Rochelle

Rochelle speaks to us today about how her friendships have impacted her Christian walk, and how God spoke to her heart after a particular prayer. She speaks to us about the importance of social circles, a topic we don’t talk about enough.

 

Rochelle

Inspiring biblical passage of the moment: And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore, most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. (2 Corinthians: 12:9)

This verse had a really large impact on my heart and the way I viewed things.

God shows us that in every hard and challenging trial we face; complete strength and wholeness can be found in Him and Him alone. We just have to remember to give him all our doubt and worry and have faith that he’s molding us for our future and strengthening our hearts.
Spiritual growth focus at the moment: My spiritual growth would be really learning to trust and have faith in God despite what’s going on around me, in both good and challenging seasons. As well as being a light for those who need salvation and refuge.
Profession: Student (future nurse/midwife).

A one sentence bio of yourself: An outgoing, bubbly natured girl, striving to serve God and be a light to others.
When did you first encounter God? I was raised in a Christian home but officially encountered God when I was about 15-16. I was going through a really rough time, a family member had numerous strokes and other health complications, and I felt lost and hopeless I didn’t really have a personal relationship with God at this time and wasn’t particularly interested. I remember praying for the first time in a long time and felt God really fill my heart and place His peace upon me and since that encounter, I’ve been a Christian. He truly changed and touched my heart for the better.

“I was going through a really rough time, a family member had numerous strokes and other health complications, and I felt lost and hopeless I didn’t really have a personal relationship with God at this time and wasn’t particularly interested.”

What has helped you grow spiritually in this season? This year I’ve been really trying to get closer to God by just surrounding and connecting myself with other Christians but also really focusing on my relationship with God through prayer and reading the Bible. This has taught me that strength and spiritual guidance comes through God and His unfailing Love.

“This has taught me that strength and spiritual guidance comes through God and His unfailing Love.”

Just read/currently reading (and what has it taught you? Jesus Freaks. It has taught me that living for Christ does/will bring about harsh and struggling situations but as long as we have God, everything is worth sacrificing because He gave his Son that laid down His life for us, so we should do the same.

Top three essentials: Bible, Christian network, family unit, tea.

 

How did God speak to you recently? My life had people in it that weren’t good influences on my Christian walk, values and morals I held, as a believer.

God really spoke to me and placed on my heart the direction I was heading in, if I continued to surround myself with that company. God helped me grow and separate from these people wholeheartedly, which has really strengthened my relationship in Him and has made me realize that God works in all things for the better and all trust needs to be placed in him.

“God really spoke to me and placed on my heart the direction I was heading in, if I continued to surround myself with that company.”

 

Hobby: Working out, meeting up with Christian friends, babysitting and singing.

Top three practical tips for staying spiritually strong: Surrounding yourself with a strong Christian network; reading the Bible routinely; praying  constantly in good and bad situations.

Favorite person in scripture: Ruth; such an incredible role model who displays immense trust and faith.

What do you want people to learn about God when they look at you? That wholeness can only come through God, not worldly things but also that God works in mysterious ways, and no matter what you’re going through, God will never leave you nor forsake you. As well as that no one is perfect, but God offers love and grace to all those who come to Him and His arms are always open.
Favorite season? Autumn in Australia: I love the beautiful orange/yellow colors.
Favorite holiday? Christmas/New Years. I love spending time with family and friends and coming together to share stories and talk about God.

A dream you have? To run a youth group with my future spouse and work as a missionary around the world, reaching all those in need.

A special tradition you and your family engage in or keep: Every Christmas Eve, all the family sleeps in the lounge room, wakes up Christmas morning and prays, opens presents, attends church, then come home and have a big family lunch. I have 11 siblings, so it’s massive.

Question you will ask when you get to heaven? Hmm probably ask God if He could change one thing about His creation what it would be.

Thing you want to raise awareness about: Poverty, abuse and mental disorders. I think these are all huge factors in life and can all be solved through God and His love and faithfulness to us, but also those who witness and can act. I think we are called to serve others and help in all things so that we may stand out as a light for those seeking refuge and guidance.

What do you usually do before 9 a.m.? I usually read my bible and pray, workout, then eat breakfast and go about the rest of my day.

What is on your nightstand? My Bible, a candle, devotional book and a photo of my family.

Define Christianity in a sentence: Christianity is a personal relationship and encounter with God that shapes your identity and moulds you into being a light for those who struggle and are lost.

 

Until next time, keep witnessing!

XOXO