Living on Faith by Ashley Butler
Ashley Butler is a wife and mother of two boys . Throughout her journey , she has witnessed the ever-changing colors of the kaleidoscope called life . But , most importantly , she has experienced the true transforming power of Jesus Christ . Her heart ’ s desire is to apply her unique perspective and encourage others along the way , knowing that they too can benefit from the same redemptive power she knows through Christ .
In Good Times and Bad , Always Trust Him
It ’ s a new year . A brand-new year full of unmade choices . This can bring many emotions . It can bring excitement , anxiety , fear …. I really could go on , but instead I want you to sit with me for a minute and let ’ s talk it out .
Recently , while sitting on my back porch , I was overwhelmed by the Spirit and a thought started to process in my mind . I acknowledged the fact that many choices made over the past year have left me in a state of just “ wow ”. My mouth left hung open , my eyes as wide as a deer in headlights and my chest pounding . Many choices were even second guessed . The pandemic left me wondering if strolling into the local Dollar General was a good idea . We had to decide between virtual learning or face to face . We are choosing whether or not to become vaccinated for COVID . We had to decide on a leader for our amazing Country . Then , there were the little things , like how much toilet paper we should toss into the cart or which mask goes with what outfit ( we even remember to grab the mask in the first place ). It ’ s been a lot . Choices are a part of life , but it seems they are just much harder these days . Something else that has been rushing around in my head has been the choice to just trust God . Even the most devout Christians will tell you that trusting God is not the easiest of tasks . It sounds easy , but actually doing it is a much different thing .
28 LAKE WEDOWEE LIFE
I will be the very first to stand up and shout from the rooftop about the goodness of God . I can honestly tell you that I have seen his fingerprints so vividly over my life . Some of the most amazing worship times I have is when I think back on all He has done for me . I can remember how in the midst of the situation I wasn ’ t really sure what was happening : if I heard the voice of the Lord , or even if I was trusting with a whole and undoubting heart . Then , after the situation leveled out , God showed me where He was the whole time and how He moved mountains out of my way , even when I didn ’ t see it in the moment . The most exciting part is with every new situation that arises , I can look back on all He has done and I can find that hope , that trust that everything is truly going to be ok . I have the assurance that God is working all things for my good because I love Him . ( Romans 8:28 ) That is his promise to me and one that I cherish .
I think about rough times . Ones I face in present day and ones that I have already come through . One constant factor remains the same . I HAVE ALWAYS HAD A CHOICE . I can sink in my sorrow or I can walk with God by faith and not by sight . ( 2 Corinthians 5:7 ) This leads me to a very familiar story in the Bible with an enormous message . Let ’ s visit Peter for a second .
Matthew 14:22-33
Jesus sent Peter and the boys out on a boat while He went up on the mountain to pray . Things got sketchy , and by sketchy , I mean they were