Devoted by Krissy NordhoffSample

INTENTIONAL

“Be intentional,” I heard Him say as I was journaling.

I began to stare at the word “intentional” and pull it into pieces. Suddenly I saw:

inTENSIONal

“In”-meaning within, in.

“Tension”-the state of being stretched or strained.

“Al”-having the character of, related to, characterized by.

So many times, when I feel tension, I want to run. I would much rather be in “comfort” or in

“peace.” But here I was, hearing Him ask me to stay right there—in the tension. Not to

escape it, but to be “within.” To relate to it and understand the character of it. I recently

injured a muscle, and that muscle will calm down if I don’t stretch it. But I know that what it

will take for me to continue to have a full range of motion, as well as strengthen that

muscle, is to push through the pain of the stretching. It’s a process.

I think our hearts are much the same. Sometimes we avoid the things that hurt, but

addressing those things will only make us stronger. I’ve walked into a room and seen

someone who betrayed me and heard the Lord say, “Be the first to say ‘Hello.’” I really did

not feel like doing that! So, I argued with the Lord in my head for a while before caving in

and moving my feet. I still felt the pain, but I felt a little bit stronger. I’ve been in the grocery

store many times and heard the Lord say, “Pray for that person.” I always feel so stretched

when He tells me to do that! But when I have said yes, both of us have been blessed. I’ve

faced financial pressures that have brought me to my knees, where I’ve waited for the Lord’s

reply. And I waited. Finally, the breakthrough that came could have only been from Him.

I think that’s what’s most important.... He will be with us. Tension teaches us to hold on.

Maybe that’s not such a bad thing!

PRAYER

Jesus, help me to be inTENSIONal. I want to hold onto You through it all, knowing You will

restore, make me strong, firm, and steadfast.

JOURNAL

If you are able, I would encourage you to take some time with pen and paper to reflect on how this devotional relates to your life right now, and give some room for the Holy Spirit to respond.

TODAY'S SONG

Listen to a song Krissy co-wrote with this same message here:

Fires by Jordan St. Cyr