Alyssa Bethke

“We can live free, joy-filled lives when we live surrendered. When we embrace our realities and enter into his rest. God is a God of order and peace, and he has ordained peace for us. He wants us to live lives that are full of love, joy, and peace. But in order to do so, we must surrender and live for the audience of One. We must learn to be comfortable in our weaknesses, to let his power be on display in our lives. Recently a friend shared how hard this season has been for her, and through tears she admitted, “Sometimes I get so frustrated at the Proverbs 31 woman. She seems to be perfect and able to do it all. I can’t do it all. I can’t live up to that standard. And then when you look on Instagram, it seems like everyone is able to do it all.” And then my other friend, Carly, spoke this truth that will stick with me forever: “Yes, but she didn’t do it all at once. Her life was in seasons. Those verses were about different seasons in her life. She grew, learned, did different things at different times. We can’t do it all and aren’t being asked to. We just need to step into the season God has for us and fully embrace it, frailties and all.” Life is lived in seasons. God does not ask us to do it all. What he asks of us in this current season is to abide in him, to pray, and to find our all in him. He will do the good work through us. He will show his power and might. Our job is to be willing, obedient, and honest. When we let go of the pressures and expectations, embrace our weaknesses, and let his love satisfy us, we can live free and happy lives. No, we can’t do it all, and we aren’t asked to. Yes, we will fail and let others down, but those are moments to humble ourselves and be reminded of his grace. My friend, we can step into our day, into our season, into whatever God is calling us to do—whether it’s adding or subtracting responsibilities—and walk out in faith, because he is God and we are simply called to live faithfully. In our weaknesses, sometimes crawling on our knees, all the while looking to him. He is delighted in our hearts when we trust through surrender and obey through love. We are enough. You are enough.”
― Alyssa Bethke, Satisfied: Finding Hope, Joy, and Contentment Right Where You Are

“As believers, we are called to live with open hands, surrendered hearts, and to obey. Freedom comes when we lay it all down at God’s feet and ask him to guide our steps. When I feel I am not enough, instead of letting those thoughts bury me in self-pity and fear, I can see them as road signs telling me that I need to dig into my thoughts and see where I’m not trusting the Lord, where I’m trying to control and be enough for everyone. I then can turn it over to the Lord again, and ask him to satisfy me with his steadfast love and to rest in his good care of me. I can rejoice in this day, because he goes before me, is with me, and holds it all together.”
― Alyssa Bethke, Satisfied: Finding Hope, Joy, and Contentment Right Where You Are