Sharon JaynesConfidence in Christ, Trusting God, When You Don't Like Your Story 20 Comments

Can I Trust God?

Have you ever wondered if you could trust God with your story? With your circumstances? With your struggles? With your dreams? Let me share why I had trouble trusting God as a new Christians…

I hopped up on the counter at the soda fountain and placed my five-year-old feet on the spinning stool in front of me. Dad sipped on a Coke and talked to the lady behind the counter with the red-and-white-striped apron tied around her waist.  Read more…

Sharon JaynesLiving Fully, Relationships, Trusting God, When You Don't Like Your Story 27 Comments

God Puts to Use What He’s Put Us Through (and What We’ve Put Ourselves Through)

Chris, one of my friends, was in a seminary class when someone raised his hand and asked the professor: What is your best advice on how to be a good pastor?”

“Empathy,” the professor replied. “Have empathy.”

Then Chris raised his hand. “How do you get empathy?

With a trace of sad knowing in his eyes,  Read more…

Sharon JaynesDealing with Your Past, Identity in Christ, Trusting God, When You Don't Like Your Story 26 Comments

Moving Beyond Disappointment and Grief

Grief is a funny thing. I can’t think of many who haven’t experienced grief in some form or another. So let’s talk about it today.

Grief is a natural response to a loss. It could be the loss of a loved one, the loss of a relationship, or the loss of a dream. Grief is a complex weaving of emotions that accompany the loss of what was or sometimes the emptiness of what wasn’t.  Read more…

Sharon JaynesTrusting God, When You Don't Like Your Story 39 Comments

Sometimes Healing Takes Time

I like instant. I like brewed coffee in a minute or less. I like microwaved leftovers in 45 seconds or less. I like instant text, instant online shopping, and instant movies at the click of a button. But sometimes healing takes time.

I’m not a fan of process, but would rather have immediate results. One of my favorite words in the New Testament is “immediately.”

  • “Immediately they received their sight” (Matthew 20:34).
  •  Read more…

Sharon JaynesIdentity in Christ, Trusting God, When You Don't Like Your Story 51 Comments

Crying in the Corner

Have you ever felt:“God, help me! Make this stop! Why are you letting this happen? Why are you allowing this person to hurt me? Don’t you love me? Don’t you care about me? I know you could get me out of this situation if you wanted to. Why don’t you make it go away?” If so, keep reading.

Steven was three years old when he contracted a severe case of the flu.  Read more…