New Perspective

Does life feel like a construction zone, rough and rocky?  We get tired along the way and sometimes we think that we can’t go any further.  It’s not always a smooth path, but if it were easy, there would be no learning through these experiences. It’s the times of trial that we learn just how to deal with our circumstances and get a new perspective. It’s a time of building and rebuilding, whether in the physical or emotional sense. 

The life of Nehemiah and his experience is powerful.  Have you ever felt like you've been rebuilding your wall just to have the enemy come and knock it –or you down?  Sometimes you feel it’s too much and you start hearing those voices telling you that you can’t do it.  But there’s something more powerful that is out there. A fresh new start, and you don't have to do it alone. God is there for us.  He is there to walk with us and to help us, all we have to do is let go, give it to God and give Him the control of our life. 

Isaiah 41:10 says, “Don’t be afraid, for I am with you.  Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you.  I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.”


We don’t have to walk this path alone, and we don’t have to do it by ourselves.  Sometimes we feel as if there’s no one else that would ever understand what we’ve been going through and we tend to take so much on ourselves that we let it weigh heavy on us.  But when we let our Heavenly Father in on our life, that load becomes a little lighter and our baggage doesn’t seem as heavy as it once was.  Dig into the scriptures and engage in your quite time, then see what you discover. Be still.  

In Matthew 11:28 Jesus says, "...come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest."

We have a team as well.  Within our church body, our fellow believers, and Christian family whom are there to hold us up and encourage us as we travel these roads along our journey.  It's not always going to be easy, and sometimes the road gets rough and discouraging, but when we stick it out and keep going when we want to quit, and don't let discouragement bring us down, we can look forward to the next steps we are supposed to take and how we are to get there. We need to trust God's process.  When we put our trust and faith in God...our mind, body, and soul can rest assured that He has got the best planned out for us and He can help us through our struggles to find where we are supposed to be. God puts us in the right place at the right time to bring about His great plan.

Psalm 24:8 states that, – “Who is the King of glory?  The Lord, strong and mighty; the Lord, invincible in battle.”  Don’t give into those voices of discouragement.  Remember, if God is for us, than who can be against us. Don’t give up hope.  Keep on fighting because God is going to do great things in you and for you. He’s got great plans for his children and He wants to be a part of your life for eternity. 

Is God calling you to something? 
What advice can you share about taking time to be still as we wait and trust the process?



Blessings, 

The Bigger Picture

“I will call upon your name and keep my eyes above the waves

Spirit lead me where my trust is without borders, let me walk upon the waters wherever you would call me, take me deeper than my feet could ever wander and my faith would be made stronger in the presence of my Savior.”
(Oceans – Hillsong)

Eyes swollen, tear-stained pages of my journal, my Bible underlined, written on and highlighted, scared of the next step and determined to conquer the world at the same time.  I’ve felt this strong feeling for a while, I’m ready, show me where to go from here.

In a season of waiting it can be difficult when all life tends to throw at you is the word no, not yet, later, hold on, etc.  It can be utterly discouraging and emotionally exhausting.  I thought you said I was ready, why are you making me wait? Can you even hear me?

If you ask me, it’s the word that most of us have despised since the moment we first heard it.  That word that disgusts us because we know we are not getting what we really want. As hard as it may seem to fathom, as much as we want to fight against it with all our might, just maybe that “no” is temporary.  A simple no doesn’t always mean forever, it quite possibly may be no for a season, a matter of protection to keep our heart pure, and potentially protect us from a bigger rejection or hurt.  God does know the perfect time to say yes, but as much as I hate to admit it, I still want to sulk into my pillow and scream when I hear the word no from something I really wanted or I think I am ready for.

“Have mercy on my, Lord, for I am in distress. Tears blur my eyes. 
My body and soul are withering away.” Psalm 31:9

In a season of waiting I always tend to think of David.  This was a man who was least considered in his family.  I bet he thought nothing good would come from his existence.  He was despised and rejected for much of his life.  Someone who was chosen last but still kept going. Despite several failed attempts at life, David was still known as a man who was devoted to God.  Much like all of us, we fail from day to day.  It’s when we realize where we fell and turn to our Savior to help us back up.  We can’t do it alone and we don’t have to, even though it may seem like it at times.

Father God, when I feel like giving up, help me put my trust in You, my God, my strength when I am weak, my Comforter when I am scared, my Protector.  Help me keep my eyes on you and know that you are with me in times of trouble and I’m afraid.

“You are my refuge and my shield; your word is my source of hope.” Psalm 119:114

Blessings, 

You’re an Overcomer!

Absolutely love this song from Mandisa! “Overcomer.” It seems to come on the radio at just the right time.  Sometimes when you feel things are getting too tough and it’s circumstances are rough, it’s time to remember that, “you’re and overcomer!” With God on your side you can make it through anything that comes your way.  Sometimes it’s hard to –let go— and give God the control of the boat you’re in, but when we do let go of the paddle and quit trying to stir our own direction the waves don’t seem to rough and the water feels a lot smoother and nicer to be on.


Psalm 27:1 -The Lord is my light and my salvation whom shall I fear?
The Lord is the stronghold of my life—of whom shall I be afraid? 

When we let Christ in our lives we no longer have to be afraid anymore.  There is always someone there to listen to us and to help us.  Although we are human and though we don’t always see the amazing opportunity we have to come to Jesus with our overwhelming issues, and we attempt to figure things out on our own.  Then when we do realize that we can’t do it by ourselves, we sometimes wonder what took us so long to figure out we can’t do it alone. He is always standing there with open arms just waiting for us, ready to embrace us, when we need it the most.

I love music!  The words to a song can change your mood/spirit in a split second.  I guess that’s why I love listening to positive and encouraging Christian radio stations.  Whether it’s K-Love, Air1 or our local KAMB station.  I know that I can turn on anyone of these station at anytime and hear something uplifting and encouraging. The music just gives my day that extra boost of enthusiasm to get me through and another reason to smile.

     

Blessings to you,