Into the Darkness to Find the Light

1. What characteristics do I have that God can refocus for His purposes?
I'm a planner, organizer, and like things in order. I feel very strongly about people treating others well.

2. Describe the depth of God's love for His children.
He calls us His kids and when he appears, we shall be like him.

3. What is the outcome of the hope we have?
We purify ourselves.

4. How can I purify myself? What changes do I need to make in my daily routine?
Memorize the verses that I'm supposed to be working on, particularly at night!

5. Reconsider Paul's life following his conversion. How did his past hinder his ministry? How did his past prepare him for ministry?
Paul had an awesome education and knowledge about God. This could be both a hindering and a help.

6. How does my past hinder my present life? How has it equipped me?
My anger issues can become a problem in my present as people do not always trust my first response. My education and experiences have equipped me!

7. How do I feel when I consider myself from God's perspective?
Unworthy.

8. What about me does God love?
Everything! God adores me, which is totally weird to think about.

9. Why would religious people react negatively to God's work through someone like Stephen?
Because of his lack of education. Because they were jealous of his influence.

10. Had you been in that situation, would you have sided with the religious leaders or Stephen?
I like to think that I would have sided with Stephen because I would recognize God's work in another person. My nature would have been to side with the religious leaders though!

11. Stephens stance for God ultimately cost him his life. What are you willing to sacrifice so you can be more honoring to God?
My future plans (career, education). My finances. My future and current family.

12. What do I talk about when I have a public platform?
I tend to talk about relationships, sometimes with God. It depends on the public platform though! I light up on the inside when I talk about God stuff though :-)

13. How is my faith affected by the struggles I face?
It almost always strengthens me. I tend to do much better when I'm dealing with trials in my relationship with God. It's a constant frustration to me that I can't seem to do well when I'm NOT throwing myself into the arms of my Father... always seems like when the circumstances are better, I should be able to do what I know God wants me to do in our relationship, but it always seems like my faith is stronger when I can't depend on me./

14. "Let go of whatever you are trying to hold onto; a life, a ministry, a position, or a career that doesn't please God, then let him die. Trust him, instead of yourself, to accomplish his will. If he is involved, then in his time, he will let what you go bloom once again." What is your response to this statement?
Ouch. It's really hard for me to imagine letting all of my stuff go, particularly since I am holding onto stuff so hard right now.

15. What do you think God is doing in your life right now?
I really don't know. I feel like he is pulling me closer to himself, but as far as my name, purpose, and position, I'm really excited to see!!!

16. What does God want you to do through your life?
Glorify Him!!

17. Because the Bible says God has lavished great love on me, I will purify myself of my own desires and trust Him that He has a better plan for my life than the one I have.