Shelbrea M.

Shelbrea, founder of the GetUpGetFit Ministry, shared her thoughts with us about waiting on God’s timing, a woman of God she admires, God’s faithfulness, and what Christianity means to her.

Shelbrea M.

Inspiring biblical passage of the moment: “It is of the Lord’s mercies that we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not.” Lamentations 3:22-23

They are new every morning: great is Thy faithfulness. This scripture has been taped to my bathroom mirror for most of the year.  I love this scripture because it reminds me that through whatever, God is always going to have my back and just how faithful He is, even when we are not.

“God is always going to have my back…”

Spiritual growth focus at the moment: My spiritual growth focus at the moment is to be ok with where God has me right now.  We sometimes put expectations on God for what we think we should have, such as being married and having kids by now.  He’s showing me that it’s not time yet, since He has major things for me to do for Him.  I’m learning to diligently seek Him and His kingdom, and when He’s ready, everything else will be added.

Profession: I am a Document Control Coordinator/Marketing Analyst for a construction project management company.  I started in the insurance world, and it was totally God that I even got into this profession I’m in now.

A one sentence bio of yourself: I am a lover of Christ and people, who tends to function best with multiple things to do.

When did you first encounter God? I first encountered God at the age of five, at an Easter play at my church.  Watching the re-enactment of Jesus die on the cross and being resurrected stuck with me. After the service, the pastor explained what it meant to receive Jesus as your savior, and I accepted Him that night.

What has helped you grow spiritually in this season? Spending time in God’s Word, prayer, and good gospel/christian music has definitely helped.  Also, the relationship I have with my parents, who are also believers, helps give me insight and wisdom about this Christ walk.

Just read/currently reading: Just read God is Able by Priscilla Shirer.  Currently reading: Discerning the Voice of God also by Priscilla Shirer.  I love her.  She’s certainly a woman of God I look up to.

Top three essentials: Top three essentials are my headphones, my Bible, and a sweater (I am always cold) *laughs*.

How did God speak to you recently? Recently, I prayed and asked God to speak. In the moment, I couldn’t quite get a handle on how I was feeling. So in these times, I usually just pour myself out before God. A few moments later, He let me know that He doesn’t want me to be married or have a family of my own at this time because He doesn’t want me to be distracted from the things He’s already set in motion for me to do.  It was extremely clear and gave me peace knowing that I’m on the right track to do His will.

Hobby: I love writing and I blog about things that I’ve experienced in relation to Christ.  I post every Thursday, and it’s something that not only helps me, but others in their christian journey.

Top three practical tips for staying spiritually strong: 

1. Read your bible everyday to stay focused on the things of God because it’s so easy to get distracted in this crazy world.

2. Stay connected with other believers. If you’re in fellowship with other believers, you can help each other and pray for each other.  It also holds you accountable.

3. Pray, pray, and pray, some more. God hears us and sees us in our situations, and when we talk to Him, it shows that we trust Him with our lives, and we get to witness what He will or will not do through prayer. Either way, it is always for our good.

Favorite person in scripture? My favorite person in Scripture is David.  He epitomizes the story of the underdog, and how with God’s help, he was always elevated.  Also, his repentant heart.  Even when he did wrong, he understood how important it was to repent from his sins.  He didn’t take it lightly.  He had a sincere heart.  I always want to have a sincere heart and love for God.

“He had a sincere heart.  I always want to have a sincere heart and love for God.”

What do you want people to learn about God when they look at you? I want people to learn that God is real, and He can fix any situation.  We live in a self-seeking and self-absorbed world, and many people think they get where they are by their own strength.  I want people to be cognizant of the fact that we can’t do anything without God.  I also want them to know that Jesus loves everyone, and there is nothing too great He will not forgive and that there is a place for them at the cross. He only wants the very best for us when we surrender.

“He only wants the very best for us when we surrender.”

Favorite season? Spring because it was the season I was born (May baby), and it’s a season of restoration when everything is new again. All the trees and flowers are in bloom, and it’s kind of how God does us.  Before Him, everything is dormant, but once He enters our lives, everything becomes new and is beautiful.  He brings out the beauty that was already there, we just didn’t realize it when we were without Him.

“Before Him, everything is dormant, but once He enters our lives, everything becomes new and is beautiful.”

Favorite holiday? I love Christmas. It was a big holiday for my family, especially for my grandmother who passed away a year ago. I love how it brought my family together and by God’s grace, it still does.

A special tradition you and your family engage in or keep: Every Christmas we go to my sister and brother in law’s house because the kids are there (I have a niece and nephew), and we have an awesome dinner and exchange gifts and just enjoy each other’s company.  It’s always a good time.

Question you will ask when you get to heaven?  Hmm, this is good one.  When I get to heaven, I would like to ask Moses about how the whole parting of the Red Sea went down, like all the details. *laughs*

Thing you want to raise awareness about:  I’d like to raise awareness about how God’s placement is intentional.  I believe God places us in certain jobs, churches, and geographical areas for people that He wants us to witness to and encourage.  It’s important that we recognize these individuals, and ask God to direct us in what He wants us to do on His behalf in their lives.

What do you usually do before 9 a.m.? Before 9 a.m. I read my devotional (shout out to Our Daily Bread), I thank God for waking me up, I record my vlog for the day, and then I call my dad and talk to him on my way to work.  We always have really good talks about the Lord.

Define Christianity in a sentence: Christianity is a willingness to trade all of you for who God is calling you to be.

“Christianity is a willingness to trade all of you for who God is calling you to be.”

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