For you, brethren, have been called to liberty; only do not use liberty as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.

-Galatians 5:13

Over the weekend, someone told me to expect the unexpected. It was confirmation for me because when I took the step of faith to plan The Mercy Retreat, I decided to do just that: expect the unexpected.

Hope rises with those words. Do you agree? I’m seeing the Lord open new doors for me on a consistent basis and yet sometimes I find myself wondering if I’m doing exactly what He wants me to do. Lately, when those thoughts creep inside my heart and mind, I remember all He has done and become filled with hope for what He will continue to do.

I want to make something crystal clear. The hope and excitement I feel isn’t coming from what I think He might do for me. It’s coming from what He might do through me. We all have influence. In fact, we have much more than we think.

You were created with purpose. You have gifts, talents, and unique qualities to offer. Regardless of what season of life you are in, you have opportunity to influence others in a beautiful way. Even if your season is dark, you can still offer light. And I have found that serving others is the best way to take the focus off my own issues and allows Christ to work through me, and inside me, in deeper ways.

Today, I want to encourage you to look at the larger picture of your life. Look to Christ for what he can do through you. Embrace hope and serve someone else. Oh, and expect the unexpected!

Be blessed today, friends!

Love,

Jennifer