Trying Something New - Stephanie Rautio

Over the last few months, I have been in a season of needing to slow down and rest, to put away my checkbooks, and truly have uninterrupted time with the Lord each day.

Because I like plans, my normal has always been to follow a reading plan. I have nothing against reading plans, but I wasn't growing. I was stuck. Each day, my goal was to get through the day's reading and journal thoughts that came…but nothing was sinking in.

After praying and spending time with the Lord to figure out what was holding me back, I put my reading plan aside and pulled out a couple of versions of the Bible and some art supplies. Now, just so you know, I am not an artist, but I wanted to step out of my comfort zone and try something new. I chose to read the same verse until I felt it was time to move to the next one, to see what God wanted to teach me.

The first day I opened my Bible and read:

John 15:22-26 FNV
The Fruit of Walking with the Spirit
On the other hand, if we follow the guidance of the Spirit, our lives will bear good spiritual fruit. The Spirit will grow in us the fruits of love and joy, peace and patience, kindness and goodness, faithful hearts,  gentle ways, and self-control. Our tribal law has nothing to say against those who walk in these ways.  For the ones who belong to Creator Sets Free (Jesus) the Chosen One have nailed their week and broken humanity to his cross. This puts to death all their wrong desires and broken ways.  Since our life comes from the Spirit, let us dance in step with the Spirit and follow the Spirit’s guidance. In this way we will not become big-headed trouble-makers who are jealous of each other.

As I read, I started journaling and drawing about the things that jumped off the page. I prayed for God to guide me in living so that these fruits would grow in me, and for me to understand each one better. I stayed in this verse for several days, and then another verse joined it.

John 15:5 and 8 NLV
"Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit…… When you produce much fruit, you are my true disciples. This brings great glory to my father.

Over the next few days, the phrase “abide in” kept coming to my mind. I was being reminded to live in, continue in, and remain in Christ. Personally, to do this, I need to spend time in the Bible and let it become a part of me instead of something to check off a list.

My encouragement, especially if you are feeling stuck like I was, is to find a way that works for you to study the Bible and spend quality time with the Lord each day…whatever that looks like for you. I pray we all bear much fruit and can pass it on to others by showing them the love of the Lord.

 

Stephanie Rautio 
Office Administrator | Hope City Church