Elizabeth V.

Today, Elizabeth shares with us thoughts about stepping out when God wants to work through us, and how God comes through for us in our desert season.

Elizabeth V.

Inspiring biblical passage of the moment: Psalm 13 is really inspiring to me because in the first 4 verses, David is crying out to the Lord in his distress, and he’s obviously frustrated. But then, in the last 2 verses, the mood shifts, and he talks about how despite the trying situation he is in, he will continue to trust in the Lord’s unfailing love, and he will praise God in the midst of the storm he’s in.

I love this because it is so important that we call out to God when we are in trying situations and trust in the Lord because that is when the devil is most likely to be able to pull you from God.

Spiritual growth focus at the moment: I am trying to grow spiritually to listen to God’s prompts to step out and allow Him to work through me. I am learning how to get out of my comfort zone and really share God’s love with those around me, rather than keeping it in. I am learning that I should take steps of faith because God is my safety net, and He will use my efforts to lead others to Him, but that can’t be done if I don’t take those steps of faith and listen to the spiritual prompting He gives me.

“I should take steps of faith because God is my safety net, and He will use my efforts to lead others to Him, but that can’t be done if I don’t take those steps of faith and listen to the spiritual prompting He gives me.”

Profession: Student.

A one sentence bio of yourself: I am a full-time student, who spends every free moment with God.

When did you first encounter God? I was a born and raised in a Christian family my whole life, but I had strayed from God, and I was living a life full of sin. In the summer of 2016, I attended a camp with my youth group, and I could feel the spirit moving in my heart throughout the trip.

I had had a rough year of trying to do my own thing and failing miserably. I realized God’s unfailing love and forgiveness through the songs of worship we sung. The whole week, I was over the moon with joy, and I wanted to experience that every day of my life. I just got to the point of being tired of living in sin and playing Christian only on Sundays, so I decided to pursue God with all of my heart and start really allowing Him to work in my life.

“I had had a rough year of trying to do my own thing and failing miserably.”

What has helped you grow spiritually in this season? Spending a lot of time in prayer and practicing obedience when I know God is telling me to do something. I have also been trying to step out of my comfort zone and trust what God is telling me to do.

Just read/currently reading (and what has it taught you?): Recently, at morning devotions, we talked about Isaiah 35, and it brought me so much encouragement. Verses 6-7 say, “Water will gush forth in the wilderness and streams in the desert. The burning sand will become a pool, the thirsty ground bubbling springs.” I love this because it reminds me that in my desert seasons, God still promises to come through for me.

“I love this because it reminds me that in my desert seasons, God still promises to come through for me.”

How did God speak to you recently? Recently, God has spoken to me through a few sermons at church about stepping out for Christ/listening to His prompts and not allowing the devil to instill fear in me

Top three essentials: Gum, Chapstick, and headphones.

Hobby: Bible journaling.

Top three practical tips for staying spiritually strong:

1. Surround yourself with people who inspire you and push you to grow spiritually;
2. Stop and take time to pray/talk to God;
3. Listen to worship music throughout the day for constant encouragement.

Favorite person in scripture? David because despite not being perfect, he was a man after God’s own heart, and he always turned back to God. He was also a beautiful poet and his psalms are my favorite.

What do you want people to learn about God when they look at you? That you are never too far gone to experience the love and forgiveness of the Lord.

Favorite season? Spring because you get to see the peak of God’s creation.

Favorite holiday? Valentine’s Day because I love spreading love to my friends and family.

A dream you have? To travel and get outside my comfort zone to meet new people.

A special tradition you and your family engage in or keep: On Christmas morning, every year, we read the story of Jesus’ birth.

Question you will ask when you get to heaven? I will ask Him why He chose to make the sky the beautiful shade of blue that He did and why He put so much care into creating such a beautiful planet for us, when He didn’t have to.

Thing you want to raise awareness about: I want to raise awareness about the dangers of allowing yourself to watch/listen to things that don’t glorify God and how those small things can keep you from being able to grow closer to the Lord. The devil will use those things to put walls up in your heart and weaken your relationship with Christ, and I feel as though a lot of people don’t realize the effect that can have on their spiritual walk.

What do you usually do before 9 a.m.? Have a cup of coffee and watch some YouTube videos or listen to music.

What is on your nightstand? I don’t have a nightstand, but I do have a dresser where I keep candles, a few books I am currently reading, and my Bible.

Define Christianity in a sentence: A personal relationship with a powerful God who loves us, despite what we’ve done in the past.

For more Elizabeth:

Insta: @eliza.bethv

Until next time, keep witnessing!

XOXO