What if you don't have to become someone else to fulfill God's purpose for your life?In this episode of At Forests Edge, I'm sharing my message from Go Forth & Set the World on Fire, a women's event that reminded me how God can use our stories, our gifts, and even the most ordinary moments to bring hope to others.As Christian women, it's easy to become so focused on the roles we fill, the work we do, and the expectations we carry that we forget who we are in Christ. But our identity isn't found in being a mother, wife, artist, author, ministry leader, or anything else we accomplish. First and foremost, we are daughters of God, created in Christ Jesus for good works He prepared for us.In this heartfelt message, I share how God brought me through painful seasons, taught me to see people who might otherwise go unnoticed, and transformed my love of painting into a way to carry hope. From the paintbrush in my hand to the people God places in my path, I'm learning that faithfulness isn't about having a perfect plan, a big platform, or all the answers. It's about walking with God and being willing to say yes.In this episode, we'll explore:- Finding your identity in Christ instead of your roles or accomplishments- Discovering your God-given purpose and calling- Overcoming fear, insecurity, and the feeling that you're not qualified- Recognizing the gifts God has already placed in your hands- Using your testimony and life experiences to encourage others- Seeing the people around you and responding with compassion- Sharing hope through ordinary acts of faithfulness- Trusting God when you can't see the bigger pictureIf you've ever wondered whether your life matters, whether you're qualified to serve God, or whether the small things you do make a difference, I hope this message encourages you.You don't need someone else's calling or platform. You don't have to know where every step will lead. Walk with God. Remember whose you are. Pay attention to the people He puts in your path.Use what He has placed in your hands. Carry hope. Strike the match. Let it catch. Let it spread.🌿 Explore more from At Forests EdgeFree Bible resources, books, artwork, and more:https://www.atforestsedge.com/keep-growing/Thank you for listening to At Forests Edge, a Christian women's podcast exploring faith, Scripture, spiritual growth, and the wonder of walking with God.#ChristianWomen #IdentityInChrist #GodGivenPurpose

What if self-control was never about trying harder?

In this episode of At Forest’s Edge, Raeanna Tilly explores the final fruit of the Spirit: self-control. But biblical self-control may look very different from the white-knuckled willpower we often imagine. What if it isn't about suppressing your emotions, silencing your desires, or simply trying harder to be “good”?

Through Scripture, the meaning of the Greek word egkrateia, the imagery of the iris, and a surprising thread from the story of Odysseus and the Sirens, we’ll look at what it means to develop inner strength, spiritual discipline, and a sound mind through the Holy Spirit.

For the Christian woman who struggles with fear, anxiety, intrusive thoughts, temptation, unhealthy cycles, or simply wonders why she keeps doing what she knows she shouldn't, this conversation offers a different way to understand self-control and the fruit of the Spirit.You don't have to extinguish the fire inside you. You may simply need to learn how to guard it.

🌿 At Forest’s Edge is a Christian women's podcast about faith, Scripture, art, mythology, folklore, and the deeper places where God meets us.

Come sit at the edge of the forest and walk with us. More Artwork, Books, Podcasts and free resources available atforestsedge.com

Topics: self-control, fruit of the Spirit, Christian women's podcast, Christian woman, biblical self-control, spiritual growth, spiritual discipline, Holy Spirit, overcoming fear, anxiety and faith, taking thoughts captive, Christian encouragement, Christian living, emotional self-control, inner strength, trusting God, biblical womanhood, faith and fear.

What if the voice that keeps you striving, criticizing, and keeping a record of every failure isn't the voice of God?What if being hard on yourself isn't discipline?In this episode of At Forests Edge, we enter the quiet work of gentleness the 8th fruit of the Spirit, and one of the most misunderstood.The Greek word prautēs does not describe weakness, passivity, or simply being “nice.” It carries the picture of strength under control, power held in love rather than driven by fear. And that changes the way we think about how we treat ourselves.For the woman who gives everyone else grace but cannot seem to extend it to herself, this conversation is an invitation to consider a different way.We explore:• Why self-criticism can disguise itself as discipline• The biblical meaning of gentleness, meekness, and humility• The Greek word prautēs and the image of a trained war horse• Hebrew anavah and the freedom of releasing the need to prove yourself• Jesus' invitation: “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden”• Why God gently leads those who are carrying something• The story of Psyche and what her impossible tasks can teach us about striving, help, and the soul• Body image, perfectionism, self-worth, and learning to treat your body with gratitude rather than contempt• What it means to walk in step with the Holy Spirit instead of driving yourself into the ground• And the beautiful truth that you do not have to destroy yourself to become who God made you to beIf you've spent years being generous with everyone except yourself, this episode is for you.You are not the exception to grace.You are not required to drive yourself.You are invited to grow.And perhaps the gentlest thing you can learn is this:God is not standing over you with a measuring stick. He is singing over you.📖 Scriptures explored: Galatians 5:22–23, Matthew 11:28–30, Isaiah 40:11, and Zephaniah 3:17.🌼 Flowers of the Spirit: The Gentleness Daisy a fine art giclée print inspired by the fruit of gentleness is available at atforestsedge.com