From Lukewarm to On Fire: How God Uses Our Cracks to Let the Light In.

Greeting friends, the ‘Ordinary Woman,” here.

I used to be a lukewarm Christian. When I attended church, I went through the motions, took communion, sang the songs, declared the Affirmation of Faith, but somehow I never fully engaged. I read the Bible, but I can not say it ever made my heart feel differen,t and I never knew I could pray with the expectation that God would answer me!

Life is filled with ups and downs, times of elation and peace as well, times of trials and hardships. When we’re happy and content, we may feel as though we don’t really need God. But during hard times, times of grieving, we may become either angry or pray to God to help us live through our rough times until times of still waters return.

When we admit our own brokenness, God can shine through our cracks, and our weakness can allow God’s love to strengthen those around us. Allowing others to understand they are not alone in their suffering. Sharing our personal struggles can deepen the lives of others. They will know they are not alone, and that someone else felt the way they do, too.

This is why I decided to share my personal story in “Benedictions Given to an Ordinary Woman.” It is my surrender so that others may grow through the love of God as I have believed a change has occurred within myself. The public process of sharing one’s story can be uncomfortable; it’s scary, what was long kept secret is now open for others' interpretations. 

To surrender means inviting God into each and every area of our lives, especially the broken parts. God has ignited a passion within me that cannot be contained- through His love, my faith becomes alive, and when I embrace my imperfections, God's love can shine through. God moved me from a lukewarm Christian to being on fire for Jesus. Remember, it’s not about us being perfect- it’s about letting our perfect God shine through us all. 

Shalom, Kristin Gedstad