Caffeinated Crunchy Christian Moms

Read: Romans 7-8

Before diving in, a quick bit of history: the book of Romans is found in the New Testament and was written by the apostle Paul. It is a letter written to believers, explaining the gospel clearly. Some main points are that we are sinners, we need Christ Jesus, and we have freedom and life in and through God.

Paul shares that he struggles with living a Christian life. He wrestles with sin, his actions, his thoughts, etcetera, while still falling short. He asks (and answers) an honest question:

“Who will rescue me from this body that is subject to death? Thanks be to God, who delivers me through Jesus Christ our Lord!” – Romans 7:24–25

“…the Spirit gives life because of righteousness.” – Romans 8:10

Romans 8 shifts the focus to hope and glory. It reminds us that life in Christ IS different and should be and feel different. Those who live according to the Spirit are no longer ruled by the flesh.

“Those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace.” – Romans 8:5–6

“For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God.” – Romans 8:14

Romans 8 shows us that the Holy Spirit knows what we need even before we pray it. The Spirit intercedes for us according to the will of God (Romans 8:27). If it is meant to be, God will make a way. He works all things together for those who love Him and trust Him, even when we cannot see it yet and may never see it.

“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 

I know this personally, because I have tried many times to write my own story. I consider myself a go-getter. I have always had dreams, and I have gone after them. One big example is auditioning for the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders. Yes, I auditioned. Yes, I was one of Kitty Carter’s favorites in prep classes, an honor. Yes, I was on CMT. Yes, I packed up my tiny car (with my parents’ help) and drove myself to Texas from Ohio (alone -I wanted to) to chase a dream I had trained for and worked toward.

“Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.” – Proverbs 19:21

I tried to build an entirely new life in Texas while preparing and hoping for that opportunity. Unfortunately, my dream didn’t come to fruition. Not only that, but I tore my hamstring during a jump split. I was devastated. I had to stop dancing, tumbling, and working out while I healed and tried to figure out what came next.

But that was the problem, it wasn’t about my next step.

“The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps.” – Proverbs 16:9

I stayed in Texas that entire summer. I started attending a local church and young adult Bible study, healing from my injury, exploring Texas on my own, and enjoying the HOT summer Texas weather. I was looking at new apartments, had a job I could’ve kept, and had been accepted to transfer to a few different universities. Shortly before the fall semester of my junior year of college, I decided to move back to Ohio. But I didn’t want things to be the same. I had changed. I needed change. I craved it. My mom and my family supported me through those decisions; something my mother still does to this day. Thanks Mom!

I moved back to Ohio, attended two universities (yes, that’s allowed), lived alone for the first time in an apartment within walking distance of my best friend, and joined Christian groups like CRU. Was it perfect? Absolutely not. I made mistakes. I sinned. I stumbled in my walk with the Lord. But I was also healing. Not just physically from an injury, but emotionally from setting aside a dream I had held onto for so long. Also mentally, from trying, again and again, to control my life instead of letting God lead it. I have lived in multiple states and countries, and yet I found the love of my life in Ohio. Funny how that works. God had a plan all along, and I am still doing my best to follow it.

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.” – Proverbs 3:5-6

When we pray for certain things, God answers those prayers; but often in ways we don’t expect. I recently saw a heartbreaking TikTok from a teenage girl who lost the love of her life in an accident. She shared how she still has faith in God. She said she always prayed for happiness, and that maybe God took away the thing that made her happiest so she would learn to find happiness in Him and appreciate the small joys He gives. Whether that is true, we don’t know. That young man might’ve lost his life because of a decision that he made or because of the sinful ways of this world; I didn’t look into it. But it reminded me of Job; how faith is sometimes tested, not to destroy us, but to draw us closer to God.

“…our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.” – Romans 8:18

My mom always tells me not to pray for patience, because God will give you opportunities to practice it. Like my three-year-old toddler. God … I didn’t pray for patience by the way! Cough, cough. Haha!

God hears us and He answers our prayers. He sends the Holy Spirit to guide us. He also knows our hearts and our needs before we even ask, which is a good thing, because my prayers can be very squirrely. I ramble, lose my train of thought, apologize mid-prayer, get back on track, and then do it all over again. God is probably like, “Hey … umm, you were talking to Me. Go on now.” Yet He listens. Good thing my God has a sense of humor and an endless amount of love!

I have always told my little sister, my best friend, that what is meant for her will happen. She just has to wait. Sis, if you’re reading this, you know. I also want to take this opportunity to say that I was right, haha!

Pray for God’s will to be done.
Pray for understanding.
Pray for peace.

God will take it from there.

Don’t forget to thank Him.

Discussion Questions

1. What does Abraham’s story teach us about waiting on God’s timing?
2. How does obedience look when the outcome is unclear or uncomfortable?

A Note from the Author