"In this season, I had a lot on my plate and life got pretty stressful at times. I did it to myself, but God used my circumstances to teach me how to praise Him above everything. Praising Him has brought joy in suffering by allowing me to take the focus off myself and instead look to Jesus. I’m thankful that Jesus desires to carry my burdens and that He is infinitely stronger to do so. When things in my life didn’t work out, God used this to deepen my trust in Him. Despite some doors being closed recently, I look back on the past year and see how God has greatly blessed my life through answered prayers. Witnessing prayers come to fruition has been surreal, reminding me how powerful prayer is and that I serve a God who listens and is compassionate.

My emotions can fail me and set my eyes off the truth that I have Jesus who gives me freedom. It can be hard to find joy in this world when things get difficult but when I come before God to receive His joy, the way I live my life is different. I can walk by trusting in His lead and have confidence that by God’s grace and love for me He will keep me standing firm. The only constant in life is change but I find deep comfort knowing that I serve an unchanging God who is true to his promises and people.

“To him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you before his glorious presence without fault and with great joy - to the only God our Saviour be glory, majesty, power and authority, through Jesus Christ our Lord, before all ages, now and forevermore! Amen.”

- Jude 1:24