Go Forward, Girl
“I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing” (John 15:5).
Lean back, now. I’ve got you. I circle my arms around you. I know what this day holds. A few twists and turns. A disappointment. A moment of beauty. A caress of your heart. (Yes, that’s Me.) I hold your heart.
Do you want your love for Me to grow? Do you want to live fearlessly, completely, surrounded by Me, with Me? Can you go ahead into new territory knowing you are not alone? Can your feet find the steps, your lungs the fresh air, your heart the pace I set?
I am with you.
You say “yes” to where I call you and, of course, I am in it with you.
You do not go alone.
The only risk, then, is not trusting Me, not believing in my sovereignty, my arms around you, my whisper in your ear. (It is the ear of your heart, my dear.)
Go. Go forward, not back. Go. Do not stay in the old place. I am always creating newness, removing the old roots and pruning branches so that new growth sprouts and green shoots see the sun.
There is always blooming planned. Never stagnation. Never stunted growth. Never dried up soil and neglected branches withering alone. Oh, girl, you will bloom and your glory will shine and you will see my face. And now, with my arms around you, you are set to bloom.
Here, with Me, wherever you go, in all the ways you say ‘yes’ and let my tending to you occur, the blooming is taking place—and there is only more blooming to come.
I give you what you need, my daughter. Say “yes,” not “no.” Go forward, not back.
Let your roots in Me deepen, and I pull you, in all your possibility, forth.
|| More Resources For You ||
There are times when I feel like I’m in a battle—between my busyness, distractions, feelings of disqualifications, and overwhelm. Have you experienced this, too? I’ve found the most effective strategy in those challenging seasons to take time to pause, quiet my heart, and simply open myself to God’s voice—not forcing it, not creating something that’s not there—simply listening. Do you want to try that today? Here is a good place to start: “What you seek you will find. What you desire will fuel greater desire. So ask yourself now, what is it you seek? What is it you desire? Are the pressures of this world directing your choices, or is the truth of Me, the gifts I have for you, motivating you to rebel against everything this world stands for because you know, deep in your heart, there is more, there is more, there is more?” → This is from our free Rush devotional on renewing your mindset. You’re welcome to pass it along to a friend.
If you read and have been impacted by The Shack (the book or the movie), you might be interested in our exclusive interview with its author, William Paul Young. In it, he talks honestly about how and why he wrote the book (no, not originally to be published!), his past as a missionary kid in former New Guinea, and how his friends on death row inspired his upcoming sequel to the bestselling novel.
Before I go, one more thing … “Do It Afraid” by Leanna Crawford. I pray it lifts you up, sister. “Do it afraid / Don't hide from the storm / Go dancing in the pouring rain / Don't run from the giant / Throw a few stones in faith / If heaven is on your side / Then fear is just the thing that makes you brave / So go on, go on, go on.”
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