Liz Blog, Faith

How God Uses Hard Things

“For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us.”

(Romans 8:18 ESV)

“I didn’t know it was going to be this hard.”

Throughout my 20s, there were specific seasons of life when this thought came up for me. It was often in the middle of an unforeseen circumstance: an unwanted transition period, an unexpected change, a sudden loss, or any difficult time of waiting without an answer.

These seasons often felt painful. I knew that in this world, there would be trouble, but I didn’t realize just how close, how devastatingly personal trouble could be. And when it came, it was almost never expected. Nobody warned me of the trouble to come. Nobody could tell me how hard it was going to be, why it happened, and how long it would last.

Trouble came in suddenly, interrupting peace and stability, leaving me feeling unprepared and vulnerable. 

I knew God was good no matter what, and I knew He was with me, but in these times, I often could not see where God was leading in it. It felt unfair. 

These are the hard things. And I know that you’ve encountered hard things in this life, too.

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Liz Blog, Faith

Running From God: 3 Lessons From Jonah

“‘I called out to the Lord, out of my distress, and he answered me; out of the belly of Sheol I cried, and you heard my voice.'”

(Jonah 2:2 ESV)

What does it mean to run from God?

In the most obvious way, running can look like disobedience: Choosing your way over God’s Word, deciding not to do something God has told you to do, or holding onto something you’re meant to surrender. Running can also look a bit more discreet: Perhaps you’ve been in a challenging season, and you’ve been using distractions to escape from it instead of consistently seeking God about it or patiently trusting Him with it. Or maybe running has looked like walking away from God altogether.

What I’ve learned is that running can rob you from fully experiencing the love of God and the freedom that comes from a life of walking with Him. God’s love is so deep for humanity, but the enemy tries to deceive us into believing lies that send us running from Him.

Sometimes these lies come in because of circumstances you’ve faced or trials in the world that seem to say that God isn’t good or trustworthy. Or you feel like obeying God means you’ll be missing out on something. Or maybe you’ve seen your own limitations and weaknesses and have been convinced that God can’t truly love you or that you have no hope for the future.

Whatever the lie is, I hope that today, you come into the knowledge and truth of God’s love for you in a deeper way — a love that doesn’t send you running but coming home to the One who can meet your deepest needs. You’re not meant to keep running, doing this life on your own, and in your own way.

Today, we’ll take a look at the book of Jonah, which shows us a picture of the runner and the Pursuer. Like Jonah, we can run from God in various ways, but God still pursues us and gives us the chance to experience His love and mercy. Here are three crucial lessons we can learn from Jonah’s journey of running:

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Liz Blog, Faith, Video

27 Things I Learned At 27 | Life Lessons | Video

If you don’t already know, every year around my birthday, I share a list of faith and life lessons I learned in the past year. It’s been such a journey with the Lord, and looking back, through every challenge and blessing, I’m thankful for how He’s been so consistent and so kind. I’m grateful I get to walk out another year with Him (and share what I’m learning along the way). 

Here are 27 things I learned at 27. Click below to watch:

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Liz Blog, Faith

I Thank God For The Unanswered Prayers, Too

“But as for me, I will look to the Lord; I will wait for the God of my salvation; my God will hear me.” 

(Micah 7:7 ESV)

Prayer has transformed my life. 

I’ve witnessed countless answered prayers. I’ve seen the Lord answer the prayers of friends and family. I’ve seen Him answer my own prayers. I’ve seen Him transform situations and people. I’ve experienced His provision. I’ve seen God move overnight, or within minutes, because of prayer.

But there’s also unanswered prayer. 

I’ve encountered this many times, and chances are, you have as well. You may have experienced the pain, confusion, or heartache of a particular circumstance in your life that, for some reason, seems to be immovable or unchanging even after years. 

There comes a point where you may think, God, I’ve done everything I could. What am I supposed to do now?

At the start of 2023, I don’t know where you are today or what unanswered prayers come to mind, but I can tell you this: In moments like these, you have the opportunity to encounter the richest, deepest lessons and transformation. There is more for you, even now — and you can be comforted and amazed at how much God can move in these seasons. 

Recently, the book of Daniel has reminded me of the tremendous power of prayer and worship. You’re probably familiar with the story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego facing the fiery furnace, but there’s also so much wisdom and encouragement from the events that take place beforehand. In the first three chapters of Daniel, here’s what we can learn about how to show up faithfully and recognize God’s hand, even in the midst of prayers that seem to go unanswered:

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Liz Ask LizMargaret, Blog, Faith

Trusting God In Seasons of Transition | Ask LizMargaret #4 | Video

What does it look like to trust God in uncertainty? 

It’s easy to say we trust the Lord, but I find our faith is really tested when it comes to understanding His timing in our lives. So, in today’s Ask LizMargaret video, we’re talking about how to truly trust God in seasons of transition — especially when we’re faced with unknowns, stresses, and making decisions.

Click below to watch! 

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Liz Blog, Faith

3 Things I’ve Learned About God’s Timing

For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven.

(Ecclesiastes 3:1 ESV)

Over the years, God has used numerous circumstances to teach me about His ways. He often guides with patience, and yet, we often feel the need to walk quickly ahead. I’ve learned to slow down — and, of course, I’m still learning to — and when I do, I’m able to reflect on how I’ve seen His timing in my life.

I notice that He’s done so much more than I could ask or think, even when I thought it wasn’t possible. And I want to encourage you today with this simple truth: You can trust His guidance. You can hold onto His Word and trust His character, no matter what you’re facing.

So, with this in mind, here are three things I’ve learned when it comes to God’s timing:

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Liz Blog, Faith

Introducing: Being Led by God | A 5-Day Devotional

Do you find it challenging to hear God’s voice? Have you ever felt confused about where He’s leading you? Do you sometimes feel like God is just silent?

Introducing: Being Led by God

Being Led by God is a five-day look into understanding God’s voice and His leading in your life. This devotional is a FREE digital download you can read anytime.

I WANT A COPY

Here’s what’s inside the devo:

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Liz Blog, Faith

Let God’s Voice Be The Loudest Voice In Your Life

You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you.

(Isaiah 26:3 ESV)

What’s one area of your life that seems impossible? The hardest to overcome, the hardest to have faith, the hardest to redeem. It could be a situation, a struggle, an insecurity, a belief — a particular area where, at some point, doubt seeped in and has never left.

I’ve recently learned that if there’s any place you should never doubt yourself, it’s at a roller skating rink. 

Yes, really. 

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Liz Blog, Faith, Inspiration, Video

My Biggest Regrets From College | 10 Things I Wish I Knew | Video

Today, we’re going back to the past and talking all about college. 

I’m very grateful for the time I had as a student because I grew so much in my faith (and honestly, it’s one of the biggest reasons why I started blogging!) — but it came with some crucial lessons I had to learn.

So, here are 10 things I wish I knew back then. Click below to watch:

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