Julia F.

Julia shares with us thoughts on living for Christ, her love for Brazilian jujitsu, the verse that inspired her when she felt God was distant and how her sister’s spirituality has inspired her.

Julia F.

Inspiring Biblical passage at the moment? “For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord, “Plans to prosper you, and not to harm you, plans to give you a future and a hope.” Jeremiah 29:11

Spiritual growth focus at the moment? I’m trying to learn how to trust God in hard situations. I especially struggle with this, because I sometimes take matters into my own hands without any help. And I forget that God is in control.

Profession: Student, who would love to be a physical therapist.

A one sentence bio of yourself? A young [woman] wanting to learn more about God.

When did you first encounter God? As someone who was raised in a Christian home, and a daughter of a pastor, I have always known about Jesus, but I never understood it. But, when I was 12, I learned that I needed salvation, and that I needed a Savior to rescue me. I realized that I was a sinner, and that nobody else could save me except Jesus.

What has helped you grow spiritually this season? I always thank God for my older sister, Briana. She has always helped me with my walk in the Lord, and always gives me spiritual advice. Her relationship with the Lord inspires me so much to have the same relationship with Him.

“Her relationship with the Lord inspires me so much to have the same relationship with Him.”

Just read/currently reading (and what has it taught you?): I actually haven’t read a book in a long time. *laughs* But, I would love to re-read the book of Esther.

Top three essentials?

1: My Bible
2: My guitar
3: My glasses, because you never know when those contacts could split.

How did God speak to you recently? I was recently struggling with something emotionally, and in those situations, It was kind of hard to go to God for help. I felt like God didn’t care about anything that was happening, and I felt like I was left to deal with it on my own. One day, I was reading my Bible, and stumbled across John 14:27. That verse has stuck with me for so long, and is one of my favorite Bible verses. It’s so amazing how, one moment, you’re struggling, and the next, God says “I’m here, Don’t be troubled, come to Me!”

“I felt like God didn’t care about anything that was happening, and I felt like I was left to deal with it on my own.”

Hobby? I have enjoyed doing music my whole life. But, I also enjoy Brazilian Jiujitsu, and I recently got into photography.

Top three practical tips for staying spiritually strong?

1: Prayer. Prayer is really important! As someone who gets distracted easily, I can understand that it can be hard to find time to pray. But I still encourage you to do so, even if it’s only 5 minutes. Prayer keeps you connected to the Lord, the more you pray, the more you build your relationship with Him.

2: Surrounding yourself with Godly people. I’m sure many people know this already, but surrounding yourself with Godly people, is going to strengthen your walk with the Lord, and is going to motivate you to continue to have a Godly lifestyle.

3: Journaling.

Favorite person in scripture? I wouldn’t say that I have a specific favorite, but one person that has been one of my favorites for a long time is Jonah.

What do you want people to learn about God when they look at you? I want people to see that I’m living for Christ, and not living for me. I want to be an example to others, and show them that everyone could be saved.

“I want people to see that I’m living for Christ, and not living for me.”

Favorite season? This is probably very cliché, but I love the fall.

Favorite holiday? Christmas, of course.

A dream you have? I’m not really one to dream, but I always wonder what the future holds for me.

A special tradition you and your family engage in? My family and I always read the story of Jesus’ birth on Christmas morning, it has been a tradition in our family for as long as I can remember. I guess that’s another reason why I like Christmas so much.

Question you will ask when you get to heaven? I would love to ask Jonah what it was like to be in the belly of a whale!

Things you want to raise awareness about? I want to encourage people, that you don’t have to do certain things in order to be “cool”. God loves you just the way you are, and you don’t have to do what society says in order to be better.

What do you usually do before 9 a.m.? I usually like to take my time in the morning. I will usually read my devotions for a while, and eventually I’ll get up and get ready.

What is on your nightstand? I always have my water bottle, my phone, and my Bible/a few other books.

Define Christianity in a sentence: Christianity is believing that Jesus Christ came to earth to die for all of our sins, and rose again of the third day, and having a relationship with Him.

Until next time, keep witnessing!
XOXO