October 2, 2025 • 18 mins
Find the full episode here >>> LivingOnPurposeInChrist/blog
When life presses hard and your confidence thins, where does real strength come from? We go chapter by chapter through 2 Corinthians to trace Paul’s hard-won wisdom: comfort that meets us in the dark, power that shows up in weakness, and freedom that grows as the Spirit reshapes our hearts. Along the way, Paula shares a candid story about messy mornings and mismatched shoes, a reminder that God wants presence, not polish—and that simple, repeatable rhythms can turn scattered days into grounded ones.
We lean into the big themes that make this letter so alive for modern faith: the Father of mercies who walks with us, the paradox of grace that steadies us when we feel small, and the unveiled way of transformation that changes us from the inside out. You’ll hear vivid pictures—treasure in jars of clay, light spilling through cracks—and practical applications for caregiving, work, ministry, and friendship. We talk about forgiving what still stings, giving with real joy, and standing firm without hardening our hearts. To help truth travel from head to heart, we pair short affirmations with simple sensory anchors, turning scripture into practices you can carry into any crowded day.
If your spiritual life has felt like a checklist, consider a gentle reset. Breathe, slow down, and let God’s comfort, courage, and clarity meet you where you are. Subscribe for more Christ-centered encouragement, share this with someone who needs hope today, and leave a quick review so others can find the show. So... which promise from 2 Corinthians will you hold onto this week?
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Mark as Played
Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Paula Behrens (00:01):
Have you ever felt like life was pressing down
so hard that you wondered ifyou could ever get up again?
Have you faced moments whenyour weaknesses seemed louder
than your strengths, when yourconfidence faltered and when
even your faith felt fragile?
Have you asked God why me orhow can I keep going?
These are the very questions towhich the Apostle Paul speaks.
(00:22):
Today, we're going to walkthrough his second letter to the
Corinthians, chapter bychapter, uncovering the heart of
his message, one that is raw,vulnerable, and deeply
encouraging for us as followersof Christ today, us who long to
walk closer with Jesus.
But first, funny story.
When I first began my seminarywork while serving two church
(00:44):
congregations full-time,everyone assumed I had my daily
devotional time perfectlyorganized.
But truth be told, there weremornings I could barely find
five minutes to catch my breath,let alone dive into deep
reflection.
One day, as I rushed out thedoor with mismatched shoes, I
realized that even in my chaos,there was a lesson.
(01:05):
Embracing God's grace andself-forgiveness, I realized
that true success in mydevotional life requires
prioritizing my spiritualpractices.
Are you finding it challengingto maintain your spiritual
practices or yearning for a morepeaceful, God-aligned day?
I'm Paula, and I've been theretoo.
Balancing spiritual habits witha busy life can be difficult.
(01:28):
I longed for a deeperconnection with God but
struggled with consistency.
Then I found the perfectapproach.
If you seek simple ways todeepen your connection with God,
this podcast is for you.
Please take a moment to followthe show, leave a review, and
share with your friends who needa little biblical encouragement
today.
Friend, have you ever sat downwith your Bible, a cup of tea,
(01:51):
and high hopes for a quietmoment with the Lord, only to
find your mind racing with to-dolists, your spirit distracted,
or your heart dry?
I remember a season when myspiritual life felt more like a
checklist than a connection.
I had a book of prayers, aseminary degree, and even my
favorite kneeling rail in myoffice.
But truthfully, I was justgoing through the motions at
(02:12):
that time.
I was hungry for more, morepeace, more presence, more of
God.
I was showing up with all theright tools, but none of the
soul satisfying stillness Icraved.
My time with God becamesomething I did, not something I
delighted in.
Then the Lord gently remindedme, He never asked me for
polished prayers or perfectdiscipline.
(02:33):
He just wanted my presence.
And from that moment on, Ibegan creating a space to simply
be with him.
I built a new rhythm, one thatwas deeply rooted in grace,
filled with scripture, andsupported by the soothing
presence of his creation thathelped me slow down and breathe
in deeply.
That sacred rhythm is what Inow share in the Aroma of Christ
(02:54):
Coaching Hour.
Whether you're spirituallyweary, stuck in a routine, or
longing for a fresh encounterwith the Holy Spirit, this hour
is your invitation to beginagain with grace.
Together, we'll craft a practicethat helps you feel grounded,
nourished, and deeply connectedto God, mind, body, and spirit.
You don't have to keep tryingto figure it out all on your
(03:15):
own.
There's a simple way to grow infaith and draw near to God, and
I'd be honored to help you findit.
Let's breathe in his peace.
Let's rediscover his presence.
Let's begin again together.
Book your Aroma of ChristCoaching Hour at
PaulaBehrens.com /coaching.
That's Paula Behrens B E H R EN S .com /coaching (no spaces).
(03:40):
All right, it's time to getstarted.
Grab your Bible, dust off yourjournal, and cozy up to your
favorite beverage and let's divein.
Have you ever awakened in thenight with your mind racing,
asking God, how am I going tomake it through today?
If you've ever felt that way,you're not alone and you're not
(04:01):
without faith.
These are exactly the questionsthe apostle Paul wrestled with
when he wrote his second letterto the Corinthians.
And his words are not justancient texts, they are living,
breathing truth that speakdirectly into our modern day
struggles.
Before we dive in, I want toinvite you to make this
(04:21):
experience a little moreinteractive and sensory.
Throughout this episode, we'llbe pairing affirmations with
essential oils to help anchorthese truths in your mind,
heart, and spirit.
I encourage you to have a fewoils on hand if you can.
Some favorites to you mightinclude Lavender for calm,
Frankincense for focus,Peppermint for clarity,
(04:44):
Cedarwood for grounding, orcitrus oils for joy.
If you don't have thesespecific oils, feel free to use
any aromas that help you feelrelaxed and centered.
Just make sure that they arepure therapeutic essential oils
that are going to bring healingto your body.
As we move through scripture,you can breathe in the aromas,
(05:04):
place a drop on your wrist, orsimply enjoy the scent as we
speak the affirmations together,letting God's Word and His
Spirit work deeply in your life.
Second Corinthians is raw,vulnerable, and intensely
practical.
Paul does not write from apedestal of perfection.
He writes as someone who isexhausted, criticized, and weak,
(05:27):
but whose faith is anchored inthe sufficiency of God's grace.
And in this letter, he shows usthat weakness is not the enemy
of faith.
It is the stage on which God'spower shines most brightly.
Today we're going to explorethis beautiful, challenging, and
encouraging book, uncoveringhow it applies to our lives as
(05:49):
Christians who long to walkcloser with Christ, embrace our
weaknesses, live with joy, andstep boldly into God's calling.
Paul begins his letter praisingGod as the Father of mercies and
the God of all comfort (2Corinthians 1:3).
Right away, he frames ourunderstanding of God not as a
(06:11):
distant, impersonal deity, butas one who enters into our
suffering.
This is the God who walksbeside us in our deepest
valleys, who holds us in oursleepless nights, who whispers
peace when the world is loud andchaotic.
Paul himself had experiencedoverwhelming trials.
He writes, We were under greatpressure, far beyond our ability
(06:34):
to endure, so that we despairedof life itself.
That's chapter 1, verse 8.
And yet he testifies that inthat despair he learned to rely
not on his own strength, but onGod's.
This is such an important truthfor us today.
The God who comforts us in ourpain also equips us to comfort
(06:57):
others.
For Christians, this can beprofoundly personal.
Perhaps you're a mom who feelsdrained by the demands of caring
for children or grandchildren,or maybe you're a woman caring
for an aging parent, or even asingle woman navigating
workplace challenges andsocietal pressures.
In all these situations, God'scomfort is not abstract.
(07:21):
It is a tangible, sustainingpresence that can breathe life
into our weary hearts.
As we reflect on God's comfortin our lives, I invite you to
take a deep breath and reach forlavender or frankincense.
Place a drop on your wrist orsimply inhale the aroma from
(07:41):
your hands.
And as you do, repeat thisaffirmation after me.
God is the Father of mercy andthe God of all comfort.
His peace surrounds me andflows through me to others.
Let his comfort wash over youas you imagine God walking with
(08:07):
you through every trial.
One of the most powerful momentsin 2 Corinthians comes when
Paul writes about his thorn inthe flesh.
Paul had pleaded with God toremove this ongoing struggle,
but God's response was, My graceis sufficient for you, for my
power is made perfect inweakness (12:9).
(08:31):
And this changed everything.
This flips everything ourculture tells us.
We live in a society thatprizes strength,
self-sufficiency, and outwardappearance.
But Paul reminds us thatweakness is not something to
hide.
It is the very place where God's glory is often revealed.
In practical terms, this canlook like a mother exhausted
(08:53):
from endless nights of care,finding renewed strength through
prayer and God's Word, or agrandmother feeling inadequate
in mentoring her grandchildren,discovering that her honesty
about past struggles makes her amore powerful example of faith,
or a woman in ministry whosevoice feels small in a noisy
world, realizing that God'spower is amplified precisely
(09:15):
where human strength fails.
Now, as we talk about God'spower being made perfect in our
weakness, take a moment to applycedarwood or your favorite
grounding oil.
Feel the scent anchor you asyou declare, When I am weak, I
am strong in Christ.
(09:36):
God's grace is sufficient forme, and his power rests on me.
Let this truth settle in yourheart, knowing that your
limitations are the very placeGod's strength can shine.
In chapter three, Paul contraststhe old covenant of the law
(09:58):
with the new covenant of theSpirit.
He explains that the lawbrought condemnation, but the
Spirit brings freedom andtransformation.
He says, And we all who withunveiled faces contemplate the
Lord's glory are beingtransformed into his image with
ever increasing glory (3:18).
The imagery here is beautiful.
(10:20):
Paul paints a picture ofbelievers as those whose faces
are unveiled, gazing into theglory of God.
As we behold him, the Spirittransforms us.
This is not instant perfection,though, but a gradual process
of becoming more and more likeChrist.
In today's context, thistransformation is deeply
(10:43):
practical.
It might mean learning torespond with patience when a
child lashes out.
It might mean choosingintegrity at work, even when
shortcuts are tempting.
It might mean forgivenesstoward a friend or family member
who has wronged you repeatedly.
Transformation is not aboutperfection, it's about a heart
(11:03):
continually renewed by God'sSpirit.
As we consider transformationby the Spirit, grab peppermint
or another clarifying oil.
Breathe it in deeply and speakthis affirmation.
The Spirit of the Lord bringsfreedom.
I am being transformed into theimage of Christ day by day.
(11:29):
Imagine the Spirit gentlyrefining you, shaping your
thoughts, actions, and heartwith every breath.
Paul writes that we carry atreasure in jars of clay to show
that God's all surpassing powercomes from Him and not from
(11:50):
us (4:7).
Clay jars in Paul's day wereordinary and fragile, and yet
the gospel, this pricelesstreasure, rests in these fragile
vessels.
For us as women today, thistruth is liberating.
You do not need to have it alltogether.
You do not need to be polishedor perfect to be used by God.
(12:13):
Your scars, your struggles,your limitations, they are the
very channels through whichGod's light shines.
Think of a crack jar holding acandle.
The cracks allow light to spillout.
Your weaknesses can illuminatethe gospel to the people around
you, the friends who needencouragement, the child who
needs example, the neighbor whoneeds hope.
(12:35):
As you embrace your role as afragile yet treasured vessel,
reach for Bergamot or Rosemaryor a scent that uplifts you.
Inhale and say aloud, I am avessel for God's glory.
My weaknesses display his powerand light.
(12:57):
Picture your scars as cracks ina vessel, letting your light
shine out into the lives ofthose around you.
Paul urges the Corinthians toforgive a repentant brother,
showing that God's grace extendsthrough our relationships as
well as our personal trials.
(13:19):
Forgiveness is rarely easy.
It often feels counterintuitiveand uncomfortable.
Yet forgiveness restoreshearts, builds community, and
mirrors Christ's own mercytoward us.
In practical terms today,forgiveness could mean letting
go of bitterness toward a spousewho repeatedly disappoints, or
(13:41):
extending grace to a friend whohas betrayed trust.
It does not excuse the sin, butit liberates your own heart.
As we reflect on forgiveness,diffuse Ylang Ylang or
Sandalwood, or put a drop inyour hand, or any scent that
(14:02):
feels soft and soothing.
Then breathe in the wonderfularoma and repeat this
affirmation with me.
I choose forgiveness, I releasebitterness and embrace God's
peace.
Imagine letting go ofresentment and feeling your
(14:25):
heart lighten with God's grace.
Paul highlights the Macedonianchurches who gave generously
despite their poverty.
He encourages the Corinthiansthat true generosity is a joyful
offering from the heart.
This principle is timeless.
God loves a cheerful giver.
(14:46):
Generosity is not limited tomoney.
It includes our time,attention, prayers, and
encouragement.
The woman who volunteers at herlocal church, the grandmother
mentoring her grandchildren, orthe neighbor who delivers meals
to someone in need, all of theseare acts of cheerful giving.
For generosity and a joyfulheart, breathe in a citrus oil
(15:08):
like orange or lemon.
Say this affirmation.
I give generously from myheart, and God multiplies every
seed I sow.
Picture your acts of kindnessflowing outward, blessing others
and being multiplied by God'sgoodness.
(15:31):
Paul calls the church to standfirm.
Standing firm can be lonely andcostly, yet it is essential.
For Christian women, this maymean teaching children God's
Word faithfully, choosingintegrity over convenience at
work, or lovingly holdingfriends accountable in their
walk with Christ.
Standing firm does not meanpride or judgment, it means
(15:54):
obedience and faithfulness.
To feel grounded as we standfirm in God's word, apply
Cedarwood or a blend calledGrounding to your wrists.
Speak this declaration.
I stand firm in God's Truth.
I am not swayed by the world.
His Word is my anchor.
(16:14):
Imagine roots of faith growingdeep, holding you steady in
every trial.
Paul reminds us that our lightand momentary troubles are
anchors of eternal glory.
This perspective reshapes howwe experience trials, things we
(16:36):
go through, physical exhaustion,emotional pain, and relational
challenges, which are temporary,but God's eternal work, well,
that's never ending.
As we close with an eternalperspective, breathe in
Frankincense or a comforting oilthat draws your mind
heavenward.
Speak this affirmation.
(17:00):
These trials are temporary.
My hope is anchored in Christ,and his glory is eternal.
Let your heart rise above thedifficulties of today and dwell
in the joy of God's promisesforever.
(17:22):
If all of this feelsoverwhelming, or if you long for
a personalized plan tostrengthen your devotional life,
I invite you to book an Aromaof Christ Coaching Hour with me.
Together we'll pray, identifywhat's draining your spiritual
energy, and create a sustainabledevotional rhythm.
We'll also integrate essentialoils as sensory anchors for
prayer, reflection, and peace.
(17:43):
Book your session now atPaulaBehrens.com /coaching.
That's Paula Behrens B E H R EN S .com /coaching (no spaces).
Let's walk this sacred journeytogether, surrounded by truth,
purpose, and the sweet aroma ofHis presence.
(18:03):
Thank you for tuning in today.
And remember, just like settingbiblical boundaries, it's okay
to say no to things that don'tserve you well, like that third
piece of cake at the ChurchPotluck.
If you were blessed by thisepisode, be sure to share it
with a friend and leave a reviewso that we can reach even more
women like you.
Check the show notes for allthe links.
(18:24):
Join us next week as wecontinue to discover how to live
on purpose in Christ.
Until then, keep leaning into Him and walking in His
wisdom.
See you next time.
Have you ever felt like life was pressing down
so hard that you wondered ifyou could ever get up again?
Have you faced moments whenyour weaknesses seemed louder
than your strengths, when yourconfidence faltered and when
even your faith felt fragile?
Have you asked God why me orhow can I keep going?
These are the very questions towhich the Apostle Paul speaks.
(00:22):
Today, we're going to walkthrough his second letter to the
Corinthians, chapter bychapter, uncovering the heart of
his message, one that is raw,vulnerable, and deeply
encouraging for us as followersof Christ today, us who long to
walk closer with Jesus.
But first, funny story.
When I first began my seminarywork while serving two church
(00:44):
congregations full-time,everyone assumed I had my daily
devotional time perfectlyorganized.
But truth be told, there weremornings I could barely find
five minutes to catch my breath,let alone dive into deep
reflection.
One day, as I rushed out thedoor with mismatched shoes, I
realized that even in my chaos,there was a lesson.
(01:05):
Embracing God's grace andself-forgiveness, I realized
that true success in mydevotional life requires
prioritizing my spiritualpractices.
Are you finding it challengingto maintain your spiritual
practices or yearning for a morepeaceful, God-aligned day?
I'm Paula, and I've been theretoo.
Balancing spiritual habits witha busy life can be difficult.
(01:28):
I longed for a deeperconnection with God but
struggled with consistency.
Then I found the perfectapproach.
If you seek simple ways todeepen your connection with God,
this podcast is for you.
Please take a moment to followthe show, leave a review, and
share with your friends who needa little biblical encouragement
today.
Friend, have you ever sat downwith your Bible, a cup of tea,
(01:51):
and high hopes for a quietmoment with the Lord, only to
find your mind racing with to-dolists, your spirit distracted,
or your heart dry?
I remember a season when myspiritual life felt more like a
checklist than a connection.
I had a book of prayers, aseminary degree, and even my
favorite kneeling rail in myoffice.
But truthfully, I was justgoing through the motions at
(02:12):
that time.
I was hungry for more, morepeace, more presence, more of
God.
I was showing up with all theright tools, but none of the
soul satisfying stillness Icraved.
My time with God becamesomething I did, not something I
delighted in.
Then the Lord gently remindedme, He never asked me for
polished prayers or perfectdiscipline.
(02:33):
He just wanted my presence.
And from that moment on, Ibegan creating a space to simply
be with him.
I built a new rhythm, one thatwas deeply rooted in grace,
filled with scripture, andsupported by the soothing
presence of his creation thathelped me slow down and breathe
in deeply.
That sacred rhythm is what Inow share in the Aroma of Christ
(02:54):
Coaching Hour.
Whether you're spirituallyweary, stuck in a routine, or
longing for a fresh encounterwith the Holy Spirit, this hour
is your invitation to beginagain with grace.
Together, we'll craft a practicethat helps you feel grounded,
nourished, and deeply connectedto God, mind, body, and spirit.
You don't have to keep tryingto figure it out all on your
(03:15):
own.
There's a simple way to grow infaith and draw near to God, and
I'd be honored to help you findit.
Let's breathe in his peace.
Let's rediscover his presence.
Let's begin again together.
Book your Aroma of ChristCoaching Hour at
PaulaBehrens.com /coaching.
That's Paula Behrens B E H R EN S .com /coaching (no spaces).
(03:40):
All right, it's time to getstarted.
Grab your Bible, dust off yourjournal, and cozy up to your
favorite beverage and let's divein.
Have you ever awakened in thenight with your mind racing,
asking God, how am I going tomake it through today?
If you've ever felt that way,you're not alone and you're not
(04:01):
without faith.
These are exactly the questionsthe apostle Paul wrestled with
when he wrote his second letterto the Corinthians.
And his words are not justancient texts, they are living,
breathing truth that speakdirectly into our modern day
struggles.
Before we dive in, I want toinvite you to make this
(04:21):
experience a little moreinteractive and sensory.
Throughout this episode, we'llbe pairing affirmations with
essential oils to help anchorthese truths in your mind,
heart, and spirit.
I encourage you to have a fewoils on hand if you can.
Some favorites to you mightinclude Lavender for calm,
Frankincense for focus,Peppermint for clarity,
(04:44):
Cedarwood for grounding, orcitrus oils for joy.
If you don't have thesespecific oils, feel free to use
any aromas that help you feelrelaxed and centered.
Just make sure that they arepure therapeutic essential oils
that are going to bring healingto your body.
As we move through scripture,you can breathe in the aromas,
(05:04):
place a drop on your wrist, orsimply enjoy the scent as we
speak the affirmations together,letting God's Word and His
Spirit work deeply in your life.
Second Corinthians is raw,vulnerable, and intensely
practical.
Paul does not write from apedestal of perfection.
He writes as someone who isexhausted, criticized, and weak,
(05:27):
but whose faith is anchored inthe sufficiency of God's grace.
And in this letter, he shows usthat weakness is not the enemy
of faith.
It is the stage on which God'spower shines most brightly.
Today we're going to explorethis beautiful, challenging, and
encouraging book, uncoveringhow it applies to our lives as
(05:49):
Christians who long to walkcloser with Christ, embrace our
weaknesses, live with joy, andstep boldly into God's calling.
Paul begins his letter praisingGod as the Father of mercies and
the God of all comfort (2Corinthians 1:3).
Right away, he frames ourunderstanding of God not as a
(06:11):
distant, impersonal deity, butas one who enters into our
suffering.
This is the God who walksbeside us in our deepest
valleys, who holds us in oursleepless nights, who whispers
peace when the world is loud andchaotic.
Paul himself had experiencedoverwhelming trials.
He writes, We were under greatpressure, far beyond our ability
(06:34):
to endure, so that we despairedof life itself.
That's chapter 1, verse 8.
And yet he testifies that inthat despair he learned to rely
not on his own strength, but onGod's.
This is such an important truthfor us today.
The God who comforts us in ourpain also equips us to comfort
(06:57):
others.
For Christians, this can beprofoundly personal.
Perhaps you're a mom who feelsdrained by the demands of caring
for children or grandchildren,or maybe you're a woman caring
for an aging parent, or even asingle woman navigating
workplace challenges andsocietal pressures.
In all these situations, God'scomfort is not abstract.
(07:21):
It is a tangible, sustainingpresence that can breathe life
into our weary hearts.
As we reflect on God's comfortin our lives, I invite you to
take a deep breath and reach forlavender or frankincense.
Place a drop on your wrist orsimply inhale the aroma from
(07:41):
your hands.
And as you do, repeat thisaffirmation after me.
God is the Father of mercy andthe God of all comfort.
His peace surrounds me andflows through me to others.
Let his comfort wash over youas you imagine God walking with
(08:07):
you through every trial.
One of the most powerful momentsin 2 Corinthians comes when
Paul writes about his thorn inthe flesh.
Paul had pleaded with God toremove this ongoing struggle,
but God's response was, My graceis sufficient for you, for my
power is made perfect inweakness (12:9).
(08:31):
And this changed everything.
This flips everything ourculture tells us.
We live in a society thatprizes strength,
self-sufficiency, and outwardappearance.
But Paul reminds us thatweakness is not something to
hide.
It is the very place where God's glory is often revealed.
In practical terms, this canlook like a mother exhausted
(08:53):
from endless nights of care,finding renewed strength through
prayer and God's Word, or agrandmother feeling inadequate
in mentoring her grandchildren,discovering that her honesty
about past struggles makes her amore powerful example of faith,
or a woman in ministry whosevoice feels small in a noisy
world, realizing that God'spower is amplified precisely
(09:15):
where human strength fails.
Now, as we talk about God'spower being made perfect in our
weakness, take a moment to applycedarwood or your favorite
grounding oil.
Feel the scent anchor you asyou declare, When I am weak, I
am strong in Christ.
(09:36):
God's grace is sufficient forme, and his power rests on me.
Let this truth settle in yourheart, knowing that your
limitations are the very placeGod's strength can shine.
In chapter three, Paul contraststhe old covenant of the law
(09:58):
with the new covenant of theSpirit.
He explains that the lawbrought condemnation, but the
Spirit brings freedom andtransformation.
He says, And we all who withunveiled faces contemplate the
Lord's glory are beingtransformed into his image with
ever increasing glory (3:18).
The imagery here is beautiful.
(10:20):
Paul paints a picture ofbelievers as those whose faces
are unveiled, gazing into theglory of God.
As we behold him, the Spirittransforms us.
This is not instant perfection,though, but a gradual process
of becoming more and more likeChrist.
In today's context, thistransformation is deeply
(10:43):
practical.
It might mean learning torespond with patience when a
child lashes out.
It might mean choosingintegrity at work, even when
shortcuts are tempting.
It might mean forgivenesstoward a friend or family member
who has wronged you repeatedly.
Transformation is not aboutperfection, it's about a heart
(11:03):
continually renewed by God'sSpirit.
As we consider transformationby the Spirit, grab peppermint
or another clarifying oil.
Breathe it in deeply and speakthis affirmation.
The Spirit of the Lord bringsfreedom.
I am being transformed into theimage of Christ day by day.
(11:29):
Imagine the Spirit gentlyrefining you, shaping your
thoughts, actions, and heartwith every breath.
Paul writes that we carry atreasure in jars of clay to show
that God's all surpassing powercomes from Him and not from
(11:50):
us (4:7).
Clay jars in Paul's day wereordinary and fragile, and yet
the gospel, this pricelesstreasure, rests in these fragile
vessels.
For us as women today, thistruth is liberating.
You do not need to have it alltogether.
You do not need to be polishedor perfect to be used by God.
(12:13):
Your scars, your struggles,your limitations, they are the
very channels through whichGod's light shines.
Think of a crack jar holding acandle.
The cracks allow light to spillout.
Your weaknesses can illuminatethe gospel to the people around
you, the friends who needencouragement, the child who
needs example, the neighbor whoneeds hope.
(12:35):
As you embrace your role as afragile yet treasured vessel,
reach for Bergamot or Rosemaryor a scent that uplifts you.
Inhale and say aloud, I am avessel for God's glory.
My weaknesses display his powerand light.
(12:57):
Picture your scars as cracks ina vessel, letting your light
shine out into the lives ofthose around you.
Paul urges the Corinthians toforgive a repentant brother,
showing that God's grace extendsthrough our relationships as
well as our personal trials.
(13:19):
Forgiveness is rarely easy.
It often feels counterintuitiveand uncomfortable.
Yet forgiveness restoreshearts, builds community, and
mirrors Christ's own mercytoward us.
In practical terms today,forgiveness could mean letting
go of bitterness toward a spousewho repeatedly disappoints, or
(13:41):
extending grace to a friend whohas betrayed trust.
It does not excuse the sin, butit liberates your own heart.
As we reflect on forgiveness,diffuse Ylang Ylang or
Sandalwood, or put a drop inyour hand, or any scent that
(14:02):
feels soft and soothing.
Then breathe in the wonderfularoma and repeat this
affirmation with me.
I choose forgiveness, I releasebitterness and embrace God's
peace.
Imagine letting go ofresentment and feeling your
(14:25):
heart lighten with God's grace.
Paul highlights the Macedonianchurches who gave generously
despite their poverty.
He encourages the Corinthiansthat true generosity is a joyful
offering from the heart.
This principle is timeless.
God loves a cheerful giver.
(14:46):
Generosity is not limited tomoney.
It includes our time,attention, prayers, and
encouragement.
The woman who volunteers at herlocal church, the grandmother
mentoring her grandchildren, orthe neighbor who delivers meals
to someone in need, all of theseare acts of cheerful giving.
For generosity and a joyfulheart, breathe in a citrus oil
(15:08):
like orange or lemon.
Say this affirmation.
I give generously from myheart, and God multiplies every
seed I sow.
Picture your acts of kindnessflowing outward, blessing others
and being multiplied by God'sgoodness.
(15:31):
Paul calls the church to standfirm.
Standing firm can be lonely andcostly, yet it is essential.
For Christian women, this maymean teaching children God's
Word faithfully, choosingintegrity over convenience at
work, or lovingly holdingfriends accountable in their
walk with Christ.
Standing firm does not meanpride or judgment, it means
(15:54):
obedience and faithfulness.
To feel grounded as we standfirm in God's word, apply
Cedarwood or a blend calledGrounding to your wrists.
Speak this declaration.
I stand firm in God's Truth.
I am not swayed by the world.
His Word is my anchor.
(16:14):
Imagine roots of faith growingdeep, holding you steady in
every trial.
Paul reminds us that our lightand momentary troubles are
anchors of eternal glory.
This perspective reshapes howwe experience trials, things we
(16:36):
go through, physical exhaustion,emotional pain, and relational
challenges, which are temporary,but God's eternal work, well,
that's never ending.
As we close with an eternalperspective, breathe in
Frankincense or a comforting oilthat draws your mind
heavenward.
Speak this affirmation.
(17:00):
These trials are temporary.
My hope is anchored in Christ,and his glory is eternal.
Let your heart rise above thedifficulties of today and dwell
in the joy of God's promisesforever.
(17:22):
If all of this feelsoverwhelming, or if you long for
a personalized plan tostrengthen your devotional life,
I invite you to book an Aromaof Christ Coaching Hour with me.
Together we'll pray, identifywhat's draining your spiritual
energy, and create a sustainabledevotional rhythm.
We'll also integrate essentialoils as sensory anchors for
prayer, reflection, and peace.
(17:43):
Book your session now atPaulaBehrens.com /coaching.
That's Paula Behrens B E H R EN S .com /coaching (no spaces).
Let's walk this sacred journeytogether, surrounded by truth,
purpose, and the sweet aroma ofHis presence.
(18:03):
Thank you for tuning in today.
And remember, just like settingbiblical boundaries, it's okay
to say no to things that don'tserve you well, like that third
piece of cake at the ChurchPotluck.
If you were blessed by thisepisode, be sure to share it
with a friend and leave a reviewso that we can reach even more
women like you.
Check the show notes for allthe links.
(18:24):
Join us next week as wecontinue to discover how to live
on purpose in Christ.
Until then, keep leaning into Him and walking in His
wisdom.
See you next time.
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