Fit For Her Journey
The FIT FOR HER JOURNEY podcast was created to inspire and uplift women on their journey to personal growth and fulfillment in faith, health, and wellness. Through real insight, wisdom and the word of God, join Allie as she shares a bit of church, a bit of life, health and wellness and a lot of the word, God’s Word! Allie deep dives into the word of God and shares with her audience empowering and heartfelt reflections while creating a safe space for women, where vulnerability, truth and growth can exist on their journey. Life comes with its own challenges and setbacks, and Allie invites her audience to draw near to God for hope, grace and restoration. Be encouraged to surrender, abide, and step into the incredible will of God that He created for you. Be her. You are her. Become FIT FOR HER JOURNEY.
Fit For Her Journey
Draw Near and Abide
When it comes to navigating the busy realities of motherhood, work, and daily life, many women find themselves grappling with the importance of rest versus the pressing demands that seem to multiply daily. Join me, Allie Gibbs, as we kick off season two of the FIT FOR HER JOURNEY podcast by exploring the profound power of setting ourselves apart for God. In this episode, Allie uses her personal experiences and biblical truths to guide listeners in discovering the deep need for rest and connect with Jesus. Helping listeners understand how consecration fortifies that connection. Allie emphasizes how setting oneself apart to focus on God can bring clarity, strength, and direction—key ingredients in a fulfilling and productive life.
By abiding and keeping our hearts aligned with Jesus, the true vine, we find the ultimate source of spiritual nourishment. This abiding, or remaining in Him, transforms the essence of how believers approach life's challenges. Like the branches depend on the vine, Christians are reminded that without Jesus, they can't truly achieve spiritual growth. The emphasis shifts from merely accomplishing tasks to nurturing an intimate relationship with Christ, who is the source of life and productivity.
Deep dive with us, and witness the transformative fruits of the Spirit —love, joy, and peace— flourish when we seek strength and guidance from Him rather than worldly achievements. This episode is a heartfelt invitation to embrace faith, trust in God's providence, and spread His love. Subscribe, share, and journey with us as we walk this path strengthened by His grace.
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You are now listening to the Fit for Her Journey podcast with Allie Gibbs. Hey, and welcome back to the Fit for Her Journey podcast, where we have a bit of church, a bit of life, health and wellness and a lot of the word God's word. I am your host, allie Gibbs. Fit for Her Journey family. What is up? If you're new here, let me first say welcome. I'm so glad you are tuning in. If you have been listening and rocking with us over here at Fit for Her Journey, welcome back, family.
Speaker 1:We are officially in season two of the Fit for Her Journey podcast. Isn't God good? Yes, he is. I am grateful to be back sharing all of what God is doing and to reach out to help my fellow sisters you on your journey as well, fellow sisters, you on your journey as well. But first I want to apologize to all of you and I have to be honest, because I realized late that I did not do a clear ending of season one on the podcast.
Speaker 1:It may have seemed that the podcast episodes just suddenly ended, but in real life, the holiday season came, my family and I joined a new church, which has been powerful in itself, and your girl just took the necessary time to be with and to pour into my family. Listen, mom life is real. So, side note, shout out to all the moms I appreciate what you do on a daily to be the mom, wife and woman God called you to be. Yes, sis, I'm talking about you. But yeah, all is well and the Lord has me here. So we're going to continue, but truthfully, my apologies, sis. So we are at the top of season two and I can't wait to see all of what God will do this year. I believe it's going to be a great year. I mean it when I say I am out here trusting God. Well, I took some much needed time off after the holidays just to sit and dwell in the presence of God.
Speaker 1:I did a consecration for this year. It actually was my first time doing it, but I did not do it for a specific ask of God, but to consecrate this year fully trusting him and his will in this year. If you've done a consecration before, you may already know this, but if you have not, it's okay. Consecration means to set apart, to sanctify or separate oneself, dedicating something to God, to make it pure in service to God. I like the text in Joshua 3, 5 because it says.
Speaker 1:Then Joshua said to the people Consecrate yourselves for tomorrow. The Lord will do wonders among you. As Joshua commanded the people of Israel to sanctify themselves during this time, he did so because he knew there will be spiritual battles and they need it to be spiritually prepared and in doing so, their minds would be open and free of common things that would distract them from giving their attention to the miracles that were about to be placed before them on their behalf by God. See, fasting, praying and worship are what we do to humble ourselves before God, to remove distractions, deny the flesh of what it wants, and to deepen our spiritual connection with God. Spiritual battles and distractions are inevitable for every believer, and even the non-believer too, sis, but if you set yourself apart for God each day and seek his face, how much more can your heart and mind be open to see his miraculous hand in your life? Think about it. So that's what I did at the beginning of the year this year.
Speaker 1:If you're a believer and have never done a period of consecration, I highly encourage you to do so, and if you have done a period of consecration before, but it's been a while and you've been holding back, this may be confirmation from God to go ahead and proceed, no matter where you may fall. There is something that God wants to do in your life, something that God wants to do in your life, and this may be the faithful and obedient act that will propel you to your next, if you learn to just trust him. But, truthfully, I am a bit rested. I definitely enjoyed this time with my family and God. I feel I have what I need to seek him and to hear him, but I also know that in moments when I don't hear him which happens I can trust keyword trust that he is still speaking on my behalf. Is anybody excited about what God is speaking over you? That's a word for somebody right there. I feel that for somebody.
Speaker 1:Okay, I want to switch gears and get into the podcast for today, but first let's pray. Heavenly Father, we thank you for this day you have given, blessing us with a new dose of grace and mercy. I pray over every listener that you may speak to her in a real way today, lord, touching the hearts and minds of your daughters. Father, I thank you for the opportunity to be a vessel, to speak what only you can say, and I pray that I decrease and you increase. Move as only you can do and have your way. We give you all honor, glory and praise. Praise in your son Jesus' name, amen, amen.
Speaker 1:Well, we all know that rest is important, right, some of us need a little reminding of its importance, while some are extra with it. And what I mean by extra with it? I mean you are not making time for anything outside of your comfort zone. Your rest means you are not sticking to your exercise routine. Your rest has you exploring more takeout food options than preparing meals at home. Your rest has no time for anything or anyone past a certain time because you have Netflix and you trying to chill. Ok, I mean, I understand life be life in, but loving our neighbor, as Jesus commanded, means we actually have to make time for other people outside of our own desires. As a personal trainer and nutrition coach, I can tell you firsthand the importance of rest Resting between sets during a workout, getting enough rest and sleep at night to allow your muscles to recover. Proper sleep to allow your food to digest and to preserve your gut health. Resting to reduce the stress of the day Mm-hmm, I know many of you are moms doing all you can to care for the needs and desires for your families. I get it, I am her and she is me too. Okay, but you too need rest, sis.
Speaker 1:We know the Lord honors rest. We see it all throughout Scripture. We see in Scripture that Jesus rested and would encourage his disciples to do the same. If you're anything like me, I sometimes have trouble resting because I often feel like there is something that needs to get done or to be done right now. And when it comes to my family, business, ministry or just serving God, I find myself doing things in relation to that than resting. But when God revealed to me in which I shared in a previous episode, he revealed that I could not work or perform my way to earn my salvation. Let me tell you, my perspective of rest shifted because it was an eye-opening exhortation that I needed to believe what God says about me and to trust God with my whole heart more, because it's not just about my good deeds but what I believe in my heart. I needed to stop carrying everything as if I don't know where my help and my strength comes from. Sis, who are we really fooling? We cannot and I repeat, we cannot do life here on earth alone. So, with.
Speaker 1:That said, I want to share a word that was dropped in my spirit. God spoke a word in me that I received from a previous passage of scripture that has been ringing in my spirit. God spoke a word in me that I received from a previous passage of scripture that has been ringing in my spirit day and night, and I knew it was from God and the move of the Holy Spirit, because it has not left my mind or my heart since I received it. So I believe the Lord wants me to share it with you today. Let's go to John 15, verses four through five.
Speaker 1:It says abide in me and I in you, as the branch cannot bear fruit by itself unless it abides in the vine, neither can you unless you abide in me. I am the vine, you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me, you can do nothing. Mm Jesus tells us up front to abide in him and he will abide in us. What does abide mean? The word abide means to remain or to stay or continue. It also means to dwell, be present or to be held or kept, just to name a few.
Speaker 1:As I looked up the word abide, I also seen that in the Hebrew language it also meant rest. Jesus says in scripture that he will give us rest if we come to him. He's letting us know firsthand that this is a continuous and daily choice that we make on our behalf to remain in personal relationship and connection with Jesus. He's talking about how we expose ourselves to him in our choices, our decisions being concerned with God's will for us and not our own will. I know God's plan is way bigger than anything I can ask or think of, so I'm going to say Father, let your will be done. I encourage you to do the same. This shows up in how we trust, how we pray, if we're obedient, even in how we experience joy. Abiding isn't forced, but it is something that we must choose for a mutual relationship with Jesus. And he continues saying as the branch cannot bear fruit by itself unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me.
Speaker 1:Now take a moment, as I did, and envision an actual grapevine. You can even look it up when you get a chance. The vine is the main structure, also known as the trunk, which is the main stem of the vine, and attached to that vine are arms, which are also known as the branches, that extend from the trunk and essentially produces fruit. The grapes In the trunk, which is the vine, is where nutrients and water flow through the roots to provide support for the branches. The vine is the source of life. Without access to the trunk, as the vine, the branches cannot produce grape clusters in growing season. It simply cannot grow without it or survive, just like those arms, also known as the branches, cannot grow or bear fruit without the trunk, which is the vine.
Speaker 1:Jesus gives this example to let us know that we cannot either, unless we abide in him, catch this, continue to remain in him. Now listen to me closely, because I can already hear some saying well, I've had my harvest season, sis. I got the degree, I wanted the job, the house, the car, the man, and I have worked hard for what I have today. I did it. I was determined, kept my head down and grinded for all that I have. But, sis, think about this In reality, what does any of that mean if you do not have Jesus? God isn't concerned with the tangible, materialistic things that we have. He searches the heart. Anyway, all of it will pass away. Jesus is telling us clearly that it is impossible for the branch to bear grapes if it is not connected to the vine. And we as Christians can't do true good for God or his kingdom if we do not make a conscious choice to connect with and abide in Jesus At some point. You have to look toward things above. And, just so that there's no confusion, jesus makes it plain by saying I am the vine, you are the branches.
Speaker 1:This particular section of the text holds meaning because in context you will see in the prophetic books of the Bible, in the Old Testament and in Psalms, with mentions of Israel being the vine or vineyard. So we see the many references that use the vine as symbolic for Israel, who was God's covenant people. But they did not fulfill their purpose and produce fruit resulting in divine judgment. And Jesus makes it clear in this I am statement, I am the true vine. And he says whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me, you can do nothing.
Speaker 1:Let's break this down when we abide in Jesus, bearing fruit is inevitable for anyone who has made a commitment to stay active through their exercise, changing their eating habits to lose weight and live healthier. Remaining consistent with your workouts and nourishing your body by eating nutrient-dense foods that put you in a caloric deficit results in weight loss is inevitable. When you choose to abide in Jesus and he in you, you will begin to live life differently. The things you are used to doing you don't want to do anymore. Your heart starts to change and you don't feel bitter about things. Instead, forgiveness resides there. You don't have to argue someone down for how or what they said to you. Instead, you give those battles to God because you know vengeance is your father's and not yours. You repent and deny yourself of sin because you no longer want to do things that hurts God, but instead you desire what he desires for you. When you abide in Jesus and he abides in you, you find your peace, joy and rest in him. If we want to live a life that bears fruit, we must stay close to him.
Speaker 1:The vine and the branches aren't just a physical metaphor. Let me help someone today Sis, the pastor is not the vine. The marriage is not the vine. The government is not the vine. Your job is not the vine. Even you and all your ability are not the true vine. I know truly, at times you feel like I got this. I am in control of my life, my future. I am manifesting everything I want in life with my vision board. Cutting people off because they made you mad and it disrupted your peace. You're relying on your own strength, understanding and your own ability to live life that best suits you and those immediately around you. But might I add, more than a conqueror, mm-hmm, you carry so much weight because you are trying to do it all on your own.
Speaker 1:Listen to me, turn to the Lord and pray. Just like the branches on the vine need a firm foundation that supports it, nourishes it and holds them up so it can receive sunlight for growth and to bear fruit, you need Jesus for growth and to bear fruit. You need Jesus and I need Jesus, the true vine, who is the only solid base in our lives, because people leave and they do and change their minds about us. He is the bread of life and living water that nourishes our spirits. He is Jehovah Jireh who provides. He's the one who holds you up with stability and security, even during the storms and challenges that life brings, to ensure that you are positioned to receive his light that will shine bright in you and through you, with growth bearing much fruit, growth bearing much fruit. Let's continue.
Speaker 1:And Jesus says for apart from me, you can do nothing. Now, of course, literally this does not mean nothing at all, because unbelievers, they carry out their daily activities, living their daily, ordinary lives, apart from Jesus. Already, okay, in fact, some are already wealthy or successful, even holding positions of power, but what it means is, apart from God, having wealth, living and doing life without Jesus is futile and meaningless. Why? Because it has no eternal value and absolutely the inability to produce spiritual fruit. We see what spiritual fruit is in Galatians. Let's take a look, and it says but the fruit of the spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. The fruit you produce will reflect this and it will flow. Some of you are trying your hardest to protect your peace, missing out on genuine joy, treating people how they treat you, even wondering why you keep facing the same battles.
Speaker 1:Sis, if you are anything like me, there was a time where I did not know any better. I thought I knew God, but I was still trying to live life for myself. I couldn't be further away from him. I used to say I need to get my life together before I come to God. I need to have more fun before I give my life to Jesus. Have more fun before I give my life to Jesus.
Speaker 1:I was busy living life on my own terms, trying to be happy, but deep down I wasn't. I mean, there was a little happiness that would occur, but I felt a void, as though something was missing, thinking should I go to counseling, should I not? Is something wrong with me? Why did that person betray me? Who can I trust? Why do I have this emptiness in my heart, this bitterness in my heart, this void in my heart? But something happened. I started to get a desire and inclination to find a church to hear the word of God, and where I lived, I didn't know where to start looking. So what did I do? I looked up a well-known pastor and started listening to his sermons. My desire grew and I started tuning into his church services on Sundays. My hope grew and from that I gave my life to Christ. My family and I found a home church, and when I say Jesus has my whole heart today I never want to go back and do life without him.
Speaker 1:From my experience I learned two things. That is mentioned in John 6. First, in John 6, jesus says no one can come to me unless of God, who drew me to him. He placed that desire in my heart, drew me to him. He placed that desire in my heart. He placed that desire for me to search that well known pastor, to go to church and to hear his word. He knew I would not know what I was doing if I just picked up the Bible on my own to read it. That may work for some people, but for me I tried it. It didn't work. But God's sovereignty and his providential hand was working behind the scenes the whole time and he kept me to see me through to where I am today. Yes, and he will do the same for you. And number two just a few verses before that, jesus says two. Just a few verses before that, jesus says all that the Father gives me will come to me and whoever comes to me I will never cast out.
Speaker 1:Listen, I am in awe of the love Jesus has for us. Listen closely. Jesus promises to meet you and I, right where we are. He promises to receive every last one of us who comes to him by God and to trust him for salvation. I know there is someone listening who has said maybe I'm not chosen by God or the things I've done? No way Jesus will reject me. Hear my heart, sis, when I tell you that there is nothing you can do that will keep you from the love of God. He wants to be in relationship and connection with you yes, you and lean in on the truth from John 6. That is true for you and I know for sure to be true for me.
Speaker 1:And that is once you come to Jesus, you will begin to understand that feeling you feel on the inside that is telling you something was missing, and that desire to come and believe in something that is bigger than you. You will begin to realize the invisible work of God who, all along, was drawing you to Christ. I don't know all the mysteries of how God operates, but I do know that I am loved, I am chosen, and that he cares deeply for me and wants to have a mutual relationship with me. And he wants you to know. The same applies to you. Jesus promises to never cast out anyone who comes to him and trust him.
Speaker 1:You're not doing the most by trusting Jesus and receiving salvation. Just like at the top of every year, you can create the vision board, set the goals, make a budget, make a plan. But what does it all mean if you miss Jesus, if you don't align yourself with God? It's time, and we don't have time to waste either. So today I want to leave you with this and encourage you, as you step into this new year, to take the real step to abide in Jesus, so he will abide in you.
Speaker 1:Heavenly Father, I thank you for this opportunity to be used by you. I pray for every one of your daughters and my sisters who are listening right now. I pray that you have touched her heart and mine in a real way today, that you draw her near to your son Jesus and to abide in him. May you affirm within her that there is nothing that can keep her from your love or the love of Jesus Move mightily within her to change her mind about you. That she lays down all of her efforts to carry her heavy burdens on her own, but instead she gives it to you, lord, that she may take up your yoke and learn from you, for you are gentle and in heart and your yoke is easy and your burden is light.
Speaker 1:May she and all who listen seek forgiveness of their sins, accept salvation and trust you for rest, for you surround your people, god, from this time and forevermore. And I ask all these things in the mighty name of Jesus. Amen and amen, sis, that is it. That is all I pray. This podcast blesses you and if it has in any way, please subscribe and follow so you will be notified of all that is to come and so that you can be a part of spreading the word and the work that God is doing. And if you would like to leave a review, you can do so on the platform in which you are tuning in from, but, most of all, share it with a fellow sister who may be blessed by it. It would be greatly appreciated. God loves you, Jesus loves you, and so do I, and until next time, family peace, love and blessings you.