Personal Reflection
“… and it is no longer I who live, but it is Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” (Gal. 2:20)
Growing in Faith as a Single Mother
I look back on a time in my life when worry seemed overwhelming. I recall the profound moment when I felt the Spirit’s comforting presence. As a single mother, the challenges of providing and caring for my children weighed heavily on my heart. It was a time of uncertainty. I heard the Spirit whisper, “You must have another spirit just as Joshua and Caleb had.” You heard me say that I would bless you and your children. You also heard me say that I have called you to preach the gospel. All you have to do is go in and possess it.”
These words resonated deeply within me, reminding me of the promises that God had spoken over my life. The circumstances seemed insurmountable. I was encouraged to focus on His promises rather than the obstacles before me. The Spirit’s guidance was clear. Do not rush the process by seeking provision elsewhere. Trust in His timing and His faithfulness.
In that season, I learned the importance of patience and unwavering faith. I was reminded to be willing to go through the fire, no matter what the outcome. I knew that God’s promises would prevail. This journey was not easy, but it was marked by moments of divine reassurance and the strengthening of my faith.
As I navigated the trials and tribulations, I held onto the promise that God would bless me and my children. I embraced the calling to preach the gospel, confident that He had equipped me for this purpose. Through every challenge, I learned to trust in His provision and remain steadfast in His promises.
Looking back, I see how God used that time of worry to refine and strengthen my faith. The journey taught me the value of perseverance and the beauty of trusting in His divine plan. It was a season of growth and transformation. During this time, I learned to rely on His Spirit. I embraced the calling He had placed on my life.
Let this reflection act as a reminder to everyone facing similar challenges. Trust in God’s promises. Stay focused on His guidance. Be willing to endure the refining fire. His faithfulness will lead you through, and His blessings will be abundant.
As I reflect on these verses, I am reminded of the immense love and sacrifice of Jesus Christ. Living the crucified life is not a one-time event. It is a daily commitment to surrendering my will to God’s. I allow His Spirit to transform me. There have been moments when I have struggled to let go of my own desires. Yet, each time I choose to take up my cross, I experience a deeper sense of peace and purpose.
The journey of living the crucified life is filled with challenges, yet it is also imbued with profound blessings. It requires a continual dying to self and a steadfast reliance on God’s grace. As I strive to walk in the footsteps of Christ, I am encouraged by the promise of His presence. I find hope in His glory. May we all embrace the crucified life and experience the life-changing power of Christ in our daily lives.
As I ponder these reflections, I am compelled to delve deeper into the implications of living the crucified life. This journey beckons us to cultivate a heart of humility. We must acknowledge our weaknesses. At the same time, we embrace the strength that comes from Christ within us. Each day, we have the opportunity to renew our minds. We should align our actions with the divine will. This alignment fosters a spirit of compassion and love towards others. The crucified life is not merely about personal transformation. It also affects how we interact with the world around us. It involves embodying the teachings of Jesus in our relationships and endeavors. By surrendering to God’s guidance, we allow His Spirit to lead us. We become vessels of His love. We shine His light in the darkest corners and offer hope to those in need. This path is challenging. It is filled with the promise of spiritual growth. We have the assurance that we are never alone. Christ walks with us. His presence is a constant source of strength and encouragement.
In conclusion, living the crucified life is a relentless pursuit of spiritual growth and connection with Jesus Christ. It demands that we consistently set aside our personal desires. We do this to embrace the life-changing power of His love and grace. As we navigate our daily lives, let us be reminded of an important truth. Every act of self-denial is an opportunity to deepen our faith. It brings us closer to Him.
Through this journey, we experience personal renewal. We become agents of change. We reflect Christ’s compassion and light to those around us. The crucified life calls us to embody humility, love, and grace. It challenges us to make a tangible impact on our communities. We aim to influence the world at large. It is a path marked by challenges and trials, yet it is also one of profound blessings and spiritual fulfillment.
May we all embrace this divine calling with steadfast hearts, trusting in the presence and guidance of Christ. As we take up our cross daily, let us find strength in His promise. Let us find hope in His glory. Let us find peace in His everlasting love. In living the crucified life, we discover the true essence of our faith. We also find the boundless joy that comes from walking in the footsteps of our Savior.
The Lord bless you and keep you. The Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you. The Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.”’
Blessings,
Minister A. Francine Green
afrancinegreen.com 