Work Slave

In the early stages of my career, I often worked late into the night, thinking it was normal. But after beginning my walk with Jesus, I realized this is completely against my Father’s will. I no longer serve that master. Last night, it happened again—not from my regular work, but from the company I started with a few others earlier this year. They are all wonderful, creative young people, and I love working with them. We were trying to land a big client, so we had to do some last-minute website updates. I ended up staying way too late, and it got me reflecting today.

I never want to live like a slave to work again. But I didn’t say no to this situation, which feels like a new challenge that comes with having business partners. Brady, one of my partners, recently lost his full-time job. He’s been searching for something new, and I really, really want to make this business work so that he doesn’t have to go back to full-time employment elsewhere. My hope is that our company will grow enough to pay him a full-time salary. I’ve been praying for this to happen—for him. This is all new to me, as my past work experiences have always been about me.

Our competitor is a much larger agency based in Seattle, with everything running smoothly, while we’re just getting started and barely making a profit. But I still prayed because I believe God will make a way for His children to be creative for Him—not just be slaves to society.

Morning Devo

From this morning’s devotional, I gained a new perspective on the story of Mary and Martha. At first glance, it seems like Jesus preferred Mary’s way over Martha’s, but that’s not the case. Jesus didn’t stop Martha from working—He intervened when she started comparing herself to Mary and complaining.

I can really relate to Martha’s tendency. I often find myself caught in the same patterns, but I’m learning to be more like Mary. It’s still hard for me to just sit still and be present—I struggle with the feeling of “doing nothing.” Although I enjoy my quiet time with the Lord, which I do every morning, I always have this drive to get things done. I’m so accustomed to finding satisfaction through achieving.

This devotional truly answered my prayer, as I’ve been feeling guilty about not always being able to embrace the “Mary” mindset. But I’ve come to realize that there’s nothing wrong with being a “Martha.” Work is part of serving God and honoring Him with our efforts. The problem arises when work distracts me from listening to God or leads me to compare myself to others.

As the author said, “Comparison is a thief” and I’d add that busyness is the enemy’s strategy, disguised as small distractions in our everyday moments, stealing our focus from God. Not the work itself, but how I work that matters.

Lord, thank You for bringing this devotional to me today.

God’s Child

During our devotional discussion, a new phrase entered my heart: Praise is a weapon too, just like prayer. I’ve been reflecting on these two powerful actions today, and I’m loving what they’re revealing to me. When I feel sad and drained of energy, prayer is my faithful refuge. But throughout most of the day, when I’m energetic, I used to busy myself with random things. Now, I’ve discovered a better way to connect with God through praise—and I absolutely love it.

The Holy Spirit filled my heart with this message today: Prayer and Praise are your powerful weapons to defeat the devil, who comes to steal, kill, and destroy.

Today, I immersed myself fully in praise, and by the end of the day, I could already feel the effects of God defeating my inner enemies. There were multiple moments where I felt illuminated from within, His love and wisdom flowing through my soul. I found myself quietly sitting in the kitchen, eating dinner and watching the raindrops fall. Suddenly, a line of music filled my mind: I can’t be quiet; my God is alive! In that moment, I broke down in tears.

My emotions drifted back to when I lost my dad. As a young girl, I used to imagine he was still alive somewhere—maybe just temporarily angry with Mom or me, and one day he’d return. But this time, all I felt was joy, like I had just discovered my dad is alive—and not only that, but the new version of him is even better. He’s my Heavenly Father now, and He will never leave me again. No time or space can separate us.

Though I can’t logically connect every dot of how this experience came together, I just felt an overwhelming sense of warmth and love pouring over me—from the top of my head to the soles of my feet, from deep within my soul to the very pores of my skin. I was covered in tears and left speechless.

Time to say goodbye

Another significant breakthrough I’ve experienced is the decision to say goodbye to a few dark habits: drinking, weed, and mindlessly watching TV. While I wouldn’t say I’m addicted to these things, I’ve definitely found guilty pleasure in them. However, I’ve been feeling a strong pull from God to distance myself from these earthly indulgences.

I’ve come to realize that these pleasures always cost me something. In my heart, I know this is not God’s way. His joy doesn’t come with a price, and it brings long-lasting, positive effects. I’m starting to crave more of that kind of joy—the kind that fills my soul rather than leaving me empty.

Lord, thank You for fighting for me, for destroying the darkness within me and transforming it into light. You alone are enough for me, enough to overcome every barrier I face. All I need to do is surrender to You. Thank You for renewing my heart in Christ daily, giving me a deeper desire for You and a stronger will to run toward You alone.

Amen!