It’s been chaotic lately, hasn’t it?
It’s no secret that there are two normal reactions to chaos: Fight or flight.
Lately I’ve been tempted to do a little of both. It feels like the whole world is doing the same. Some throwing out fighting words that stir up more trouble. Others going about their way as if there are no issues, or acting as if ignoring it will make it go away.
Though fight or flight is a normal reaction, you and I aren’t normal people. We’re Jesus followers. We’re called to be salt and light — which simply means that we are called to make things better and to lead people to Jesus. If we choose normal, we’re going to spend precious days hashing it out, putting our dukes up, and slinging words at each other. Or hiding, pretending as if everything is OK, while our stomach ties in knots.
I don’t want normal. Not for a single second.
Not in my life. Not in my faith. Not in the church. So, where would Jesus lead us when surrounded by chaos?
In today’s video blog, I share three things Jesus did for one of his disciples that will help us find our way.
What about you?
Has this been your struggle too? Remember these three things:
- Remember who you are
- Stay on task — keep doing what Jesus has called you to do
- Go against the norm
Suzie
What is your Come With Me invitation?
I shared that this has been a personal struggle these past few months. When I look at what Jesus has asked me to do it’s to love people.
So, what does that look like?
I have a new book coming out in three weeks, Come With Me Devotional: A Yearlong Adventure in Following Jesus.
My Come With Me invitation is to match every preordered book with a second book, to be placed in the hands of women in prison, refugee women living in the U.S., women who have been freed from sex trade, and to others seeking Jesus. In this time of chaos, I don’t want to do normal marketing, but to simply love people tangibly and sacrificially.
When you preorder this gorgeous hardbound devotional for yourself, send me a copy of the receipt, and I’ll handwrite your personal message to a woman and sign it with your first name. I’ll put this book in her hands.
I have a list of women and ministry organizations already in place to receive these books, and a pile of handwritten cards growing on my kitchen table. My prayer is that when she receives this unexpected gift, she’ll know that someone cared — even in the chaos.
How do you participate?
- Buy your own copy for your personal walk and daily walk with Jesus (find available distributors here).
- Send a pic of your receipt to comewithmedevo@yahoo.com
- Share a brief message you want in a handwritten card (I’ll personally handwrite it and sign it with your first name)
- Tell others (feel free to grab the image below and share), and let’s feed His sheep together.
[inlinkz_linkup id=733581 mode=1]
A friend shared these words with me recently: Stay on mission. Your thoughts today reinforce that thinking and also remind me of Psalm 46: though the earth be removed and the mountains be carried into the sea . . . God is our refuge and strength. Be still and know . . .
I love that verse. It’s perfect.
Suzie, thank you for this post. I hide and always want to run away from the chaos. This post encourages me to come out from my hiding places and keep going with the job God has laid on my heart to do and to not be afraid to go against the norm. I really appreciate this perspective today. I needed it! Also, I love the book match! How special to be able to send a hand written note to a woman in prison to encourage her and help her know she is loved. I’ll be ordering a book later today, and I really look forward to reading it. Thank you again, so much!
Thank you,, Leslie! May we all walk with Jesus daily — together. Your comment has encouraged this girl today.
So often strong emotions drive us to those knee-jerk responses. I’ve been guilty. It’s hard, isn’t it? But Suzie, the Lord uses people like you – calm, peace-filled folks – to raise a horn of encouragement, to blast the trumpet for God’s glory. Thank God He’s able. And when we look to Him, our responses most often land in the category of “good and pleasing.” It’s a matter of sliding self-will to the side, grabbing godly maturity instead. Loved your piece today. xo
Thank you, Suzie for giving words to my thought process through some chaos I’m experiencing the last few weeks. Your two questions and the three things to remember are on my desk to reflect on each day.
Dear Debbie, Sorry for the chaos you have experienced. I am trusting that John 14:27, Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. For you. My chaos has slowed down a bit so I will be praying for you. Diana from the Caring Team
I like stopping and asking the following questions, “Jesus where are you leading me?” ” What decision most pleases you? ” Thank you for giving us those. I just 5 minutes ago made a BIG decision and then I said I still want to pray about it to see if it is correct. This seems to be a habit of mine. I must learn to stop first and pray not afterward. Thank you for your wisdom.
Mgree Dee, Sometimes I do that pray afterward and ask God to bless what I am doing but in Experiencing God by Blackaby, He says God is at work all around us already and he is just waiting for us to join Him. So Go with God. Blessings. Diana from the Care Team.
Suzie,
Just letting you know I nominated you for the Blogger Recognition Award over at https://www.embracingtheunexpected.com/blogger-recognition-award/
Please do not feel obligated to do a thing. You are one of my favorite writers, and I thought it would be a fantastic opportunity to let others know about your website.
Blessings,
Maree
Well, that just made my day. Thank you, Maree!
Suzie,
I so love what you are doing ♥ Praying all God’s blessing on your book and ministry. And I am believing He will get this book in the hands of many many MANY women and their hearts will be turned to Christ and healing will happen.
Much love,
Lori
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