Anahlynn R.

I am excited to introduce you to Anahlynn, today. On Modern Witnesses, she speaks to us about the danger of living by feelings, losing control and making sure we understand the Word of God.

Anahlynn R.

Biblical inspiration of the moment:  Lately, there have been so many different Bible verses inspiring me on a daily basis, but I would say Psalm 73:26 has always connected to my heart, at the end of the day.

The passage states, “My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.” Oftentimes, or more like everyday, I find myself so weak because it’s so easy to fall in love with the things of this world, whether it be materialistic things, money, or even people.

That’s when I start to cry out to God saying, “Lord, please help me. My flesh is weak God, but my spirit is willing. Make my flesh just as strong as Your Spirit that lives in me.”

This verse just reminds me that even though I fail Him daily, He remains strong in me and that with God, anything is possible.

Spiritual growth focus, at the moment: Not living by feelings. Having feelings is so important, but depending on what we feel, it can sometimes be dangerous.  It is so easy to do something great because we feel motivated to do so. And it’s so easy to read my Bible, go to church, or give to charity because I feel like a “good christian.” But, I don’t want to live by feelings.

Just like what Psalm 73:26 mentions, my flesh is weak. It causes me to feel lazy, unmotivated, and other negative emotions that prevent me from fulfilling God’s calling on my life.

Instead, I want to live by clarity. I want to do something because I know God wants me to do this, or I know that God has called me go towards this direction. Feelings change, but God does not. If God calls me to do something, I don’t want to wait until I “feel” like doing it. Jesus fulfilled what God has called Him to do, not because Jesus felt like it, but because He knew this was what God had in store and wanted to fulfill. I really just want to become more like Jesus!

“Feelings change, but God does not.”

Profession: I am a freshman in college who is currently majoring in business. One day, I want to have my own business and use it for the glory of God’s kingdom.

One sentence bio: A child of the one true King.

When did you first encounter God? As a girl who grew up in church, God has always been a part of my life. I knew He was real and that He died on the cross for my sins, but I did not fully encounter God until I finally spent time with Him. God really does amazing things when you seek His presence, dig deep into His word, and just be real with Him. And so, it was when I started giving my all to God, opening up my heart to Him, and just giving my time to Him that I felt something special begin in my heart. Since then, I’ve found freedom, peace, trust, faith, and love, through Him.  But it does not stop there!

“I did not fully encounter God until I finally spent time with Him.”

What has helped you grow spiritually in this season? Spending time with God and His word, praying intentionally, going to church, reading more Christian books, listening to Gospel music, following more encouraging posts on Instagram and Tumblr, and taking breaks off of social media has definitely helped me grow spiritually. The enemy always finds way to distract us and conform to the things of this world, but these have definitely helped me grow closer to the Lord and remind myself to always focus my eyes on Him.

Currently reading: I have just finished reading the book of Matthew. I’ve actually read through it a couple of times, but this was the first time I had actually studied deep into the passages.

I have learned so much about Jesus and who He was and still is. It’s so refreshing to just go back to the miracles Jesus did and the lives he changed, and more importantly, what He did on the cross. It’s definitely cool to know that what Jesus did back then, He can still do today. I am also currently reading a book called Uninvited by Lysa TerKeurst. I love and relate to this book so much, and it has definitely been helping me with my walk with God.

“It’s definitely cool to know that what Jesus did back then, He can still do today.”

Top three essentials: My ESV Journaling Bible (gotta have the book of live to live life!!), my favorite journal, and my phone.

How has God spoken to you recently? God has really been speaking to me through my daily devotional, Jesus Calling by Sarah Young, that I just recently bought. One devotional passage that really spoke out to me was October 10th’s message.

It said: “When you project yourself into the future, rehearsing what you will do or say, you are seeking to be self-sufficient; to be adequate without My help. This is a subtle sin–so common that it usually slips by unnoticed.”

I battle with this on a daily basis. I try to control everything I say or do because of my fear of letting someone down, embarrassing myself, or even losing a friend. But this fear does not come from God, and I know He wants me to just trust in Him and just let God simply be God.

A hobby? I have a few. Singing, playing my guitar, ukulele, and piano. Also, working out is a good hobby I’m slowly learning to love!

Top three tips for staying spiritually strong: 

First, read the Bible. I really really suggest trying out different versions of the Bible to help you understand the passages more. For example, I mainly use the English Standard Version (ESV), but I also use The Message Version (MSG), whenever I still don’t understand a passage. It is also helpful to have commentaries to help you get a deeper study of what your reading. Understanding the Word is just as important as reading the Word!

Second, pray intentionally. Remember that God is your best friend, “homie”, but more importantly, He is your Father. You can tell him anything because He already knows. There is no secret word in order for your prayers to be heard or answered. Jesus loves you, and He wants you to talk to Him and share your heart with Him. Prayer is super powerful.

Last, get involved in church. I recently joined the Encounter Worship Team at my church and am currently in the process of getting into a small group. God has been calling me for community, and He is calling you too!

“Understanding the Word is just as important as reading the Word!”

Favorite person in scripture: Jesus. He is literally the super hero of everyone’s lives. He has the most cool points in the Bible.

What do you want people to learn about God when they look at you? When people see me, I want people to see God’s love. I want them to see a good friend in me– a friend named Jesus. I want them to realize that I won’t ever leave even when everyone else does. No matter how much they’ve hurt me, or what “drama” gets in the way, or how different they may think they are, I will always be there just like Jesus is here for everyone.

Not only that, but I want people to see joy. Through the midst of pain, sorrow, loneliness, rejection, and every circumstance, I want people to see someone who can still rejoice and find praise and hope in every situation because that’s what Jesus is all about: finding love, hope, and joy through Him.

Favorite season: Winter is hands down my favorite season. As someone who lives in California, fall is really mixed in with winter, so it is kinda like getting the best of both worlds!

Favorite holiday: Christmas!! I love everything about Christmas. Not only is it the day we celebrate our Lord and Savior, but I also feel like people are so much more joyful during this time, especially with all the giving, decorative Christmas trees, homemade cookies, and watching favorite Christmas movies. But, none of this would be as joyful if Jesus were not the focus. Jesus really is the reason for the season.

A special tradition you and your family engage in or keep: One tradition my family and I always have is simply getting together as a whole family, especially during Thanksgiving and Christmas. We always have to do something as a family. We also have to have games such as the classic “White Elephant.” Sometimes, we even try to think of a “theme” to make it even more exciting. For example, last year with did a “Winter Formal” theme where we dressed up super fancy and then ended with a “Onesie night,” where we showed off our comfy onesies. I have so much love for my family and so having a huge gathering, at least once every year, is definitely something that cannot be broken.

Question you will ask when you get to heaven: This is definitely a tough but awesome question to ask! To be honest, my question would be more like a praise. I would ask: “God, why are you so good?” I mean, being able to have everlasting life with Jesus is like life goals, so really, all I could give God are billions and billions of praises.

“God, why are you so good?”

Thing you want to raise awareness about: The Gospel. I want people to be aware of God and His Word. With all that’s been going on in the world, I want people to become aware that they are not alone and that there is a God, the creator of all things, who loves them. There are so many people out there that have taken their life away and are just filled with so much evil and hate. But sometimes, I wonder what would happen if everyone in the world encountered and knew about our loving Father. All I know is that things would be so much different.

“I wonder what would happen if everyone in the world encountered and knew about our loving Father.”

What do you usually do before 9 a.m. (Mon- Fri)? Before 9 a.m., I’m actually still sleeping (not a morning person *laughs*), especially since I’m in college now and get to choose my own schedule, this time. Sleep is very important to me, and so, I’ve been trying to regain all the sleep I have lost the past 12 years. Thank you, God, for sleep!

On your nightstand? A frame that holds a Polaroid pic of me and my sister on Fourth of July, my bible, my pencil case, glasses, headphones, Jesus Calling devotional, journal, small jewelry plate, and also my phone. Wow, I can’t believe my small nightstand holds all this!

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