Today I am introducing a new series I plan to post weekly on the blog that my heart is extremely passionate about. For years I’ve read devotionals, shared them on my social, texted screenshots to friends and bookmarked them for myself, as they’re always so encouraging. I have been writing a sort of collection of devotions over the last year, saving verses and collecting stories/experiences I pray I can share one day (in a published, legit type of way *gasp*). Until then, I wanted to have something weekly you can find encouragement in, save to your phone (these make for great screensavers) or pass along to a friend you think needs to hear the message also. My hope is that they’d offer you some peace in your day to exhale and for the words to wrap you in a blanket of grace and love. Would you join me in sharing these if your heart feels called to? If you do, I’d love if you’d tag me on social so I can see and say hello! Connecting with you is what drives my purpose, the content I create and really fills up my soul. Let’s begin today’s devotion…

“For I know the plans I have for you” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11 NIV

As you step in to a new year, I hope you know this verse still remains true. No matter what you’ve done or been through, I believe God has a good plan for your life. I believe this, because I too have felt shame, guilt, loss, unworthy, pain and doubted my future throughout my life. Yet, He has continued to provide the truth and evidence of His grace (even during the worst of my anxiety/doubtful moments). This verse has always brought me peace. This week, my hope is that you walk in the power that you are held by a God who declares these plans over your life. You are still in His hands, and no mistake, no unfortunate circumstance, no pain you endure could ever keep you from Him. He is with you and for you, even when you doubt. Even when life feels hard and you’re in a valley where you can’t quite see how you’ll ever make it back to the top of the mountain. Nearing the end of last year, after a really heartbreaking situation, I confided in a mentor of mine expressing quite vulnerably how nervous I was for the road ahead. I had been through something awful and I feared the future. I felt moments where I was just lost, surrendering full control and it scared me. She quickly, softly and gracefully reminded me – He is my road. Jesus is the road friends and He knows the plan and knows the way, because He is the way. Rest in this truth and feel confident about your future. Hope is on the horizon and a breakthrough is coming in 2020. You are loved.

Peace and Grace,

Stephanie