For so long, I’ve said I believed in Jesus. I wore my cross necklace. I read my devotionals. I attended Bible studies. I even quoted Scripture but if I’m being honest, I was doing it all from a fleshly place, with a carnal mind. I didn’t truly understand the detriment of sin. I was living life how I wanted, saying what I wanted, doing what I wanted, and convincing myself that a quick “I’m covered by the blood” would erase everything.
The truth? I was living like a child of hell while claiming to be a child of God. 😔
Then came the storm, the valley that stripped me down to nothing but dependence. 😥 And right in that valley, God used my friend to keep sending me links about Jesus. Not the watered-down, lukewarm kind of “Jesus talk.” But the pick up your cross and die daily kind of truth. The kind that pierces your soul and demands surrender.
One night, I finally listened to a sermon, and the pastor said something that hit me deep: “Read for yourself.” So I did.
He was preaching through the book of Matthew, so I started there and I’ll never forget when I landed on Matthew 15:8:
“These people honor Me with their lips, but their hearts are far from Me.”
I remember looking up from my Bible, eyes wide and heart trembling, saying out loud, “April… you got this all wrong.”
That was the beginning of my awakening.
Now, when I study the Word, I don’t just read it, I live it. I breathe it. I become it. His Word feels like love letters written directly to my heart. Every verse reminds me that Jesus isn’t just my Savior. He’s my Lord. He’s my King. And I revere Him deeply. Who is like Him! 😩
His correction doesn’t crush me anymore; it comforts me. His refining doesn’t destroy me; it develops me. I am in awe of His patience, His mercy, and His power to transform what once was dead into something fully alive.
“For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of darkness…” • Ephesians 6:12
“Take every thought captive to make it obedient to Christ.” • 2 Corinthians 10:5
“Be not conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” • Romans 12:2
“Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” • John 8:31–32
And it’s true who the Son sets free is free indeed.
(Come on now! Praise break!! 😂🤭)
I’m no longer walking in fear of people’s opinions. No longer compromising truth to keep peace. I’m not that woman anymore. I’m bold, unashamed, and deeply anchored in Jesus Christ because I’ve seen what it’s like to live for the world, and I never want to go back. Eva!
This is real freedom. This is the kind of boldness only the Holy Spirit can build. This is life in Christ.
I am forever grateful.
God I thank You. 🥹
So yeah, I just wanted to be transparent and bold this morning. What time is it for you right now?
I am truly in awe about the how the Lord is working in me. It’s not always easy. But it is truly glorifying. And I am so proud of the woman I am becoming.
💭 Reflection:
- Have I been believing in Jesus with my lips while my heart is still far from Him? What areas of my life reveal more of my will than His?
2. When was the moment I realized that true freedom in Christ meant surrender, not comfort? How did that revelation shift the way I live and love daily?
🥀🌹
P.S. Let’s stay connected!
IG: From_Grit_To_Grace 💕🌿
Pinterest: AprilDanielle 📌
Amazon: April Danielle Journals 📖🖊️
God Bless. ✝️ Talk soon. 💋