For My Good...

This is my one year anniversary of Until Nothing's Left. I have thought about all the post that I have posted and all the experiences that I have experienced. I thought about how it felt, the pure excitement, when I initially knew God wanted me to create a blog with him being at the center. I thought about the months I contemplated taking it down. I remembered how many times I would go back and forth checking my stats only to be reminded that stats didn't matter because my motives were for Jesus and not for a stage or popularity. I have pondered on A LOT in this last year. I have wondered what touched you all and what didn't matter at all. The grand conclusion I came to in the end was that every single jot and tittle, all the misspelled words, the tears that fell while typing, the experiences, the comments, the lack of comments, EVERYTHING has been "FOR MY GOOD".

I recently experienced a bit of discouragement in regards to the "heart" I put in "Until Nothing's Left". An accusation of some sort. It completely threw me off. The thing that I prayed for the most- that my blog wouldn't be used against me- well it HAPPENED.

I talk about my struggles and triumphs on here. I use this as an outlet which causes me to be vulnerable but my vulnerability stopped mattering because God was getting the glory and that was MOST important. And just as I got comfortable in revealing some very intimate parts of me to you all I was put back to a place where I wanted to keep everything shut up inside. All the words I had ever typed, I suddenly wanted to take back. To have your struggles thrown back up in your face is NEVER fun and I had to sit back and think about why someone would allow the words I had once typed to encourage myself and others as a means to hurt me. And through many tears and thoughts and HURT I know it was "FOR MY GOOD".

You might say "How Brittany?" Seriously!

Initially, I had the same thoughts. I asked God what all of it meant. Why it needed to happen like it happened.

God showed me that had become extremely complacent. I didn't have my fire that I once possessed. And although I knew this, I chalked it up to NOTHING "important" happening in my life. But in all truth a lot of important things were happening just nothing I felt worthy enough to reveal to the public. I looked at things as regular. I looked at them as mundane. HOW DARE I? It's funny because just today I was reminded in church that ALL things are a blessing and how silly of me to not BLESS THE LORD for every single thing. Big or small. If this blog is for God's glory then it doesn't matter how big something is to me.

I have been entrusted with the job to encourage you all through the big and the small. So the importance that it has to me really doesn't matter cause this ain't about me!


How dare I look at this beautiful life I have been given as mundane. Nothing about the OVERFLOW of blessings I have is mundane.

I began to recognize that, no, I don't have any BIG things going on at the moment but sometimes less is more. No, I am not saying that I possess any less but what I am saying is in the moments when things are quiet or boring the blessing is brewing. I am not saying walk through your quiet seasons always expecting BIG things on the other side. What I am saying is make the best of your quiet season because contentment during those times produce blessings you could never imagine.

That might be easier said than done BUT trust me. Don't allow what you think is "lack" to discourage you, make the best of it. Live through it with contentment and thankfulness.

I don't know what the devil was trying to do when he used that individual to discourage me, but what he meant for bad... God definitely meant "FOR MY GOOD".

I didn't see it in the beginning. I wanted to be done. I was over it but I was quickly reminded of James 1:2-- Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of VARIOUS kinds-- I emphasize various because test and trials don't always come from death, heartache, breakups, unmet expectations. Sometimes they come in the form of a snide comment or lack of support.

God has a FUNNY way of working because through this trial he has shown me how perfect he is even through imperfect people. Not to belittle anyone or anything like that, but he had to remind me to STOP depending on people to validate me and my efforts. Isaiah 2:22 says, Put no more trust in man, who has only the breath in his nostrils. What is he really worth?-- And although life is about relationships and loving and learning to trust, God simply revealed to me love those who love you and trust those who show themselves trustworthy. Everyone won't appreciate your efforts but some people will... and they matter the most.

I have learned a lot in this last year. I am still learning but if nothing else I have learned that EVERYTHING has been "FOR MY GOOD".

Today, on this one year anniversary, after 12+ post have been posted, after many emotions have been spilled. One year of showing you guys so much of me, exposing you all to my most vulnerable state. You all have been able to laugh and cry with me. In the words of Ashley Simpson you all were given the true pieces of me. I am grateful for this experience of birthing something that although is about me has NOTHING TO DO WITH ME.

I want to encourage you today to remember that God doesn't make mistakes in anyway shape or form. Those words of hurt I received were FOR MY GOOD.... and the hand you are currently being dealt is FOR YOUR GOOD. God is getting the glory and your blessing is simply on the other side.

I didn't see my blessing from the beginning but now I see how God makes beauty from ashes.

Expect much to come from me in this next year. Thank you so much for your support thus far!

Here are a few scriptures that get me through. I pray they help you too!

John 16:33 “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
2Timothy 1:7 For God has not given us a spirit of fearfulness, but one of power , love, and sound judgment.
Psalm 16:8 I keep my eyes always on the Lord. With Him at my right hand, I will not be shaken.
1 Peter 5:7 Cast all your anxieties on Him because he cares for you.
Isaiah 26:3 You will keep the mind that is dependent on you in perfect peace, for it is trusting in you.
Psalms 23:6 SURELY goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
Philippians 4:6-7 do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
2 Corinthians 4: 7-10- But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us. We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our bodies.
*last 2 are my favs*

Love,
Brittany