Lysa TerKeurst - Embraced: 100 Devotions to Know God Is Holding You Close

2018 Lysa TerKeurst

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To anyone who has ever tried to give love without being embraced in return, I understand. But thats exactly why we must know the One who will always fully embrace us and never hold back. My greatest prayer is that as you read these pages youll know even more deeply that you are loved, cherished, and so intimately cared for by your Heavenly Father.

Hi friend,

What an honor it is to meet with you through the typed-out encouragement found in these pages. I want to be that friend who comes alongside you no matter what situation you may find yourself in. I pray you feel the loving embrace of Jesus become more and more real with the turn of every page.

I know its not always easy for Gods voice to rise above all the chaotic noise competing for your hearts attention. The fears. The worries. The hurts and betrayals. The struggle youve begged God to take away thats screaming at you right this very minute. The seemingly easy and perfect lives others post about that pierce your heart with fresh reminders of your hard realities. Your doubts when you have to make a decision that makes almost every path seem increasingly unstable while the Lord seems shockingly quiet. Your secret sorrows that you havent dared whisper to anyone else about.

Your imperfections feel like neon signs welcoming others judgments and opinions. Maybe they are real rejections or just simply perceived ones. Either way, every insecure thought is laced with toxic comparison, disappointment, and discouragement.

I know each of these scenarios well because I face them too. And I have to confess that none of this is easy. But the Lord has been so faithful to draw me closer through it all. I think we underestimate how much courage it takes to actually release our desire to fix everything and make the choice to fix our eyes on Jesus.

Thats what these devotions are about. Theyre a glimpse into my own personal journey as Ive set out to live the embraced life. One where I not only receive His embrace, but I return His embrace. Embracing His grace, His wisdom, and His rest. Embracing His love, His Word, and His plans. Even embracing the parts of His plan that I find horribly difficult in the moment but completely necessary in the end. Parts that ask me to sacrifice and lay down my own desires and fleshly responses.

Youll quickly realize that I dont do any of this perfectly. But Im making imperfect progress toward living embraced and embracing at the same time. And something tells me this is how you want to live as well.

If thats true for you, youre in the right place. Rest assured, Ill have tissues and a whispered Me too for the hard moments. But you can also count on me for a laugh, slight eye roll, and a have mercy for the other everyday moments well face.

So if youre ready to start this journey, lets link arms. Fix our gaze on the only One who can direct our steps. And turn the page together.

Sweet Blessings,