Like most of us, when we enter a new year, we want to make a list of resolutions to better ourselves. Whether it be creating better habits, losing weight, landing a new job, whatever that aspiration was for you, I bet it was written down...either on paper or hidden in your heart. As for me, it was a word. My word for 2020 is “Obedience”.
In 2019 I saw first hand how being disobedient in specific situations made my life more difficult than what it needed to be. I learned my lesson and for 2020 I wanted to live a life of obedience.
I’ve come to realize that on the opposite side of obedience is peace. The decisions might be hard, but the peace that comes from listening to your Father, the Holy Spirit is worth it. This pandemic has caused us to sit, be still and take a closer look at our lives. I simply wanted to remain obedient and keep leaning into what God had for me. Well, three months into the pandemic I was laid off from my job and the very next day God put on my heart to start my business, Sacred by ChrisRenee´. Trust me, it wasn’t the “ahh haa” moment that Oprah speaks about, but a simple nudge, a calm voice that said “start”. It’s wild how you KNOW what He’s referring too without a full explanation. For weeks that feeling of starting would not go away. I decided to do a fast, for clarity, a name for my business and a location to produce events. I needed to know within a week, I asked God to make it clear within that time frame and He delivered. The rest is history.
I learned to lean on Him daily for strength, direction, peace, contentment, JOY and discernment. I learned to take things day by day and not to worry about tomorrow, also not taking today’s troubles into tomorrow, but to resolve them immediately (obedience).
The act of being obedient isn’t to stop you from having “fun”, or living your “best” life. It’s a daily practice of guarding your heart, protecting you from what God doesn’t want you to experience (so much more)...instead, increased dependency and intimacy is a result of obedience.
You may have asked God, “What is my purpose?” “What 5 Steps Must I Complete Before I’m Worthy of a Relationship?”, “How do I Hear from You?”. One word, remain obedient. It will take you on a beautiful journey of healing, discovery of self and a deeper relationship with God. Allow Him into ALL of the areas of your heart and see what He begins to uncover. You may discover what you thought you wanted was no longer important.
God knew, well I KNOW, He’s called me to create. Since I was a child I was always drawn to beautiful spaces, curious about interiors, would go to the MSI store and head to the pretty stones and gems first. In His beauty I found joy and felt most alive. After being laid off from my job I knew I needed to keep creating, but how? With so much unrest around me, how do I create? That wasn’t for me to worry about… I just needed to listen and obey and He would take care of the rest.
There are a few verses that I clung to, still clinging, as I entered this faith journey called Entrepreneurship and they’re listed below. I pray that these verses minister to you. I urge you to get to develop an intimate relationship with God. Whether it be meditating on a verse for a week, month, year, etc. As long as you're meeting with Him, that’s all that matters. Remember to have grace for yourself.
With Love,
Christianna
Verses:
Psalm 139:23-24
Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts.
See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.
2 Corinthians 12:10
That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
Jeremiah 29:11
For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
Ephesians 3:20
Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think.
Proverbs 19:21
You can make many plans, but the Lord’s purpose will prevail.
Guest Contributor: Christianna Tucker, is based in Chicago and is the owner of Sacred by ChrisReneé. Her company specializes in Interior Styling, Home Organization and Event Design. When she’s not creating, she can be found spending time with her loved ones, traveling or exploring all of what Chicago has to offer.
Personal - @ChrisRenee_
Business - @sacredbychrisrenee
Website - www.sacredbychrisrenee.com
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