As I was driving to work this morning, this is what I felt the Lord was speaking to my heart about some things that have caused a great deal of hurt and pain to me in the last decade. I pray that what God shared with me will be able to encourage and strengthen you as well. I pray that He will stir up your faith to trust Him with your hurt today. God bless you, beloved.
“Your life is in My hands, and I have a better life on the other side of your pain-if you would only be willing to release it to Me. Yes, it hurt you I know, but it will continue to hurt you if you don’t give it to Me. Give it to me. Put it in My hands. It’s heavy and consuming but My hand is strong enough to hold it, to bear the weight. You can cry it out, scream, talk, or just whisper. Whatever it is you need to do— whatever you feel when you think of or remember those things— do it before Me. I won’t be ashamed of you. I’m not ashamed of you. I’m here. I’m sitting with you through it and no matter how ugly you may feel in that moment, know that your brokenness is beautiful to Me. I’ve made so many beautiful things out of broken things, and I want to do the same with you. You’ll know when it’s fully given to me: because You won’t feel the same things you’ve felt when you think of it. On this side of it, you won’t feel the pain anymore, but you’ll see the strength I gave you to get through it. You’ll see the gift of life I blessed you with instead of doubt. You’ll see my hand lifting you up from that place of brokenness and sorrow. You won’t just have a taste this time; you’ll have the feast of my Full pleasure. This is My will concerning you today, Beloved. Don’t miss your moment. ❤️”
“But he knoweth the way that I take: when he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold.”
Job 23:10
Do you know how gold is refined? It’s an extraneousprocess, withthe last step being to the gold to have all of the impurities removed and the other less precious metals to be separated. The word refine isdefined as two things:
1.removing impurities or unwanted elements,
-and-
2.to improve something by making small changes in particular make more subtle and accurate
The only way these impurities can be removedfrom gold is through an extreme, intense heat.Thisis not somethingthat’s generated by small fire,but an immense fire. So when you thinkof what Job said when he said that he shallcomeforth as gold tried in the fire, he was saying that through the fiery trials of life, he’s being purified and the impurities fromlife will be removed from him so that onlywhat’s pure is left.
Do youfeellikeyou’rein a fiery timein yourlife? Does everything seem to be goingdown, caving in, falling in allaroundyou? Do you feel like you’re all alone with no one to turn to, or thatnooneunderstands? Do you feel confused, because what you once were strong in, you now feellikeit’s consuming you at an all-time high? If so, God may be taking you through the purification process to make you better than before.
God is aware of what you’re experiencing and how difficult this process is foryou, but He as your Heavenly Father also knows that you need this it to be able to withstand what He’sbringing you to. You can take heart in knowing that He won’t leave you desolate in this fire. He said that He will never leave you nor forsake you(Hebrews 13:5), so that means that He is right there WITH you in the fire!! You are not alone in this process! When you see what God is bringing you to, you’ll understand that process a little better and will be more grateful for it.
Though the process is hard, it’s necessary, and I pray that God gives you grace and strength to endure with Him. I pray that God reminds you daily that you are His beloved daughter and that He will always do what’s best for you. Know that He’s in the fire with you and you two will come out with victory in your hands! He loves you and sees you as the most PRECIOUS of all things!
Beloved, you are going to withstand the test of the refining process ❤️
“And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.”
-Galatians 6:9
Life is hard sometimes, and sometimes it seems that it’s even harder walking with God. Sometimes things don’t go as plan, we don’t always finish what we start, or don’t start at all, and that can be dampening to our spirit. I want to remind you of something: God knew before the foundation of the world all that you would be at every point in your life, and He already knew all of your successes, failures, and shortcomings. That didn’t stop Him from creating you, calling you, and setting you apart, and it surely didn’t stop Him from loving you. So when the going gets tough in life and you feel disappointed by your shortcomings, hang in there and know that you are loved by the Almighty God.
When He thinks of you, He has nothing but good thoughts and Has a made up mind about you( Jeremiah 29:11)! Any thoughts you have that are contrary to the love that God has for you are NOT from our Heavenly Father! When you’re feeling down, turn to the word of God and remind yourself of who you are in Christ, even WITH your shortcomings.
If God gave you an idea, He gave you an anointing to do it. If He gave you a purpose, He gave you grace to get to it. All that God gives you will be fulfilled as long as you stay connected to Him. He is your strength, so hang in there with God when you feel like you’re not measuring up. Everything you’re not, He is, so know that you’re whole in Christ.
God loves you so much, dearly beloved, and He has great things for you-STILL! ❤️
“For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.””Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.”
Jeremiah 29:11; Isaiah 41:10
Who loves to move? I don’t know too many people who do, but I can’t say that I’m one. Moving can be so frustrating and overwhelming: you have you pick up and move all of your things that you had placed and settled, take them to a very unfamiliar place, and work to make this new place home again. Most of the time, we move to a better place than we were previously, but that still doesn’t erase the fact that the packing and moving part isn’t fun. Even though we don’t like it, we pack up our things each time, knowing that things will ultimately settle down and be at ease again. The reality is that moving is so uncomfortable, but it’s always necessary for growth, right?
I think we can say the same thing about our spiritual lives.When it’s time for us to move to a higher place in God, we get so frustrated and uncomfortable, so tired and are ready to just stay where we were because there’s so much that comes with packing and moving. One big portion of moving is the unfamiliarity. Even though we know that what God is doing will always work out for our good, we strongly dislike it because it doesn’t feel good to us in that moment. We feel out of our element because what we were once good at is now so trivial. God is calling us higher, raising us to a new standard and place in Him, and we don’t like it. Trust me, I get it! We all reach this point when God wants to expose us to a new place in Him, but we struggle with letting go of the familiar.
No matter how good it may seem to stay where you are with the things that you know, don’t be deceived. We have to remember that the enemy only comes to steal, kill, and destroy, and nothing more. Satan is the father of lies, and no truth ever comes from him. When we’re being positioned( prepared) to be moved from one place to another in God, the devil tries to come in and give every reason we should unpack and not go where God is calling us to. See, the devil can be so convincing in some of the things he tells us because it seems so close to the truth, but that’s when we have to know what the Word identifies us as, and see how it compares to what Satan is saying. Though it seems like he’s telling us the truth about why we shouldn’t, couldn’t, and won’t, we have to remember that the devil, the world or anyone in it( including yourself) cannot change God’s mind about how He sees you and where He wants you.
If God is calling you higher, it’s for a reason. If He’s urging you to do more(pray, read, fast, etc.), it’s for a reason that’s beyond you. God is trying to prepare you for your next move. What the Lord is doing in those times is answering your prayer of making you to be all that He purposed you to be… and the truth is that it’s uncomfortable sometimes, but I encourage you to KEEP GOING! Though it’s uncomfortable, keep pressing! Though it’s frustrating, keep PUSHING! If you’re frustrated with yourself( it happens!), PUSH BEYOND YOURSELF! Pray a little longer than usual! Worship louder than normal! Praise God harder than ever! Growth is never easy going. That’s why it’s called growing pains! If you don’t know how to move forward in reaching the place that God is calling you to, ask Him. He’ll guide you, help you, and strengthen you. He’s already equipped you with what you need to move to the next level; you just have to put it to action with your faith. God has given to each one of us a measure of faith, which means that God has already given us the ability to trust and believe in Him to carry us to that destined point. God has confidence in you, and now it’s time to let your confidence in Him arise and go forth! He won’t lead you astray, only to destiny!
My prayer is that God helps us to recognize when He is calling and moving us to a new place in Him,that we don’t get frightened by the next level, but that we trust Him with every step, knowing that He is alongside us as we’re going deeper in Him. I pray that God also helps us to be confident that when we are weak, God is strong in us, and that He will be there to strengthen us as we seek Him. Above all, my prayer is that God helps us to KEEP GOING even when everything around us — and that lie within us– tells us not to. I pray that we trust God’s will for us and that He is faithful to finish the work that He has begun in each one of us.
“The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit.” – John 3:8
Sometimes things happen in life that are completely opposite of what we desire. And many times it’s frustrating for us because it keeps happening! This was me recently: frustrated and full of various emotions because I felt like I was forced to do something instead of doing it on my own and in my own timing. The truth of the matter is that I would have never moved from where I was if I hadn’t been forced from that. To be transparent, I have a difficult time letting go and moving from one chapter to the next. I believe that because God knows me as well as He does, He recognizes that and has to be that final push force that gives me no choice but to move from where I am, because if not, He knows that I’d never leave and would probably cause more harm than good to myself.
I’m sure I’m not the only one who’s like that, and I want to let you know that you aren’t alone in that. However, we have to eventually learn to sever ties, close doors and walk away from people, things or situation sooner rather than later because it becomes costly to leave the longer we wait. The longer we wait to move from that place, the more emveddded fear is into our hearts and minds, and our faith in God begins to falter. We don’t want to falter so we ask God to help us to move, but we expect it to be done how we imagine it. On the contrary my dear! God knows exactly what needs to happen to get us moving toward destiny again instead of being stagnant.
If you were “forced” from a place/ person or thing, REJOICE!! Rejoice in knowing that you are now moving toward your destiny again, en route to fulfilling God’s purpose for your life! Remember: “and we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose”! You are God’s chosen, and sometimes He has to be the driving force to keep us moving toward purpose and destiny!
Don’t fight the forces of life because they are carrying you to destiny!
God bless you! ♥️
“He hath made every thing beautiful in his time: also he hath set the world in their heart, so that no man can find out the work that God maketh from the beginning to the end.”
Ecclesiastes 3:11
I just want to encourage you today to not get discouraged in your season of waiting. Know that God sees you, hears your every word( spoken and unspoken) and He is faithful to meet your need and grant your desires in His timing. I know that it is not always easy trusting God in our time of waiting, but don’t mistake where you are waiting to be your final destination. Know that God will answer that prayer, open/close that door, and move on your behalf.. but in His timing! We may feel that we are ready for something we are asking God for, but He knows us far better than we know ourselves, and He knows when the right time is to move you into that next blessing in your life.
We sometimes get antsy when we see God moving in the lives of those around us, and wonder why God has yet to move for us. Would you like to know something? He is! He is moving and working for you, even though you may not see it or feel it. God is preparing that blessing for you and He is also preparing you for it! So trust where God has you now, and know that the end result of God’s work is always beautiful!
I pray that we understand that God’s timing is best for us, even when we are asking for things sooner than He intends to release them to us. I pray that we trust God’s timing and not persist to have things prematurely. I pray that we don’t grow weary in our time of waiting and know that God is working, even in the silence. I also pray that God strengthens our hearts during this season, so that we may be able to stand tall when God releases His glory in our lives in Jesus name! Don’t be drawn away by lust of the flesh, lust of the eye or the pride of life as we are waiting on the Lord.
God is beautifying you with where you are! ♥
“And she was a widow of about fourscore and four years, which departed not from the temple, but served God with fastings and prayers night and day. ” –Luke 2:37
Committment– to be dedicated to a cause or action, or pledge.
Consistent– to be unchanging in nature, standard or effect over time.
As followers of Christ we make a committment to follow Him in all things, no matter what happens during our journey. Many times, when a life change comes, our committment is put to the test because we don’t always understand the timing or reason for that life change. Sometimes our first response isn’t faith; sometimes its fear. And in those times, we must remember our pledge to the Lord. We must not let our allegiance to God waiver just because there is turbulence.
When I read about the widow woman who constantly fasted and prayed, I am so amazed, inspired and encouraged because despite the various changes of life, she remained faithful to the Lord. She lost her husband, the possible bread winner for the family. She lost her best friend. Everything that a husband is supposed to be for a wife- assuming he was a good one- she lost. Though she lost him, she never lost her dedication to the Lord! Wow! Can you imagine what our relationship with God would be like if we remained that faithfully committed? Or what our lives would be like if we remained as consistent as she did? We’d experience God in ways that we would only imagine!
My prayer is that we remain steadfast and unmovable when life begins to happen for us. I pray that God anchors us in our faith and lets us rest assured that He is everything that we could ever want and need. I pray that we don’t lose our dedication or desire to stay faithful to God even when He doesn’t respond or react when we want Him know. I pray that we remain consistent with God even when things around us or within us change. I pray that we remember that He is Lord, that His eyes are upon all, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him. Let us remember that our pursuit is not in vain ❤️
God bless you!
“Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.”
2 Corinthians 5:17
As we grow through life, we make mistakes and sometimes wish we could have a do-over. Every now and again, we are given an opportunity to re-try a life lesson– which is almost like being given a clean slate. Although we may not always get the chance to start over in our experiences, we can rest assured on the fact that with God, we can start afresh! When we come to God, He is already aware of where we’ve messed up, and He is there to help us get it right this time, but with His help.
God is not turned off by us when we come to Him with our frustration from our mess ups. In that moment of despair, we think that we’ve reach the end of the rope because we keep messing things up no matter how hard we try. My dear sister, don’t let the enemy deceive you; that moment is when things finally begin. When we come to God and are washed under the blood of Jesus, we come to the realization that God is our hope and our refreshing wind. The new start begins from the inside out. Coming to God, we come to our place of refuge and strength. We realize that He is the one who carries us when we grow weary, when we are weak and worn and He is the one who sustains us through the winds of life. He is the solid foundation that we are built on after life has torn us down. We also realize that God is the one who gives us the strength to let go and try again.
It may seem frightening to move forward after you’ve fallen, but know that God is with you every step of the way. If you are facing a new life experience or even re-experiencing a life lesson, know that you are not alone nor are you the same person you were before. In Christ, your true identity is revealed; strong, confident, bold, and faithful. You are not what the enemy tried to tell you (fearful, anxious, concerned with what others have to say or think). In Christ, everything about you is new, so be confident in the fact that God has gone before you and that He currently walks beside you. Also stand in the fact that God is constantly working in you.
My prayer for today is that we are not afraid to come to God from wherever we are, and that we realize that He is able to give us a fresh start, a new beginning. I pray that we release the past experiences we’ve had in order to make room for the new things that God has before us. I pray that God helps us to remember daily that He walks with us and guides us through this life, and that He is able to still perform His promise in us because of the finished work on Calvary. I pray that God helps us to walk in the confident boldness of the Holy Ghost in everything we do. I also pray that God gives us a constant desire for the new life in Him instead of the things we’re used to in Jesus’ name!
There is nothing that is unseen before the Lord, so know that God sees you, my beloved, and that He is here to make you new again!
“Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you.”
John 15:16
Wanna know something? God chose you! Yes, YOU! With all of your self-proclaimed flaws and imperfections, mishaps and mess-ups. God still chose you! When everyone else rejected you because you didn’t “fit in” with them, God hand picked you because you are just what He’s looking for. What was distasteful to others is what God delights in. God specializes in you because He is your creator. He knew that you’d do what you’ve done, go where you’ve gone and be who you are, but He STILL CHOSE YOU. He chooses you everyday! He has a plan to use you in ways that your mind cannot begin to comprehend and that your heart can’t even desire.
God has a habit of giving beauty for ashes and uses the misfit for His great manifestation! My dearest sister, God thinks you are to DIE for…literally! He gave His life so that you can be able to have fellowship with Him. Today is the day to rejoice in who you are because who you are is what caught God’s attention. Yes, He responded to your need for His help and change, but I believe that God also was drawn to you because He’ll be able to do a work in your life that will declare His glory to the world!
My prayer for today is that God helps us to embrace who we are at this present time, but that we also are open to God molding us into who He has destined to be. I pray that God silences the voice of the enemy in your ear telling you of what you aren’t, and that the love of God resonates within you to replace every ungodly belief of yourself. I pray that God gives us the confidence and boldness to walk into what God has called us to by the power of the Holy Ghost!
Remember that you are FEARFULLY and WONDERFULLY MADE by the almighty hand of God!
“And they come to Jesus, and see him that was possessed with the devil, and had the legion, sitting, and clothed, and in his right mind: and they were afraid.”
Mark 5:15
The message that was preached this past Sunday talked about how a man who had many demons was made whole again in the presence of Jesus. This passage points out how this man was wild and could not be tamed by any man and that he cut himself with stones. It doesn’t say how long this man was possessed and lived like this, but one thing that can be understood is that those around him grew comfortable with him being that way, so much so that they were afraid when they saw him clothed and in his right mind. The preacher said something in the message that stuck with me: “sometimes you’re so used to the abnormal that the normal makes you afraid”. That statement made me think of how true that is for us as people.
We see someone/something in a certain state for so long that it becomes normal for us. Though the circumstances are different, we can still identify with those individuals because we eventually grow comfortable to that situation or individual being that way, because “that’s how its been”. Then when the circumstance changes for the better by the hand of God, we get skeptical and start to freak out. We freak out so much because we forgot what life was like without the overwhelming stress, headache, and frustration, to the point that we begin to miss it. Why? Because we became comfortable with the dysfunction in our lives.
Beloved, we must remember that it is not God’s will for us to live in chaos or to have a life rooted in fear, stress, anxiety or poor relationships. The bible tells us that we are wished to be “prosperous and be in health even as thy soul prospereth”( 3 John 2) and that Jesus came to give us life and life more abundantly( John 10:10).
I know it may be scary to let go of what you’ve always known, what’s safe, what’s comfortable, but we have to let go in order to receive. We won’t ever be able to receive better from God if we are still holding on to old things. Growth will never happen in us and around us if we are still weighed down by the dysfunctional things we love. If you feel that you can’t let it go, ask God to help you and to give you the strength that’s needed to lay it at His feet and leave it there. God wants us to continue to grow in Him and not be stagnant or comfortable where we are. We must stretch our faith to reach what God has for us.
I pray that God helps us to recognize those things that are dysfunctional in our lives, including where they come from. I pray that God begins a work in our hearts by stirring up a desire for only those things that will lead us and establish us in His Kingdom, His truth, and in His righteousness. I also pray that God helps us to remember that He is our present help in our time of trouble, that He is our rescue and our way of escape. Let God change your desire from dysfunction to destiny! Be encouraged to know that things are going to change! ♥
Hope 4 2day 