193. Jevanna Cherrington // Encouragement in the Waiting

Jevanna Cherrington is the founder of Hope Bag and serves as the women’s pastor at Upperroom. Once dreaming of having children, she is now blessed with four beautiful souls – two embraced through adoption and two carried in her womb. Each of these blessings came after periods of endurance, trials, and waiting seasons, underlining her unwavering faith in God’s plan. Jevanna is a devoted wife, mother, driven educator, enthusiastic entrepreneur, compassionate pastor, and thoughtful author and continues to navigate life’s blessings and trials with unwavering faith and grace. Her story is a testament to her resilience, passion, and love for the beautiful adventure that is life.

Tune into this episode as Jevanna shares her story of going from barren to a mom to 4! Throughout her story she weaves in encouragement for those of you who find yourself in barren or waiting seasons.

Bible Verses:

Hebrews 4:12 “For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires.”

Psalm 1:3 “They are like trees planted along the riverbank, bearing fruit each season. Their leaves never wither, and they prosper in all they do.”

Isaiah 26:3 “You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you!”

Romans 5:5 “And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love.”

Galatians 6:9 “So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up.”

Proverbs 27:7 “A person who is full refuses honey, but even bitter food tastes sweet to the hungry.”

Topics Discussed

Introduction

Jevanna lives in Dallas, Texas. She was a teacher for 8 years (2^nd and 4^th grade). Then she started a preschool at her church and eventually became the women’s pastor. She is still currently the women’s pastor at her church.
Jevanna is married and now has 4 children.
She has a “Hope Bag” and a diaper bag company where she spreads hope to other women.
Jevanna grew up in a Christian home. Her family was very involved in the church.
In 2007, Jevanna encountered the Holy Spirit in a cabin in New Mexico.

Encouragement for the Brokenhearted

Dive into the word. Start in Psalms.
Reade God’s Word until something sparks in you and then start praying that verse over yourself.
Confide in a trusted friend who will speak truth over you
Worship

Waiting Season

Get outside of yourself. Focus on the promise keeper, not the promise.
Be careful to not make what you are waiting for an idol.
You can be a blessing to someone else.
God can speak to you through other people.
You can be fruitful in a barren season.
Thanksgiving and heart posture are key.
Find people to speak truth into you.
Be very specific with your prayers.
It’s going to be okay. It will work out.
Write out verses, put them where you can see them and declare them out over yourself.
Fight to keep your heart open and alive.
Surround yourself with the right community.
Pray with authority – not begging
Worship by singing the truth of the word of God.
Read the Word of God
Take communion – Hebrews 8-10

Hope