5 minutes with Jessie ...

Tell us a little about yourself

I am a twenty-one year old sunset chaser, story collector, and scripture champion. I was born and raised in South Australia and am now in Sydney for study and work (who knows where God will take me in the future though!).

What's your favourite bible passage and why?

“Therefore, since we have been justified by faith we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace which we stand, and we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. Not only that but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.” Romans 5:1-5

I have chosen to share the above as it has been brought to my attention a lot recently. For me it weaves together how we live as Christians in the world – in relationship with God, where we have intimacy and harmony in Christ; in the posture of grace, as we stand by faith; in a state of joy as we hope in the glory of God; and in the face of suffering, in which we can rejoice as we know it ultimately produces hope (and our hope is a living hope!).

How do you keep your eyes fixed on Jesus?

Each morning I begin with BnB - Brekkie & Bible. This is when I intentionally pray and prepare for the day. Daily I am aware of my need for Jesus, for him to rule in my heart and life. I must constantly submit to Christ as my head, acknowledging his authority. I relentlessly pursue him, abiding in his love and trusting his will and purpose are greater than my own. When I surrender my emotions, thoughts, will, way, hopes, plans, and power to return to the cross of Christ, I find myself standing in grace. Here my hearts cries become echoes of prayer and praise, repentance and reverence. He loves transforming out hearts in this way!

What would you like the next generation of Christian women to know?

Women of God - the world needs you. Your family needs you. Your children need you. Your friends need you. Your workplace needs you. Your neighbourhood needs you. Your country needs you. The media needs you. A stranger needs you. As there are many needs around us, may we be women on our knees, coming before the one who meets our every need and will equip us to meet the needs of others too.

What's one thing that you love about your local church?

I love spending time in the word and worshipping with my brothers and sisters. The sound of a chorus of hearts glorifying God is something else.

What did you learn about God at a time in your life you found hard?

I have fallen quite mentally and physically unwell at times, but by the grace of God I have been brought to a deeper understanding of his truth and love. His sovereignty has been an assurance; His word the weapon I yield and his spirit the life I yearn. Though I may be broken and contrite, in need of a Saviour, I welcome suffering because his grace is sufficient in my weakness.

In my brokenness I have encountered both the justice and kindness of God. I have tasted and seen his goodness, even when things don’t ‘appear’ good. I have been convicted and compelled to draw near to God, to pursue him and him alone, to devote my life and heart to him, to place him as a priority. I have been overwhelmed at his faithfulness, regardless of my faith; and at his steadfast love, regardless of how steady my emotions. Whether or not I feel loved I know that I am loved, for God is love and he so loved that he sent Jesus.

What are you passionate about?

I have a heart for encouragement, and pointing others to the cross of Christ and power of God at work in the everyday. I love sharing God’s heart with others, to show the love he has for them; whether that be with words or gestures of grace or otherwise. Everyone wants compassion and needs Christ!

What do you enjoy doing when you rest?

I love to listen to worship music, to stroll and soak in creation, to write and read. I am slowly learning what it means to live rested! My Instagram (s) - @jessieschilling and @fashionedbyfaith My site - www.abundanceoflovely.com