A Different Way To Raise Your Hands
Developing into a friendship with Jesus and others
Every relationship begins with a man and a woman learning to communicate, set boundaries, and grow together—not through control, but through love. A healthy relationship is not about losing oneself to please another, but about building a foundation of mutual respect, understanding, and faith.
It is impossible to be a long-term people-pleaser and still have inner peace, but it is possible to seek God first and find true joy together in Him. When both hearts are anchored in the same Lord, love flourishes—not out of fear, but out of trust, grace, and the beauty of His divine plan.
Every relationship begins with two hearts—a man and a woman—learning to communicate and set boundaries rooted in love, not control. Genuine connection blossoms when we seek to understand and uplift one another. You can’t please everyone and still find inner peace, but by pleasing God first, both hearts discover true joy and unity in His love.
Every relationship thrives on layered communication—not just in our words, but through patience, kindness, and heartfelt compassion. This is only the tip of the iceberg. As we give time to nurture our connection, our communication deepens. Too often, we rush these stages and miss the true foundation: knowing God, knowing each other, and knowing ourselves in Christ. When we love God, we extend His covering to others, sharing the care and protection that He bestows upon us.
A Heartfelt Journey of Faith and Enduring Hope
When life’s storms rage, it’s natural to feel overwhelmed. Yet, instead of throwing our hands up in despair, we can choose to lift them in surrender and hope—asking God to reveal His purpose even in our darkest moments. John 17:3 reminds us that knowing God and Jesus Christ is the pathway to eternal life, a gift of immeasurable love.
When storms arise, do we throw our hands up in despair, or do we lift them to God, asking what He wants us to see? John 17:3 reminds us that knowing God and Jesus Christ is the essence of eternal life.
Embracing Life’s Refiner
Every trial we face is like a gentle fire refining our spirit, just as gold is purified in the furnace. In these moments of vulnerability, we learn to trust that God’s plan is greater than our fears. It’s not about avoiding the storm but finding the courage to walk through it, hand-in-hand with our Savior, who transforms our pain into purpose.
Embracing the Process, discover transformation through grace.
We long to jump from struggle to safety, but Jesus calls us to walk through the storm with Him, not around it. True peace is found not in avoiding trials, but in trusting His presence.
Loving with Boundaries
In our relationships, setting boundaries can feel like walking a tightrope. Yet when we align our lives with God’s wisdom, we discover that these boundaries are not barriers but acts of love—protecting what is precious while inviting genuine connection. Jesus teaches us that true friendship is rooted in love, respect, and the courage to stand firm, even when the world doesn’t understand.
Balance & Boundaries
Finding balance—between grace and discipline, between being approachable and standing firm—is only possible when we align with God’s wisdom. Jesus teaches us to set boundaries not to withhold love, but to protect what matters most.
People may not always understand, but standing firm in God’s truth shows them His love. Growth takes time, and we are called to trust Him even when others are still finding their way.
Courage Through the Storm
There are moments when it feels easier to give up, to let go and surrender to despair. But it is in these very moments that God’s presence becomes our anchor. His guidance whispers to our hearts, reminding us that every trial is an opportunity for growth, every hardship a steppingstone towards His everlasting peace.
Courage Through Trials
Faith is tested when everything seems to go wrong. Yet, it’s in these moments that God’s provision reshapes us. He is never late—His answer always comes just in time.
Knowing He has been faithful before gives us confidence to trust Him again. When our hearts focus on His goodness, we find strength, gratitude, and peace in every circumstance.
Walking with Jesus in Every Step
Jesus calls us His friends, inviting us to share in His love, obedience, and servanthood. Like Mary, whose sorrow turned to joy when she recognized Him, we too can find comfort in His embrace. When we lift our hands in praise instead of defeat, we declare that His love is enough, that His light will always guide us home.
Walking in Friendship with Jesus
Jesus calls us friends (John 15:15), marked by:
- Love – As He loved us (John 15:12-13)
- Obedience – To His teaching (John 15:14)
- Servanthood – Humility and grace (Mark 10:45)
Mary wept in sorrow until she recognized Jesus—reminding us that He brings purpose and peace even in grief.
A Final Embrace of Hope
Each new day is a gentle reminder that God’s compassion renews us. Let us choose to trust Him, to rest in His promises, and to celebrate the beauty of His love. In every heartbeat, in every tear, and in every smile, may we see the reflection of His grace.
Lift your hands—not in surrender to fear, but in joyful praise for the gift of His love.
The Power of Surrender
There are two ways to raise our hands:
- In defeat, giving up; and
- In faith, surrendering to God.
True wisdom comes from above—bringing clarity, strength, and peace. Don’t let trials convince you that you are not enough. In Christ, you are loved, chosen, and equipped.
Final Thought
God’s love is unshakable; His guidance unfailing. Every morning is a new opportunity to trust Him, give thanks, and to walk in His truth. His compassion never fails—so let us lift our hands, not in surrender to fear, but in praise for His love.
Too often, in our haste, we miss the chance to cultivate these deeper bonds. Yet, when we slow down and allow God’s love to guide us, our interactions become richer and more meaningful. It’s a gentle reminder that every stage of our journey is valuable, and that genuine intimacy unfolds gradually as we lean on His grace.
I’d love to hear how these insights resonate with you and how you’ve experienced this process in your own relationships.
Love in Christ,
Karen Rowe
Hope in Today Ministries, Inc.