When you don't know what to do, do what you know.
I coined this phrase a few months back,
when the world as I'd known it
pretty much started to crumble.
I froze.
What on earth could I possibly do at a time like this
that would make any difference?
The 'time like this' can be any situation
you are facing that is new,
scary, crazy,
upside-down, inside-out,
or just downright hard.
Do what you know.
Do what is familiar.
Do what is comfortable.
For me, back then, I made some stuff
I knew people could use and I gave it away.
For me, right now, it's pray.
There are days I don't have words.
I like to think God still hears my silence.
Friend, don't overthink it.
In the midst of your pain,
anger, frustration, resentment,
heartache...
Tonight, just do what you know.
And let God handle the rest.
Until next time... blessings!
"Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the LORD delivers him out of them all." Psalm 34:19
Chances are if you are reading this, you probably weren't born blind... but I bet it's safe to assume that you have found yourself presented with a situation or two in your life where you have asked the very common, one-word question, "Why?"
There's a story in the Bible about a man that was born blind. I am sure there were many times in his life when he questioned the why.
The disciples also asked Jesus why this man was born blind. Their reasoning was very interesting. They thought it was simply for one of two reasons - either he sinned or his parents sinned.
I love Jesus' answer. "It was not because of his sins or his parents' sins... this happened so the power of God could be seen in him."
When we are faced with hard situations, situations that we just don't understand and there seems to be no good reason for, it is so easy to let Satan plant those seeds that we are being punished for something. I don't believe that is how God works.
God had a very special purpose for this man's life. He wanted to use him in a very powerful way.
But in order for that purpose to be realized, he had to endure years of darkness. Do you think in the end he felt it was worth it?
He had to be blind in order to truly be able to see.
He got to experience firsthand the miracle-working power of Jesus.
Don't think for one minute that God can't reach into your darkness and shine His light.
Don't stop believing for your miracle.
The situation you find yourself in right now may be exactly where God needs you to be before He can rock your world. Will it be worth it?
Until next time, friend... blessings!
If you have ever found yourself, or are currently in, a season of struggle, frustration, discouragement, ready to throw in the towel... this is for you.
"I know your heart been broke again
I know your prayers ain't been answered yet
I know you're feeling like you got nothing left
Well, lift your head, it ain't over yet, ain't over yet so
Move, keep walkin' soldier keep movin' on
Move, keep walkin' until the mornin' comes
Move, keep walkin' soldier keep movin' on
And lift your head, it ain't over yet, ain't over yet"
Those are lyrics from a song by Toby Mac, "Move (Keep Walkin')". If you'd like to listen to the whole thing, HERE is the link.
-----//-----
If you have ever found yourself, or are currently in, a season of struggle, frustration, discouragement, ready to throw in the towel... this is for you.
Those seasons of life are normal. You need to be present in them, feel them, work through them... these are the seasons where you can pitch your tent, but DO NOT build your house! That is not where you are meant to live.
Those seasons will grow you, strengthen you, and prepare you for what's ahead.
Those seasons will grow you, strengthen you, and prepare you for what's ahead.
"If you could see how close you are to a life altering breakthrough, You would be praising Me already."
God is working. God is moving. God is doing His thing.
-----//-----
If you have ever found yourself, or are currently in, a season of struggle, frustration, discouragement, ready to throw in the towel... this is for you.
"Praise Him in advance.
"Praise Him in advance.
Praise Him destitute.
Praise Him weary.
Praise Him broken.
Praise Him frustrated.
Praise Him hurting.
Praise Him until your heart breaks.
And watch the heavens unfold in your favor."
Praise is what keeps you moving.
Praise is what brings down the walls.
Praise is what carries you through to the next season.
-----//-----
Friend, this is for you today.
God is not done with you yet. MOVE, keep walking!
"Opportunity often comes disguised in the form of misfortune or temporary defeat."
Here's a link to a short video where I dig a little deeper into this (and get a little fired up!).
Until next time... BLESSINGS!
Did you ever play this game as a kid (or maybe even as an adult)?
You are just going along your merry way, you have almost made it to the finish line, that 100 square with the big ribbon on it is in sight... and all of the sudden you hit a chute! Just like that, you find yourself all the way back to the bottom of the board. You are crushed, devastated, ready to give up because the board is filled with so many chutes you wonder if you will ever be victorious.
Such is life, right?
We find ourselves just going along our merry way... then BAM! Tragedy strikes, sickness is diagnosed, a job is lost, the stock market crashes, the economy is turned upside down, bills aren't getting paid... you have hit a chute and it sends you spiraling to the bottom of the board.
So what are you going to do?
Become frustrated because it feels like you are faced with so many obstacles?
Wallow there because you know more problems are waiting?
Determine that there is no point in trying again?
OR... grab a ladder and climb out!
Oh the joy that comes when you land on a ladder... you are at the lowest of lows, there are so many squares on the board and so many chutes that you need to get by, right? But then, one spin of the spinner lands you on the biggest ladder on the entire board and you climb all the way to the top. Oh, glorious day!!
You have the ability, with God's help, to shift your perspective and climb the ladder!
See, when you encounter a problem, it does not have to send you into a downward spiral. That is what happens when we are not being good stewards of our mind and we allow the problem to consume us instead of focusing on the solution.
Immediately, look up. Ask God to allow you to see this problem from His perspective. What is the end result that can only be reached by walking this particular road? Oh my, when we can take that high road and look at things from above, we quickly realize that "our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all." 2 Corinthians 4:16
(Ok, wait... let's be real... we may not quickly realize that truth, but it is possible to eventually be able to recognize the good, see the light, and find the purpose.)
Yes, you will be faced with difficulties and challenges.
Yes, you will hit chutes in this life that will send you spiraling.
Yes, you will find yourself being blindsided with trouble.
On these days, look to Jesus and affirm your trust in Him.
Yes, you will have days when life is good.
Yes, you will have moments when problems are absent.
Yes, you will experience times of victory.
On these days, rejoice and thank Him continually.
No matter if you find yourself at the bottom of a chute or the top of a ladder, always keep your eyes on the prize, the end goal, the hope of Heaven.
Until next time...
Until next time...
Blessings!!
-----//-----
If you are looking for support and encouragement, and a group of like-minded women looking for the same, you are welcome in Guarding the Gate. We are getting ready to embark, together, on a 30-Day Transformation Challenge to take back control of our days and shift our focus. Find us HERE, the gate is open for you, friend!
