January is the time that people see “New year, new you!” slogans everywhere, and they’re usually advertising for new diet plans or workout memberships.
I actually hesitated to write a post like this because I don’t want it to come off as “cheesy” or just another “improve your life” gimmick. However, I can assure you, that I mean business. Probably more now than I ever have when it comes to this blog.
Last year, I read so many articles about the proverbial “chains” affecting teenagers. The skyrocketing of depression, anxiety, self harm, suicide, porn, drugs…you name it. And you know what?
I. am. sick. of. it.
I am so tired of watching teenagers, and people general, live defeated, unfulfilled, confused, and purposeless lives. This year I want to help whoever stumbles upon us to break the chains in their lives.
I want you read the two sets of verses below, and then I’m going to lay out the purpose of the blog for the next few months and a story of encouragement.
Verses & Purpose
Hebrews 12:1-2:
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith…”
Ephesians 4:11-15:
11 So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, 12 to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up 13 until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.
14 Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves,and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of people in their deceitful scheming. 15 Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ.”
The verses from Ephesians and Hebrews made me again remember that God has called me to be a teacher. This year, my goal is to help teach you to be equipped to shake off and cope with the sin that so “easily ensnares us” and help you “run your race” with joy!
Once you are equipped, then you won’t be “tossed back and forth” by everything that comes your way. You will be able to stand firm and be mature in your faith in Jesus Christ.
A note of encouragement
I want you to know that I’ve experienced the hopelessness of a life ensnared by chains. About seven years ago, I was in one of the lowest states of my life. I felt as if I had been in a spiritual desert for two years with no end in sight. I couldn’t feel God and no matter how much I prayed, cried, read, or listened to worship music.
Then one night, out of desperation, I grabbed my Bible again and prayed that God would show me that he was still there. I randomly thumbed through the pages and landed on this section
Isaiah 61:1-3:
The Spirit of the Lord God is upon Me,
Because the Lord has anointed Me
To preach good tidings to the poor;
He has sent Me to [a]heal the brokenhearted,
To proclaim liberty to the captives,
And the opening of the prison to those who are bound;
2 To proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord,
And the day of vengeance of our God;
To comfort all who mourn,
3 To [b]console those who mourn in Zion,
To give them beauty for ashes,
The oil of joy for mourning,
The garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness;
That they may be called trees of righteousness,
The planting of the Lord, that He may be glorified.”
At the time, I started sobbing after the first verse because God had assured me that his spirit was still on me even though I couldn’t “feel” him. It gave me hope that one day I wouldn’t be broken hearted anymore and that I would find freedom- which I did about a year later.
A few weeks ago, I read this section again. This time, I knew it was time to preach it to someone else.
So I want to tell you…
If there is something in your life ensnaring you, stealing your joy, or keeping you from experiencing the fullness of God, I ask you to join us this year. Join us as we deliver the truth of God’s word. The truth that will break your chains and bring you life.
In Closing
If you want to join us, then sign up for our newsletter. I e-mail about once or twice a month so you never miss a post.
I’m serious about seeing lives changed this year, and I hope you’ll join us on the journey.
To a new year and a new you,
-Sarah
More about our Ministry
At Transformed4More, our goal is to help those who want to grow in their relationship with God, and we do this in two main ways:
- The first is by providing resources. We have our own and ones we recommend. Click here or the graphic below to see them.
- Another way is through social media. We are most active on Instagram, but we update and connect on Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, and YouTube as well!
- We also have a newsletter we send out every few months with updates as well! You can join it by clicking here.
We only e-mail once a month! Sign-up now :).
