Today is the Second Anniversary of the beginning of Strength Renewed! The time has gone really quickly, and I have been blessed in so many ways. It has been an exciting journey that I would have never imagined myself taking. Blogging has generated friendships that otherwise would not have been possible. Words of encouragement from friends near and far (some I may never have the pleasure of meeting) have given me the courage to continue striving to submit to God’s will for my life.
This blog came into being after a long battle of running from God’s plan. After taking a spiritual gifts test and realizing that God wanted me to begin writing, I hesitantly wrote a few devotions with no intentions of ever sharing them. I used the excuse of not knowing how to go about sharing them. Honestly, I didn’t want to know how because I just wasn’t ready. I was afraid of being judged, and Satan used that fear to hold me back convincing me to keep private what God had led me to write.
At a SWEET women’s leadership meeting that a friend convinced me to attend, God sent Teresa Brady to visit with me over a cupcake and punch. In that brief conversation, He revealed that it was time to share what I had written, and Teresa had the solution for how I could do that. God gave me a renewed strength that compelled me to move from partial obedience to complete obedience and trust in Him.
When I write, I never know how many people may actually read it, but one thing I’m sure is that, if for no other person, God is using it to speak to me. My relationship with Him is much stronger because I have learned to trust Him even when I’m not sure I want to share. Sometimes I am stretched outside of my comfort zone, but God always gives me the strength and courage needed.
Like Jonah, I spent a good bit of time in the belly of the whale. I understand what made Jonah run from God’s plan for his life, but I have also learned the joy of obedience. Few experiences compare to the wearisome time I spent sidestepping the call to write, but many blessings have followed since I yielded to His will. In 2 Corinthians 12:9 God says, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” God doesn’t expect us to be perfect, just willing!
Related articles
- In the Belly of the Whale (thebeatitudeadjustment.wordpress.com)
- “The Call” (erkessler.wordpress.com)
strengthrenewed.blog 
Tresa I am so glad to have you as a Sunday School teacher and a friend. Your love for the Lord shines through your face when you sit at the piano and it transfers to the written word in this blog. Happy 2nd anniversary on the blog!
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Thank you so much for the kind words Mischelle!
Tresa
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I am new to your blog, and have already heard the Spirit speak to me through you. For example: 1) Just as Satan used fear to hold you back, he has done the same in my life. Knowing that you are fighting fear gives me the courage to fight also. 2) You write because God uses the experience to speak to you. Because of your humility, God is no doubt using you to speak to others. I am one of them! 3) Your closing statement is a reminder we perfectionists need often–God doesn’t expect us to be perfect, just willing. Thank you for your honesty, your wisdom, and your heart.
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Nancy,
Thanks for visiting my blog. Thank you so much for sharing how God was able to use it to speak to you!
Tresa
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Congratulations on your second year of “Strength Renewed”…..I love to read your blog and you write so well that it is evident that it is God inspired. Love you much sweet lady and you remain in my heart and prayers. Barbra
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Thank you, Barbra! You are always in my prayers too!
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Teresa. I am so glad that I was just a small part of your significant journey. I have enjoyed reading your blogs and see God’s hand all over it. I will continue to pray that your strength will be renewed daily as you share all the wonderful things He is showing you. Blessings Teresa.
Teresa Brady Sent from my iPad
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Teresa,
Thanks for the encouragement and for the boost to get started!
Tresa
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