Reforming the Feminine ContentShaken and Stirred: Thoughts from a Newly-Turned 21-Year-Old
Monday was my 21st birthday. In light of that, I attempted to write a conclusive article about where God has brought me on the very relevant topic of alcohol in the past six months so that you would be encouraged and challenged by the intensity of my convictions and study. I had wracked up countless hours of conversation and study on this point and I believed I would have a concrete point to make. This is not the case. After those countless hours of conversation and honest prayers asking for guidance, I am still very much in process. God has been faithful and I have found many verses that have been relevant, but as most things in life, these convictions and revelations are only the beginning of a long conversation. I am beginning to realize Jesus, grace and Christianity are much more about the process of redeeming and renewing rather than a definite destination or conclusion. It’s a little discouraging, really. After 15 years of claiming Christianity, I am humbled and honored to say Jesus is still revealing himself in simple, profound ways. The most relevant and challenging verse I can share is 1st Corinthians 10:31 - “So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.” The Bible continually comes back to this point. It has become my new bench mark conviction for each day — which is humbling as Jesus reveals just how much grace I need each day. So while I have only enjoyed two drinks in four days, the state of my heart is still in examination and much prayer. As for the next six months, humility might be a good topic.
Hannah, thanks so much for sharing your heart. I particularly liked this: “I am beginning to realize Jesus, grace and Christianity are much more about the process of redeeming and renewing rather than a definite destination or conclusion. It’s a little discouraging, really.” I am right there with you. It’s so much easier to live by rules than to live by the Spirit (Rom 8:4-7). To live in the Spirit means that we must depend upon God to speak conviction into our lives about things that are not stated as clearly right or wrong in His Word. It takes a boatload of faith. It may be more difficult, but God promises that in the end it is worth it, for to live in the Spirit is “life and peace.” Hoping and praying you find this as you pursue more of what God is speaking to you personally about this particular subject.
So true. I have thought for years that the Christian life was a sprint. But I never reached the finish line. Now, I’m coming to understand it as a lifelong marathon. Endurance when you’re tired. Perseverence when you’re emotionally exhausted. Thanks, Hannah. Good stuff!