Through YouSample

DAY 1 - Facing Darkness, Finding Hope

Have you ever been through seasons where life kept knocking you down?

The bills kept piling up.

The arguments kept happening.

The thoughts you couldn’t shake kept coming back.

It can be easy to start questioning why you said “yes” to God when things don’t seem to be getting any better.

But when you decide to follow Jesus and serve others like He did, you’re choosing the life God intended for you all along — and He blesses your obedience.

He never promised that it would be the easy road, but He did promise that His presence and provision would be with you.

As we lay down our preferences, we start experiencing life to the fullest. When we serve others as God intended, we experience His love for us in a deeper way.

KeArah is a volunteer at Elevation Riverwalk, who learned that true life is found in Christ as you surrender your desires and pour yourself out in support of others.

She came to LOVE Week 2020 to serve with her son, Sam. KeArah was a single mom battling addiction at the time, but she wanted her son to be exposed to a Christ-centered community to learn the value of serving others. Since then, KeArah has continued serving and brings Sam to church with her each weekend. She was baptized at Elevation Riverwalk in September 2021.

KeArah shared, “Life without surrendering to God was sheer torture. I struggled with addiction, unbelief, unforgiveness, and deep despair. But God called my name. He showed me His grace and mercy and rescued me from the grave that my poor choices had led me

to. I have now released rage, hatred, and unforgiveness and surrendered to God’s will for my life. In getting connected to serving others, I have found acceptance, fellowship, and love.”

TAKE ACTION

Sign up to serve at an Outreach event in your area. Jot down some notes on your experience.

Ask yourself: What desires might I need to lay down so I can be filled up with God’s presence and provision? Who can I share God’s love with this week?