Liz Blog, Faith

It’s Better to Believe

For we were saved in this hope, but hope that is seen is not hope; for why does one still hope for what he sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, we eagerly wait for it with perseverance.

(Romans 8:24-25 NKJV)

Do you ever wonder what can get in the way of miracles?  sparklers_believe post.jpg

Sometimes, we can rely on rituals to “make sure” that God answers our prayers. Maybe this can look like feeling you need to pray the exact prayer you did the last time God blessed you…or making sure you wear the same shirt you were wearing when God helped you ace that test…or worrying that God won’t protect you today because you didn’t get up at 5:00 am to pray.

This is tiring! I believe that we should be disciplined in seeking God, but we’ve taken up a wrong mindset if we start to get paranoid that God won’t be there for us if we “mess up” on a made-up routine in our heads. The sacrifices we make to seek Christ, based on His Word, should bring peace in our hearts.

“For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light” (Matthew 11:30 KJV).

Acts 16:31 reminds us that the foundation of our faith is believing God for who He is: “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved.” However, the miracle of salvation is just the beginning. Believe that if God has the power to save you from sin through Jesus Christ, He has the power to provide for you in everyday life. And as Romans 8:25 encourages us, we can wait in expectancy for what He will do.

Continue reading “It’s Better to Believe” →

Liz Blog, Faith

Battling Through Uncertainty

My soul waiteth for the Lord more than they that watch for the morning: I say, more than they that watch for the morning.

Psalm 130:6 (KJV)

Without batting an eye, I can tell you the top three most nerve-wrecking moments in college:

  1. The first day of class ever as a freshman…For me, it was a typical scene from a college movie. A gloomy, rainy day, and I walked into the wrong room for French. I survived, and it wasn’t really embarrassing.
  2. When final grades are posted. Even if you know your grade, something about those email notifications are absolutely unsettling. But you learn to just log in, take a look, and breathe.
  3. Starting your paper the day it’s due. There’s no better adrenaline rush than knowing you have 5 1/2 hours to write a research paper on a topic you haven’t actually researched.

These three instances have something in common: UNCERTAINTY. There was no worse feeling in those moments than thinking: What’s about to happen!? I’ve done all I can, and I have no control in this!

Beyond the classroom, uncertainty hits us in other areas of our lives. Our purpose: Am I following God’s will for my life? Our relationships: What if I don’t get married? Am I going to have solid friendships? Our finances: How am I going to pay this bill? How soon am I going to get another job? It can be completely overwhelming. Yes, God promises He will provide for us, but does that mean He will specifically answer a prayer we’ve been requesting for days, weeks, or years?

Continue reading “Battling Through Uncertainty” →

Liz Blog, Faith, Worship Wednesdays

Worship Wednesdays #16 | Here as in Heaven

The profile // about the artist

Elevation Worship - Here As In Heaven.jpg
Here As In Heaven (2016)

Elevation Worship

  • Contemporary worship music band
  • From Elevation Church (Charlotte, North Carolina)

The pull // why i like it

“Here As In Heaven” is a beautiful reminder of the Lord’s Prayer. God’s plan will be done in Earth as it is in Heaven. Plus, just as this song is reminiscent of God’s overwhelming love, the instrumentals itself are so amazingly overwhelming. There’s something assuring and refreshing about the music, especially with the video of live worship.

The message // what it means

Something changes when the Holy Spirit is in the midst. We need a fresh outpouring of the Spirit in our lives as we follow Christ. Our lives and hearts are changed when we let God take control–and this change isn’t a destination but a continual process.

A miracle can happen now
For the Spirit of the Lord is here
The evidence is all around
That the Spirit of the Lord is here 

The call // best to listen when

You want to be encouraged by God’s promises and love. His love is enough alone, and He is at work. I love listening to this song alone in my quiet devotional or prayer time.

Liz Blog, Faith, Video

How to be Single | Video

It’s easy to fall into the trap of having faith in every area of our lives…except for one. It might be that you trust God with sharing the gospel, but you don’t trust him in your finances. Or perhaps, you trust Him with getting you through school, but faith runs short when it comes to your family.

I find that many people have this mindset when it comes to their dating life. But why is that? Has being single become a lost art? Today, I talk about this in my new video.

Click below to watch!

Liz Blog, Faith, Life

The Happy Grad

And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.

(Psalm 1:3 KJV)

Grab a pen and paper. If you could have anything right now to make yourself happier, what would it be? List everything down that comes to mind.

What’s in your heart?

A few months ago before college graduation, I did this. It was the middle of spring semester, and it wasn’t the easiest senior spring. Some of my friends had one or two classes, and I had a full course load. Other friends had job offers since October, and I had no options in sight. I knew exactly what I needed to be happier: to graduate on the Dean’s List, a full-time offer for my dream job, etc. Basically, I would have LOVED a detailed road map of my future.

Graduation Cap_Edit

I didn’t get it, though. Instead I had to wait and take one day at a time. Ultimately, I wanted to be happy. I was totally content, but I wanted to know that when I walked across that stage in May, I would be taken care of.

Months later, I can tell you that God did give me the desires of my heart. I graduated summa cum laude, I got my dream opportunity. I can also tell you this doesn’t make me happy at the end of the day. The road to these things was unimaginable. But what makes me happy was that I chose to honor God when I didn’t understand.

Continue reading “The Happy Grad” →

Liz Blog, Faith, Video

Times of Transition & Seasons of Silence | Video

It’s the time of year when we are constantly reminded of change–whether we like it or not. As spring transitions to summer, we attend graduations and weddings, start new jobs and take time off for vacation. However, change can be scary…it comes with a transition from the familiar to the unfamiliar, and during this time, it can appear as though God is silent.

How does God speak in these stressful and uncertain times? I discuss this in a new Youtube video.

Click below to watch!

Liz Blog, Faith, Worship Wednesdays

Worship Wednesdays #15 | Fill Me Up

The profile // about the artist 

United Pursuit - EP
EP (2011)

United Pursuit

  • Christian worship band
  • From Knoxville, Tennessee

[Previous #WW Posts Here: 1]

The pull // why i like it

If a song has an acoustic vibe, there’s a 90% chance I’ll like it. Sneak in additional instrumentals, and I’ll love it. Overall, United Pursuit is a dynamic, powerful worship band, so this song’s a clear winner in my book.

The message // what it means

God’s love is endless. It’s a love that surpasses everything, a love we can never stop learning. Things in this world only provide temporary satisfaction, but His love is one that meets us where we are and satisfies what we’re looking for.

Love of God overflow
Permeate all my soul
Fill me up God

The call // best to listen when

You need to rest in who God is. Don’t wait until you’ve exhausted other options. Oftentimes, hearing His voice begins with us opening our mouths in worship and restating who He is. Seek Him first, and watch what He does.