frustratingly difficult. Though I desired to learn in order to one day become bilingual, God, as always, added His own purpose and lessons for my journey as well. I wanted to share some of these lessons in order to make you more aware of God’s voice, even in the mundane things. I hope my experiences push you to tackle strongholds, maximize opportunities, and find comfort in His presence.

Estoy aprendiendo that my gifts aren’t meant to be neglected, no matter how disqualified I feel.

In Spanish, I have a difficult time rolling Rs.  Arroz. Perro. It’s too much! No matter how hard I try, my attempts are often met with correction. As a result, there were times when I simply wanted to give up and accept my gringo defeat. Despite that, however, I kept trying and failing, determined to pronounce the words correctly. Though still not a pro, I definitely have improved, by way of continual practice. It is in this practice that God revealed His first lesson: there is provision where God is. It’s true, both in Spanish and in the various dreams I have for my life, that I’m not a native speaker. I may not have the degree. I may not have the connections. I may not have the finances. I may not even have a complete handle on the skill yet. It doesn’t matter, however, because as long as I continue to put in the work, growth and improvement will inevitably come. It is in this intentional practice that I seek God for help and direction as I would a Spanish speaking friend for help with my pronunciation. I don’t have every skill on my own but God always provides and makes room so that His will gets done. Seek God, don’t neglect the gifts He gave you, and He will honor you like you’ve honored Him.

Estoy aprendiendo that a scared voice is better than no voice at all.

When I first started learning Spanish, the idea of speaking out loud terrified me. Though I knew that I wanted to prioritize conversation, I was afraid. I was afraid that my pronunciation would be horrible. I was afraid that mid-sentence, I’d completely blank and not remember any vocabulary I learned. I was afraid of failing. Though the fear was strong, I knew that I had to be bold enough to open my mouth in order to progress. I decided to tell my Spanish speaking friends and family that I was learning, in hopes that they could help. I found a Spanish conversation group at my local library to get more practice. Though simple to others, I was proud of myself for making the effort. The more I opened my mouth in these spaces, slowly but surely, my understanding, vocabulary, and speaking improved. I was reminded, in this, that our voice for God works the same way. It is often scary for us, as Christians, to speak up on behalf of Christ or break away from the world’s standards. We tend not to like being uncomfortable. We are often fearful of how we will be perceived. God reminded me that impact is made, even if we’re scared while doing it. When I open my mouth, for Spanish, dialogue is exchanged, things are explained, and community is built. Opening your mouth for God, in whatever way that means for you, has the same effect. It is better to make the attempt than to not try at all. You never know who you’re affecting. You never know who could affect you.

Estoy aprendiendo that everything is not translatable.

There are certain phrases in Spanish that make no sense to me. Though I ask friends for explanations, I’m not always guaranteed an easy and clear answer. They are often quick to remind me that not everything in Spanish mirrors English sentence construction. There are instances where certain words or phrases are to simply be accepted as they are. Though frustrating, if I want to be proficient, I need to simply fall in line and let the Spanish language lead me. Doesn’t God work in a similar fashion? We all have plans and ideas of how things should go. We pray and fast and assume that God will green light anything we do. When He doesn’t, we are often left upset, confused, and feeling deceived. Just as in Spanish, not everything God does or doesn’t do in a certain season is translatable. God could make a promise that requires us to step out in faith and our desired end doesn’t automatically materialize. Is God, then, a liar? Is He not to be trusted? I challenge you to think about whether your plans and expectations are in line with His? I’m confident that many of you will realize that it isn’t God who is unfair, but rather our own refusal to submit to His will and His timing that leaves us unsatisfied. It is only when we adjust our focus and way of thinking that we begin to see the growth and results God intended for us. Despite my confusion, I’m comforted, in Spanish, by knowing that these concepts and rules have been applied in practice and are valid, as evidenced by the millions of people who speak the language everyday. I simply have to adapt. Similarly, it is important that you are comforted in God’s track record. His ways are not our ways. His thoughts are not our thoughts.* His intentions, thankfully, are always pure.** He doesn’t want to hurt me and He doesn’t want to hurt you. Get in alignment and master the language!

Keep learning, twentysomethings.

* Isaiah 55:8-9

** Jeremiah 29:11

Success Through the Storm

Success Through the Storm

by Nikki Rich Writes ♥ 0 Leave a Comment

BE GRATEFUL.

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. – Philippians 4:6

“Say thank you” is a phrase we’ve heard since childhood. Though gratitude should be ingrained in our psyche and apart of everything we do, oftentimes, it is the first thing that jumps ship during a trial. The storms of life can often produce stress and strain so intense that we’re too preoccupied with staying afloat to even consider our blessings. No matter the severity of the storm, it has the potential to throw us completely off track, if we allow it to overtake us. How then do we stay strong and keep focused? How do we cope when we’re fed up, stressed out, and worn down? I challenge you to look up long enough to say thank you to the One keeping you above water. Your gut reaction may be to roll your eyes or sigh in frustration. You may question if you’re even above water or rather drowning deeper into despair. Looking up, however, quickly determines your placement. Coming to Him with thanksgiving, even over the many small blessings we take for granted, reinforces the truth that you really aren’t alone. Your gratitude points to God’s hand in your life, especially when it feels like everything is falling apart. God promised that He wouldn’t leave or forsake you.* When you begin to tell Him thank you, you realize that the promise is true. You may be fighting for your life, peace, and purpose, but you definitely aren’t fighting by yourself. Spend some time saying thank You and allow yourself to be comforted by His presence.

STAY FAITHFUL.

Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love Him. – James 1:12

Faithfulness, mastered beautifully by Christ, is often a struggle for many of us. Jesus remained faithful to the will for His life, even in the midst of persecution, rejection, and death. How can we emulate Jesus in this way? The answer is in our tenacity. During the most difficult parts of your storm, it is easy to succumb to the hopelessness of it. You may push away from the persecution and dissatisfaction in hopes of finding peace elsewhere. What if the breakthrough, however, is in planting your feet into the ground and holding on for dear life? God rewards those who hold on. Staying planted, even when difficult, is what builds the determination and focus necessary in preparing you for what God has next. Faithfulness not only prepares, it refines. Character is refined in faithfulness because there is no choice but to cling to God when everything in you wants to run. The clinging produces dependence. Dependence produces expectation. Expectation produces strength. Strength produces greater faith. No longer is it you fighting to stay alive but rather God working, through you, to put the storm under your feet. It all starts with simply sticking with God, no matter what y’all go through together. The reward is coming. Keep those heels dug in.

YOU’RE OKAY.

Then Jesus said to his disciples: “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat; or about your body, what you will wear. For life is more than food, and the body more than clothes. Consider the ravens: They do not sow or reap, they have no storeroom or barn; yet God feeds them. And how much more valuable you are than birds! Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to your life? Since you cannot do this very little thing, why do you worry about the rest? – Luke 12:22-26

Believing you’re okay, even when life tells you different, has been the hardest truth to grasp, personally. It sounds cute, simplistic, carefree, and even kind. I’ve found, however, that this truth is extremely deep. So deep, in fact, that it can only be accepted as fact once you’ve harnessed the power of gratitude and faithfulness. Life’s storms have a way of making you feel like it’s the end of the world. No matter how many trials God has brought you through, each new one still feels like a major crisis (at least for me!). You feel like you can’t do this anymore. You want to quit. You want to cry. You’re tired and restless. You’re confused and misunderstood. Everything is in shambles yet God continues to whisper “you’re okay”. How is it even possible to believe Him? Jesus made it plain and simple when He told us not to worry about our life. You’re okay because God calls you valuable. If you are valuable to Him, He promises to meet every need. Your value is shown in your gratitude, reminding you that God has never left your side. Your value is shown in your faithfulness, seeing God’s sustaining power hold you steady even during the heavy winds. If God says everything is fine, trust that simplicity. He’s handling the hard stuff. All you need to do is hold onto His hand and His word. You’re okay.

Be grateful. Stay faithful. You’re okay.

This has been my anchor for months now, as God has held me through many of life’s storms and transitions. I pray that you will take some time to meditate on these words and find your strength to keep fighting. God’s got it. God understands. God is taking care of you. Don’t let your hope go. The storms can’t defeat you.

Keep holding on, twentysomethings!

 

* Deuteronomy 31:6

 

Grace to Grow

Grace to Grow

by Nikki Rich Writes ♥ 0 Leave a Comment

As we enter into 2019, full of hopes, aspirations, and plans, remember that our success has less to do with our personal effort and more to do with our alignment with God’s will. We often joke about those failed New Year’s resolutions to go to the gym or finally pursue a business venture, but at some point, we must tighten up and reach the goals ahead of us. Goals that push us closer to God and into the fullness of our purpose should be of utmost importance. From personal experience as well as hearing the testimonies of others, the main obstacles to taking those steps forward tend to be pride in our abilities or the magnification of our sin, causing those debilitating feelings of unworthiness. In both of these cases, God has a way of making the wrong right, if we’re willing to let Him lead. There’s probably no better example of this than Saul, later renamed Paul, a murderer turned apostle, and the writer of some of your favorite scriptures in the Bible.

Saul, for those who may not know, was a persecutor of those who believed in Jesus as our Savior. Saul led the orders to kill men and women who called on the name of Jesus and taught others about the healing powers of the Lord. On his way to Damascus, with the mission of arresting even more believers, Jesus stopped him in his tracks and confronted Saul about why he continued to persecute His Church (the believers). Telling Saul to continue onto Damascus, Saul got up only to find that he was blind. It was in Damascus that Jesus would perform the miracle that would forever turn Saul, the murderer and persecutor, into Paul, the apostle, the teacher, and the writer of the majority of the Bible. Jesus used Ananias, a disciple, to be the hands of this miracle.

““Lord,” Ananias answered, “I have heard many reports about this man and all the harm he has done to your holy people in Jerusalem. And he has come here with authority from the chief priests to arrest all who call on your name.””- Acts‬ ‭9:13-14‬ ‭NIV‬‬

When Jesus came to Ananias in a vision to tell him to meet Saul in Damascus and remove the blindness from his eyes, Ananias responded like most of us would. We often cannot see what God does and as a result, we focus on the faults in front of us, rather than the potential for growth that God graces us for. While Ananias knew Saul’s history of violence and hate for the followers of Christ, he humbled himself and took the step to be obedient and meet Saul for the miracle that would take place.

“But the Lord said to Ananias, “Go! This man is my chosen instrument to proclaim my name to the Gentiles and their kings and to the people of Israel.” – Acts‬ ‭9:15‬ ‭NIV‬‬

As beautiful as it is to see Ananias display not only obedience but also faith in the Word of God, it still doesn’t touch the beauty that was the Lord’s perspective of Saul. Despite his history, the same background that initially concerned Ananias to the point of questioning God’s command, Jesus saw Saul as a mighty man who would be perfect to preach to the Gentiles and show them the saving grace of God. This moment highlights the way God sees us. Even in our faults, our sins, and our hurts, we can still be used for God’s glory. It isn’t that we are perfect or need to be before God comes to us, but rather it’s about us recognizing that God has given us grace to grow up and get back in line. Will we accept the grace and make the change?

“Saul spent several days with the disciples in Damascus. At once he began to preach in the synagogues that Jesus is the Son of God. All those who heard him were astonished and asked, “Isn’t he the man who raised havoc in Jerusalem among those who call on this name? And hasn’t he come here to take them as prisoners to the chief priests?” Yet Saul grew more and more powerful and baffled the Jews living in Damascus by proving that Jesus is the Messiah.” – Acts‬ ‭9:19-22‬ ‭NIV

As Saul demonstrates, once he humbled himself and let God lead his life, God was able to not only change Saul’s life around for the better but completely use his abilities, that were once for evil, to now be an example and proof for others that Jesus is Lord. Similarly, the same talent, ability, and personality that you possess can still be used to make you great for the Lord as well as be an example for those whose lives are attached to you. It is in your testimony, in your walk, and in your character that others will come to believe in the power and love of God (Matthew 5:16).

Moving forward, I pray that you all don’t count yourself out and settle for less than God’s best for you. When things get hard or you feel like you’re unworthy, remember that God can and will use anyone who is willing. I urge you to stay available and allow God’s grace to do its work in you. As you continue to grow and seek out His path for your life, remember to also reach out your hand and extended your grace to others, in obedience to God. It doesn’t matter if others seem unworthy or “bad”, continue to be a light and encourage others so that God can do His perfect work in them too. We all need to be our best this 2019!

floweroncross

Let’s reach a new level together, twenty somethings ❤️