Testimony Tuesday #11

Welcome back to Testimony Tuesday! Today's post is written by my sister-in-law @briwillingham. Brianna is a wife and a stay-at-home mom to two girls. Brianna also has her own side business, which you can check out at @bloomingrosesdesignco.

"Thank you to my sweet sister-in-law for giving me this opportunity to give a brief testimony about the goodness of our God! I've been blessed to grow up around a Christian influence the majority of my life. Even at a very young age, I remember praying to God in my room and having faith He was real. However, I didn't understand the importance of the gospel and who Jesus was until I was around the age of 13. It was then I realized I had a very important calling upon my life. I started attending a middle school group at church with other like-minded believers that were around my age. I felt God's love press upon my heart then. I repented and gave my heart to Christ fully and unequivocally. I was baptized that year, and God filled me with His spirit. I had a genuine hunger for Him. Through the years, I was very involved with serving in church, attending Bible studies, and building relationships. Along with that, I've had my fair share of hardships. But through it all, my God is still faithful! Fast forward to around the year of 2013, God spoke a word over me through my pastor. Proverbs 3:5-6 "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." He said, "you have no idea what God has in store for you!" I felt those words in my heart as if it was a matter of fact! The Lord gave me a nugget of hope during a very difficult season of discouragement. Fast forward a decade, God has surely taken me on a journey. I met my husband one year later from that word spoken over me. In the span of 8 years, we have lived in Colorado, Tennessee, Georgia, and now Alabama. Each time, we have been able to serve in ministry and be used by God for His glory! He's placed very specific people in our lives to encourage us. We've trusted Him through some very challenging seasons. God has always provided whatever the need. (Literally, I could write a book with how many things!) We now have two beautiful children. It's one of our greatest callings to build a secure foundation for them to grow up in, leaving a lasting legacy. My encouragement to you, the reader: God has a special plan and purpose for your life. Don't give up! Wait upon the Lord in worship, commitment, and prayer. Find the right people in your life to be around (they will encourage your purpose and calling). In your seasons of doubt and struggle, remember that God's power is made perfect in your weakness. There is no shame or condemnation in Jesus. I pray, if you haven't already, that you choose to give your heart to Him! His grace IS sufficient for you. He is faithful. He loves you! All glory be to Jesus!"