Katie A.

Today, Katie shares with us thoughts on trusting God to make a reality the desires He has placed on our hearts, how what led her to become a Christian was an attempt to disprove it, and how and why the Bible is key to growth, peace and trust.

Katie A.

Inspiring biblical passage of the moment: “Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us.” (Ephesians 3:20 ESV)

Spiritual growth focus at the moment: Trusting in His timing and in His goodness. I have such BIG heart’s desires that I really need to be intentional about trusting Him and that He knows, reminding myself that they are His desires and not my own. There are many times in life where things can start to look stagnant, or like they are going opposite of how I’d like them to go, so my growth comes from holding on to these desires He has given me, knowing that they are from Him, and trusting that He is a good God who sees and will be faithful to do what He wills in me to do.

Profession: Ha, this is always fun to talk about. It seems like the moment I gave my life to Jesus, my professional life went on an adventure. After my fourth unemployment as a Christian (long God stories, just know that I’m not one to jump careers), I am now recently moved to Santa Monica and [I took] a new position as a Senior Account Manager for a startup, here. Around that, I act and am a model, which is kind of the bigger ministry side of things that God continues to divinely open doors into.

A one sentence bio of yourself: I’m a passionate, genuine, and creative individual who loves people and isn’t afraid to swim against the current and stand for what’s true.

When did you first encounter God and how did you encounter Him? I encountered Jesus four years ago. Basically, I walked into a church; and, after not being able to immediately disprove what I was hearing, which is what I normally do, I took it upon myself to get to the bottom of what was being said. I grabbed a Bible, spent countless hours in my room reading it; and, leaving out some details, I became a Christian.

What has helped you grow spiritually in this season? I think it’s the same for every season… stay in the Bible. Know what it says. Catch those old ways of thinking and let His Word wash over your mind every day. You can’t expect to grow unless your feeding yourself what is necessary to grow—His Word.

“Catch those old ways of thinking and let His Word wash over your mind every day.”

Just read/currently reading (and what has it taught you?): I just read/am finishing Philippians. Here are a few of many takeaways:

1 ) Follow Christ at all costs, understanding that whatever obstacles may come or whatever I might need to give up, nothing can compare to the surpassing worth of knowing Christ.

2 ) Always, as much as I can, live at peace with everyone. If there is something I can do to clear a path between me and another and them knowing God, Lord help me to do it.

3 ) Lead by example, always. Be genuine. Be sincere.

4 ) Keep walking, serving God with full awareness that it is Him in me who

enables me to live this Christian life and to do the good work He has called me to do.

Top three essentials: Bible. Prayer. Church/Fellowship.

How did God speak to you recently? He spoke to me, indirectly, through a person I met at an entertainment event and through circumstances, confirming that I am where I need to be and that He has specifically set things up the way He has to do something unique and different, and that I can trust Him.

Hobby: Editing Christian books, studying Christian Apologetics and blogging, reading, baking, cycling, health and fitness, walking… I have a few (and they change here and there).

Top three practical tips for staying spiritually strong: Get into the Word every. single. day. The Bible is referred to as the “word of life” for a reason. Without it, you wither.

Pray. Always be talking to God. Invite Him into your entire life.

Get plugged in. Seek others who see their need for Christ—who are all in. Having a person or two that you can trust and who wants to pursue Christ with all their heart, with you, is vital to have. It may take some time, but pray and remain faithful to God. He will provide.

Favorite person in scripture? It changes depending on the season I’m in. Right now, Paul or Ezra.

What do you want people to learn about God when they look at you? His love. His grace. His mercy.

Favorite season? In Los Angeles? Winter. It’s such a nice temperature around winter time.

Favorite holiday? Oh, hands down, Christmas!

A dream you have? To keep doing what I am doing now, but to follow God into bigger ways of doing it… all for His glory.

A special tradition you and your family engage in or keep: Hmmm, we don’t really have any that I can think of off the top of my head. I’m sure there is one, but I just can’t think of any. Our home life was pretty dysfunctional growing up so, until recently (Jesus), we had more wedges between us than traditions bonding us.

Question you will ask when you get to heaven? Why?

Thing you want to raise awareness about: God! His forgiveness, His love, and His story.

What do you usually do before 9 a.m.? Depends on the season but, in any, one thing remains the same: I read the Bible!

What is on your nightstand? I don’t have a nightstand.

Define Christianity in a sentence: A relationship with God.

For more Katie:

Insta: @ktmarmstrong

Until next time, keep witnessing!

XOXO