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How can a person wake up feeling content, read her Bible, spend a few minutes praying, listen to praise music, and then upon getting dressed, break down into an emotional stupor?
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Sadly, that was me one morning after trying on my favorite pair of jeans and struggling to button my pants. As I gasped at this new revelation, I had turned in the mirror to see the prominent white scar tissue that ran down the majority of my spine. My peace had been disrupted within mere seconds as I focused on my perceived flaws.
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That morning a war was being waged within me to believe truth over lie -- that my worth was tied to the notches on my belt, a straight spine, and flawless skin. My human condition frustrated me, but it shouldn't have stolen my deepest peace found in Christ.
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Friends, this is why abiding in Christ in every moment of our days is needed. We forget so quickly, don't we? I know what God says about me. I have read and reread and had others speak it over me. And yet, here I was on a Tuesday, melting down like a toddler whose world wasn't the way they wanted it.
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Oh how I need the gospel news and hope of Christ deeply imbedded into my mind and soul. There are some things about my life I can change if I desire to like losing 5 pounds, but there are others that are mine forever, like the crooked spine and lifetime scar. But neither is reason to hate myself, steal my joy, or crush my spirit. None of these things will be taken into eternity -- all will be made new. And none of these things define me and my ability to live a life of service and love to Christ and others. Satan sure wants to make me feel that it does though. In that moment, I failed to allow the Spirit to control and guide my thoughts.
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Thankfully, the Spirit within me gently brought me back to reality and restored my joy as I wrestled to hold tight to truth. I remembered Scripture that I had just read. I let the praise music reorient my mood to one of gratitude. I didn't allow it to ruin my whole day. Surrendering my frustration over imperfection led me to rest in Christ's perfection on my behalf. I laid down the struggle and picked up peace.
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Sue Corl knows what it's like to struggle with identity and self-image. You can read more about her in the spotlight below. Sue has an amazing story of overcoming self-image issues due to being born with a severe cleft palate. She has a ministry for women that encourages them to see their value and radiate their beauty in Christ. You can read her story here: http://www.terriprahl.com/from-ashes-to-beauty/
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I pray that you will be encouraged to persevere and put on your armor so you are prepared for those Tuesday morning moments when the jeans are snug and nothing seems right. We all have them if we are honest. There is a way to victory, but it's not always easy. Keep believing. Keep fighting. Keep seeking. This newsletter is intended to help you do all of these things and hopefully offer you a smile as well. :)
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May we be an encouragement to one another as we learn and grow together in grace.
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Favorite Things This Month:
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Encouraging Read:
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One of the young women I mentor through my church suggested this book, and I have been so challenged and encouraged by it. I have grown up in church and have heard about the holiness of God, but Jackie Hill Perry has opened my eyes to just how important understanding the holiness of God is to our lives. It shapes how we live out our faith in every practical way. Understanding just how holy He is can only lead us to trust Him more fully. God is not a man, capable of betraying us. He is perfect in all His ways. Incapable of mistrust or breaking a promise. Always faithful, merciful, and good even as He dispenses judgment.
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Never has a book on the holiness of God encouraged me so greatly! Go get a copy. :) And I am always up for a book club if anyone wants to discuss it.
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New Music:
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Spotify suggested this music from Bryan and Katie Torwalt, and I have been enjoying it. It sounds like fall to me. :)
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Book Giveaway!
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Subscriber Spotlight!
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Sue Corl is an International Women’s Conference speaker, author, mentor, podcaster, and Bible teacher. She is the founder and director of Crown of Beauty International and Beauty for Ashes Conferences. Sue is the author of Crown of Beauty Bible Study, More Beautiful by the Day, For Such a Time as This, and other books. She is a lover of Jesus, her husband and two adult children, her ministry, her dog, her friends, and coffee - in that order! She has a passion for seeing women transformed by God’s deep love. She served as a missionary for 25 years in Asia. Currently, she travels to minister to women throughout Asia, Africa, the Middle East, and the U.S. She has a Master’s of Education from the University
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of Hawaii and a Master’s of Christian Counseling from Philadelphia Biblical University.
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Podcast: His Heartbeat (launch date: September 24, 2021)
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If you would like to be featured in an upcoming newsletter, contact me at terriprahl@gmail.com!
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Moments of Grace:
- Seeing God's provision in specific ways that only He knew about.
- Time. Thankful for time to enjoy the sights and sounds of fall with my family and friends.
- Teaching the women's Sunday School class.
- Beautiful music that ministers to a grieving heart.
- You! I appreciate you all so much and hope this ministry blesses you.
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Check out the other guest writers in the Wrestling Through series. Learn about their relatable struggles to keep holding tight to hope in the midst of grief, pain, anxiety, relationship struggles, and unanswered questions and fears.
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Click here to receive this free two page resource full of biblical encouragement!
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Links to Good Resources:
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Encouraging Good Work in the World:
- Help kids in foster care this holiday season through Ambassadors for Children.
- Knowing that children all over this world are trapped and abused in sex trafficking sickens me and moves me to compassion - to pray and to find ways to help. Consider donating to the Destiny Rescue Ministry as they seek to rescue children from the sex slave industry. Let's be moved with compassion through donating! A part of the proceeds from every copy of Life, Repurposed goes to this ministry.
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If you missed any previous newsletters and want to check them out, you can go to the member archive and view past issues. The archive also holds the Psalm 119 study, Marriage study, 5 Principles for Spiritual Growth printable, and Hebrews 10 lesson. If you find anything here that you think would encourage someone else, please consider sharing and inviting them to subscribe. If you read an article on the blog you want to share, just click the social media icons on the right hand corner! This is a great way to support me and hopefully help others!
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A final note of encouragement:
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"What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?" - Romans 8:31
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2021 may have many unknowns, but knowing God is with us gives us the strength to have hope for the future. His plans are good, and we can trust Him with our future.
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If you need prayer, please send me a message, and I will be more than happy to intercede on your behalf.
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