Destiny L.

Today, Destiny speaks to us about living a more spiritual and less flesh-focused life, how her grandparents were her greatest examples, the urgency of these times and the impact it should have on our faith, and how Job’s story helped her reflect on her own relationship with God.

Inspiring biblical passage of the moment: God has really been dealing with me lately, and one of the most inspiring passages He’s used to guide me with is, 2 Corinthians 5:17: “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have come new.”

Spiritual growth focus at the moment: Right now it would have to be leaving that of the flesh. It’s one of the most hardest things for me as a Christian, I believe, to overcome. God is always willing and merciful, but He is a consuming fire. For me to recognize that and understand that, truly allows me to seek Him in everything that I do.

Nowadays, it is easier to be tempted and to want to give up. You pray and things are not going your way. We need to understand that the same way we do not give a bone to a bad dog; Although my God is full of forgiveness, you cannot take that for your advantage and ask repeatedly for things and expect for it to be given. It’s better to be the person deserving and not receive, than to not be and receive it.

“God is always willing and merciful, but He is a consuming fire.”

Profession: I am currently working, as well as preparing myself for college. Studying psychology and earning my certificate in Christian counseling is something I’ve been praying about for years. God willing, may I be blessed to do so.

A one sentence bio of yourself: All I want is for others to see God through me.

When did you first encounter God? I was blessed to have my grandparents growing up. They are my biggest influences especially when it comes to how I want to live my life with Christ. But, I can say I truly grasped the idea of who God was and what He does at the age of 10. Young, I know but just knowing who He was, I knew I had to do something great. When I prayed from that moment forward, it was then that I felt this overwhelming amount of love within me, and I realized He was all I needed.

What has helped you grow spiritually in this season? Desiring His presence everyday. I know all is done in His timing. For God’s timing is always perfect. If we don’t allow Christ to shine through us, to give us purpose, society is going to destroy and take it away from us. God’s plan is always GREATER than mine.

“If we don’t allow Christ to shine through us, to give us purpose, society is going to destroy and take it away from us.”

Just read/currently reading (and what has it taught you?): A good friend of mine reminded of the book of Job. How his faith was tested through all of his trials, tribulations; he lost everything. It made me reflect on my life and what I do have. I’m guilty of blaming Him for the bad things that happened, but through it all, He always came through for me. All I had to do was have faith in Him.

“I’m guilty of blaming Him for the bad things that happened, but through it all, He always came through for me.”

Top three essentials: 1. Prayer (A lot of it), 2. I’m not sure if you want to count this as an essential, but stay active (be healthy mentally & physically), 3. Food. That’s all I gotta say. *laughs*

How did God speak to you recently? Recently, I was in Texas with my family in hopes of moving there from where I am originally from, Milwaukee, Wisconsin. I was having a rough time with sensing the Lord’s presence; it really bothered my spirits. I stopped going to church and just stayed home with my Bible, constantly praying and nothing. It wasn’t until my cousin came in the room, and she started crying she asked me, “Are you ready when He gets here?” It was Him again. I don’t know exactly how to explain it to you friends, but to say my body was filled with pure joy is an understatement. I remember calling my true sister in Christ that day absolutely glowing to tell her about it. We as children of God need to recognize the coming of the Lord is soon. Times are going from bad to worse. There is no time to be back and forth with Christ, this is not a game, as my Savior is faithful, we should be, also.

“Times are going from bad to worse. There is no time to be back and forth with Christ, this is not a game, as my Savior is faithful, we should be, also.”

Hobby: I love to write and sing. It’s a couple of my stress relievers, and I thank God for the ability to do so.

Top three practical tips for staying spiritually strong: 1. Remember God’s plan is ALWAYS GREATER than ours; 2. Pray, I cannot stress this enough; 3. Study the Bible, whether it’s 30 minutes to an hour. Ask God for the wisdom and understanding to truly grasp His word.

Favorite person in scripture? Ugh, you can’t do this to me! Honestly, I can’t pick a favorite every person in scripture to me teaches me something, and it’s absolutely fascinating how God uses each of these people; especially us now in this generation; it’s beautiful!

What do you want people to learn about God when they look at you? There’s so much that I’m learning still. I mentioned to the beautiful and awesome creator of this project this, as well. I cannot claim to be a perfect Christian woman, but how I crave to be. I want people to see me glow and know that it has nothing to do with my diet, a certain someone, or my job, but simply God. That you can go through the deadliest storm and still come out victorious, all Glory to Him!

“You can go through the deadliest storm and still come out victorious, all Glory to Him!”

Favorite season? Overall, summer and fall are my favorite mixes, but each season has its little things that I love, but definitely those two!

Favorite holiday? Thanksgiving has to be my favorite. The family together and everyone sharing what they’re thankful for. Although every day should be Thanksgiving, in my opinion, this holiday does give me an excuse to eat ALL day.

A dream you have? Ultimately, my dream is to better my walk and strength in the Lord; to see God come to take His people home. Brings me to tears every time!

A special tradition you and your family engage in or keep: Our lives are crazy, at the moment, so we haven’t kept it up, but I do remember as a kid, literally every weekend, we cleared out schedules to go to a water park a couple hours up North from where we lived. I absolutely love the memories we made there, and God willing in the future, with my kids, I’ll do the same.

Question you will ask when you get to heaven? I don’t know if I’ll even have the words to speak! Let’s say I do, I don’t think it would be a question. I just want Him to look me in the face when I thank Him for everything.

Thing you want to raise awareness about: I want to raise awareness about mental health, something I still struggle with, and the Word of God something that has truly helped me with that!

What do you usually do before 9 a.m.? Before 9 a.m., if I’m not going to work the next morning probably sleeping. I try to make it a habit as well on going back on my morning runs or listening to worship music while I write in my prayer journal.

What is on your nightstand? On my nightstand is a cute little fake plant (I can’t keep real ones alive, I’m sorry), journal, vanilla bean candle, and a framed picture of my grandparents.

Define Christianity in a sentence: Understanding and becoming the new creation He has called us to be.

(2 Corinthians 5:17)

Until next time, keep witnessing!

XOXO