Becky, Virginia
Founder, Beauty for Ashes
Meet Becky. A blogger, writer/editor, and follower of Christ. In today’s feature, Becky talks about trusting God’s promises in every season, living victoriously in Him, and being faithful in His calling on our lives.
Q: What does “Confidence Without Compromise” mean to you?
A: For me, “Confidence Without Compromise” means:
- I am confident in who I am in Christ, rather than in who the world says I am.
- I am relying on Christ’s strength, and not my own, to do His will.
- I am confident in where God has me now and where He will lead me.
- I know that walking in the Spirit will always yield fruit, while walking in the flesh will always lead to sin.
- I am standing on the truth and promises of the Word of God, even when it means going against the status quo.
- I am striving to be a daily reflection of Christ to those around me, by loving others and placing their needs before my own.
- I am confident that God is using ALL things for my good and His glory, even when I can’t see it.
Q: How has your faith given you confidence?
A: Since that night when I first gave my life to Christ at just six years old, I have seen God fulfill His promises time and time again. I have experienced His grace and forgiveness in countless ways. The evidence of His work in my own life and in those around me strengthens my faith in His future grace. This gives me assurance that, indeed, all of the promises of God are “yes” and “amen” (2 Cor. 1:20).
My life is evidence of Christ to those around me.
As I’ve grown to love God and know Him more, I have also grown in my desire to obey Him and serve Him, no matter the cost.
Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone to serve the Lord! In fact, expect that He will call you to be uncomfortable. This is how we grow and learn to fully depend on God, instead of ourselves. My faith has given me confidence in who I am in Christ, not because of what I do to earn His approval or love (I can’t!), but because of who He made me to be and what Christ did on my behalf. I am already accepted, and that truth frees me to trust and rest in Him daily, wherever He might call me.
Q: What is a go-to Bible verse that you turn to when you need confidence or hope?
A: There are so many verses I love, but Psalm 16:11 has been my go-to verse for the past couple of years: “You make known to me the path of life; in Your presence there is fullness of joy; at Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.” What an awesome reminder that life in Christ offers abundantly more than anything this world can give!
Q: What encouragement would you give to other young women regarding living for the Lord?
A: Another favorite verse of mine is 2 Peter 1:3, which tells us that “His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness.” Did you get that?! God has already given us everything we need to live a godly life. He has given us His Word and the Holy Spirit to guide us (and all of the blessings that go along with that). This means if we don’t have it, we don’t need it. It’s that simple.
That job you’ve hoped for, that boyfriend or husband you’ve prayed for, that test result you’ve waited for–if God doesn’t give it, then it’s not His best for you right now.
Trust His timing, and get to the point where you can honestly say, “Lord, if it’s not Your will, I don’t want it.” Trust where God has you right now, and be faithful wherever that is. Look for opportunities to grow and be used every day, because He has you there for a reason. You can be confident that, as Paul wrote, “He who began a good work in you will carry it onto completion until the day of Christ Jesus” (Philip. 1:6). Your life is evidence of Christ to those around you.
Beyond this, my most practical advice would be to develop a love for God’s Word. Study it, read it, memorize it, listen to it, and talk about it. Renew your mind daily. Find others who want to do the same, and spend time with them. For me, my involvement in ministries like Lake Geneva Youth Camp, InterVarsity Christian Fellowship, the Galilee Program, and Bible Study Fellowship have allowed me to do just that. Find an older woman who will spend time with you and be your spiritual mentor, and then do the same for someone else.
God has gifted you uniquely and perfectly, and He is pleased when you use those gifts for His glory.
This means that the simple things that bring me joy also bring Him joy. When I go for a run or compete in a race, I am honoring God by being the person He created me to be. When I travel and expand my view of His creation, I am honoring Him. When I volunteer in an ESL class, I am honoring Him. When I write and offer it as a platform to bring Him glory, I am honoring Him. Find your niche, and use it! And remember, He will always equip you to do what He has called you to do.
Learn About Beauty for Ashes
Beauty for Ashes is a blog I started with a few friends to share stories about what God is doing in our lives and to encourage others in their walks with Christ. Isaiah speaks of God’s restoration of Israel–“He will give a crown of beauty for ashes, a joyous blessing instead of mourning, festive praise instead of despair.” Essentially, God has done the same thing for all who have placed their trust in Him, and Beauty for Ashes is a celebration of that, an acknowledgement that though we are all broken, we have the ultimate victory in Christ.
Q: How have you seen God work in your life and the lives of others during your involvement?
A: I love to write, and Beauty for Ashes has provided a way for me to merge my passion for writing with my love for Christ. It’s always so encouraging to hear how others have been blessed through reading the blog, and equally as encouraging to hear what God is teaching them. While I’m not as diligent in posting on the blog as I would like, it’s definitely something I would like to focus on more in the future.
Connect With Becky
Web: http://www.thebeautyforashesblog.wordpress.com
Learn more about Confidence Without Compromise here.
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LizMargaret 
Amen!! Amen!! Thank you for sharing. This is a Blessing to Eat, and Spiritually Grow. May We All Continue Allowing The Holy Spirit to Lead us and Guide us For His Purpose. \0/\0/ God Bless!! ((Hugs)) 🙂
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Thank you for reading, Betty Jo!
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