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I recently had my dear friend, Tess Augustine on the Strong. Confident. His. Podcast and wow, was I blessed! Her positivity is infectious and she’s one of the most talented creatives I know.
She’s a mom of six kids, a wife, a business owner, and has had her fair share of battles including: a miscarriage, postpartum depression, binge eating, restricting and body dysmorphia.
I loved interviewing her because she’s so real and she shares only to help. She could be going through the worst time but she’s right there to pick you up out of yours!
God doesn't always take away our struggles. The Bible says there is a season for everything and these seasons shape who we are. Let's read Ecclesiastes 3:1 and see all of the seasons God knew we would go through as individuals, families, and even as a country!
“To everything there is a season,
A time for every purpose under heaven:
A time to be born,
And a time to die;
A time to plant,
And a time to pluck what is planted;
A time to kill,
And a time to heal;
A time to break down,
And a time to build up;
A time to weep,
And a time to laugh;
A time to mourn,
And a time to dance;
A time to cast away stones,
And a time to gather stones;
A time to embrace,
And a time to refrain from embracing;
A time to gain,
And a time to lose;
A time to keep,
And a time to throw away;
A time to tear,
And a time to sew;
A time to keep silence,
And a time to speak;
A time to love,
And a time to hate;
A time of war,
And a time of peace.”
King David’s son Solomon wrote the book of Ecclesiastes and the Bible says that he was the wisest man alive.
The Lord created different seasons in our lives to shape us, help us and create us into who He intended us to be. He uses seasons to show us that He is good and can “make everything beautiful for its own time” (verse 11). Seasons (good and bad) are ways for God to capture our hearts and our faith.
God will change the season of life we’re in when He's ready to change something about us. There are some more difficult seasons, but the Lord just wants us to trust Him through each & every season. No matter what kind of season we’re going through, remember that God always promises to make it beautiful in His time.
Maybe you’re in a season of failed fitness plans, a loved one has passed away, you've lost a job, or you're waiting for God to answer prayer. Maybe you can’t imagine how this painful season could be a blessing. I have a not-so-secret secret to share with you.
Do you know where flowers grow…in the dirt!
The struggle of this season is training for who you're becoming, it's your growing ground.
I love what Lara Casey said about seasons,"Whatever season you’re in, there’s one way to do your season well: keep your eyes on God, not your circumstances, and embrace it.
Open your heart and your hands to what He has for you.
Your season may turn into a time of growth if you are willing to dig in right where God has you. Grace isn’t something we do; it’s something we receive. When we take a leap of faith and step into the dirt with God, right where He has us, we get to see His grace in action over and over as the things that were lifeless are given new, deep roots. No perfection required.
Your season may help you come alive!
God intentionally created us to grow, change, and learn over time, through different seasons—not all at once. The truth is, I’m fearfully, imperfectly, and wonderfully made and so are you. There have been many times of transformation in my life and all have led me closer to being the woman God created me to be.
Your season will not last forever, but it might have something really good for you that you don’t want to miss by fighting the season you’re in, fighting the changes, or fighting what feels imperfect. Dig in right where you are." (Crosswalk)
Dear God,
Your word says that when we are weak in you we are strong.
Lord, I lift up those areas of weakness in us today and I pray for a blessing of acceptance and understanding over them. Some of us have issues that won't go away but that doesn’t mean your strength can’t be made perfect in our weakness.
Lord, help us fully embrace, find joy and dig into the season we’re in. Knowing that it won’t always be here. Our children will grow up, we will age, we will have Mountain top experiences and valleys but we find peace in you for the journey. You lead us beside the still water you restore our souls.
Your word says the joy of the Lord is our strength today we lean into that and push through the moments we need you with one word. Jesus!
Father, thank you for Tess, our friendship has deeply blessed and enriched my life. I pray a blessing over the work of her and her family’s hands and heart and they would remain safe and healthy.
Lord protect my Strong. Confident. His. sisters
In the name of Jesus, Amen!
“More than that, we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.”
Romans 5:3-5
All you have to do is come tell me how this episode spoke to you on Facebook or Instagram. Follow me and here’s an exciting new thing I’m doing... not sure if you've seen it, but I have a whole video series for the SCH faith and fitness devotional.
Please look for the videos on social and if you’d like to follow along, grab a copy of the Strong. Confident. His. Faith & Fitness Devotional.
When you do, you’re automatically entered into my Power Up Challenge!
I pick one winner every week, and you’ll either get a coaching call from me, a copy of my brand new Strong Confident His Faith and Fitness Devotional, my best-selling Christian fitness book Faith Inspired Transformation, F.I.T., the F.I.T. Workout Series.
Remember, You are Strong. Confident. His.
Until next time...
From my heart to yours,
God bless,
Links Mentioned in This Episode
Strong. Confident. His. Faith & Fitness Devotional.
Faith Inspired Transformation Book and Workout Series
Free Faith Filled Fitness Resources
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