If we had the choice to live a life free from hardships, all of us would take that offer. But without hardships, we have no opportunity to grow and be an influence to others. Hardships are what produces overcomers and successors. Hardships are necessary.
I would be lying to you if I said I got to where I am today from going through life in perfect conditions.
I went through many hardships and setbacks, and still am today.
But every testimony I've written started with a struggle. It's through the struggles that I've been able to learn to depend on God and come out victorious.
I'm never the hero in my battles, it's always God. Through my struggles, I have seen God's strength and power more real in my life. No matter what battles I go through, I see them through the eyes of victory because I know God is for me.
God has already scheduled our victories even in the midst of our battles.
Just as God is for me in my battles, He's also for you.
We can endure hardships with joy when we know that God is using them for our good and that victory is coming. Romans 8:18 says, "I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us." The hardships we go through may be painful, but the testimony that will stem from our problems will be greater than the pain.
God promises us in Romans 8:28 that in all things he works for our good. This means we should have no reason to be filled with fear because we know the end result will always be our victory.
Without trials and testings, we will never grow as Christians. The sign of a growing Christian is one whose faith is growing. Abraham is a perfect example of one whose faith grew. Romans 4:20 says, "Abraham never wavered in believing God's promise. In fact, his faith grew stronger, and in this he brought glory to God."
Abraham had to go through impossible situations for his faith in God to grow. Abraham desired to have children but both him and Sarah were around 100 years old and past the capabilities of having children. However, God promised Abraham that he would have descendants as many as the stars in the sky (Genesis 15:5).
While God did promise Abraham many descendants, he still allowed them to go through hardships. Genesis 16:1 says, "Sarah was not able to bear children."
You might ask, "Why would God make it harder for them and not allow Sarah to have children right after making the promise to Abraham? Why did God make them go through such difficulty?"
God allowed Abraham and Sarah to go through what seemed impossible so that their faith would grow and see that nothing is impossible for God.
God too is taking you through the hardships so you can see that nothing is impossible for Him.
What difficulties is God taking you through today? Will you press through and trust that His promises for you are coming?
God is more interested in your growth than your comfort. God is a good father and like any good father, He allows us to go through difficulties as a discipline to strengthen us. Hebrews 12:7 says, "Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as his children. For what children are not disciplined by their father?"
If you had a child, would you want them to skip the process of studying and just see them get an A?
Of course not (at least I hope not). Like any good parent, you would want your kids to learn through the process and earn the A.
Just like any good parent, God too wants us to grow and learn. God doesn't want us to go through life skipping the trials and tests and miss out on the opportunity to gain wisdom and understanding. He wants us to go through the process and come out stronger and victorious.
Hebrews 12:11 says, "No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it."
Will you trust God and His process?
We can enjoy the process when we know it's for our good and our own maturing. James 1:2-4 reminds us, "Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything."
Hardships are the gateway for us to gain new strength and wisdom. Every hardship is an opportunity to grow stronger and wiser.
We cannot be qualified to help others until we learn how to be overcomers in Christ. God uses hardships to prepare us to be used to make a difference in someone else's life.
No matter what you are facing, know that you can come out victorious with Christ. God promises us that in all hardships we can be more than conquerors through Christ who loves us (Romans 8:37).
Every victory starts with a battle and every testimony starts with a struggle. So remember, hardships are necessary.
Prayer: Lord, I thank you that I can praise you through all hardships knowing that my victory is coming.
Wednesday, April 25, 2018
Monday, April 16, 2018
Give Your Burdens To God
Are you facing a situation that needs to change? It can be burdensome when we put the weight of our problems on our own shoulders. We will find ourselves striving for joy instead of living with joy. God wants you to enjoy the journey. Give your burdens to God.
I was worn out, tired, and exhausted.
I had given my best to change the situation, but things only looked worse.
I felt defeated, to say the least.
We feel the most worn out when we've given our best, and that's exactly what happened to me. I felt burned out because I was carrying the burden of changing my situation and proving myself.
But it was in that moment when God reminded me that it was never my job to prove myself or to change the situation - that was His job.
When we hand our problems to God, the burden comes off of us and on God. God is more than capable to carry our burdens. In fact, he invites us to give our burdens to him.
Psalm 55:22 says, "Cast your burden on the Lord, and He shall sustain you; He shall never permit the righteous to be moved."
Becoming a Christian doesn't mean we receive a FastPass ticket to skip through our hardships or speed through trials. Being a Christian means we can go through any trial with joy and strength that comes from God alone. Psalm 28:7 says, "The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and he helps me. My heart leaps for joy, and with my song I praise him."
When we trust that God has the best in store for us and acknowledge that He is in control despite what we see, we become strengthened. Everyone in the Bible who was in the Lord had to persevere through longsuffering and hardships.
David had to go through 15 years of hiding from King Saul before he became king. Moses had to go through countless trials before Pharoah released the Israelites from captivity. Joseph had to go trials and prison for around 10 years before he was made ruler over Egypt.
How were they all able to persevere through successfully? Because they knew that God was still with them through it all.
Even though Joseph had to go through many hardships, God was still with Joseph. Genesis 39:21 says, "But the Lord was with Joseph in the prison and showed him his faithful love." God was also with David throughout King Saul's pursuit of him. 1 Samuel 23:14 says, "...Day after day Saul searched for him, but God did not give David into his hands." We see God using Moses and fighting on Israelite's behalf to free them from captivity. Exodus 14:31 says, "And when the Israelites saw the mighty hand of the Lord displayed against the Egyptians, the people feared the Lord and put their trust in him and in Moses his servant."
Joseph, David, and Moses all trusted that God would take care of them despite the hardships they faced. They didn't allow their impossible circumstances to shake their faith in God.
What impossible situations are you facing? Will you choose to trust God despite what you see? Will you believe that God is fighting for your good?
Just as God was with those in the Bible, He is also with you through it all.
Exodus 14:14 reminds us, "The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still." God always works for our good, and he will use hardships to perfect our faith and character. We can take joy in trials when we know that in the end, everything will be for our good. Romans 8:28 says, "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose."
We can give our best but ultimately the outcome is in God's hand. When we realize the outcome isn't on us, it relieves us from the pressures of our circumstances. Only God can change our situation.
God is in control despite what we see. We only need to be obedient to what God is saying and leave the rest to Him. God knows our needs and is more than capable to provide what we need. Philippians 4:19 says, "And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus." So remember, give your burdens to God.
Prayer: Lord, I thank you that I can give you my burdens and trust that you will take care of me.
I was worn out, tired, and exhausted.
I had given my best to change the situation, but things only looked worse.
I felt defeated, to say the least.
We feel the most worn out when we've given our best, and that's exactly what happened to me. I felt burned out because I was carrying the burden of changing my situation and proving myself.
But it was in that moment when God reminded me that it was never my job to prove myself or to change the situation - that was His job.
When we hand our problems to God, the burden comes off of us and on God. God is more than capable to carry our burdens. In fact, he invites us to give our burdens to him.
Psalm 55:22 says, "Cast your burden on the Lord, and He shall sustain you; He shall never permit the righteous to be moved."
Becoming a Christian doesn't mean we receive a FastPass ticket to skip through our hardships or speed through trials. Being a Christian means we can go through any trial with joy and strength that comes from God alone. Psalm 28:7 says, "The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and he helps me. My heart leaps for joy, and with my song I praise him."
When we trust that God has the best in store for us and acknowledge that He is in control despite what we see, we become strengthened. Everyone in the Bible who was in the Lord had to persevere through longsuffering and hardships.
David had to go through 15 years of hiding from King Saul before he became king. Moses had to go through countless trials before Pharoah released the Israelites from captivity. Joseph had to go trials and prison for around 10 years before he was made ruler over Egypt.
How were they all able to persevere through successfully? Because they knew that God was still with them through it all.
Even though Joseph had to go through many hardships, God was still with Joseph. Genesis 39:21 says, "But the Lord was with Joseph in the prison and showed him his faithful love." God was also with David throughout King Saul's pursuit of him. 1 Samuel 23:14 says, "...Day after day Saul searched for him, but God did not give David into his hands." We see God using Moses and fighting on Israelite's behalf to free them from captivity. Exodus 14:31 says, "And when the Israelites saw the mighty hand of the Lord displayed against the Egyptians, the people feared the Lord and put their trust in him and in Moses his servant."
Joseph, David, and Moses all trusted that God would take care of them despite the hardships they faced. They didn't allow their impossible circumstances to shake their faith in God.
What impossible situations are you facing? Will you choose to trust God despite what you see? Will you believe that God is fighting for your good?
Just as God was with those in the Bible, He is also with you through it all.
Exodus 14:14 reminds us, "The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still." God always works for our good, and he will use hardships to perfect our faith and character. We can take joy in trials when we know that in the end, everything will be for our good. Romans 8:28 says, "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose."
We can give our best but ultimately the outcome is in God's hand. When we realize the outcome isn't on us, it relieves us from the pressures of our circumstances. Only God can change our situation.
God is in control despite what we see. We only need to be obedient to what God is saying and leave the rest to Him. God knows our needs and is more than capable to provide what we need. Philippians 4:19 says, "And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus." So remember, give your burdens to God.
Prayer: Lord, I thank you that I can give you my burdens and trust that you will take care of me.
Friday, April 6, 2018
Open Up To God
Many of us struggle to open up because of fear that others will look down on us. No one likes to expose their weaknesses because it makes us feel vulnerable. But are we also refusing to open up to God? People may use our weaknesses against us, but God never will. Open up to God.
As a mature Christian, I knew how I was supposed to respond.
I was deeply hurt by the words someone spoke to me. I knew I shouldn't let their words hurt me, but they did.
I didn't show my hurtful feelings to the person and honestly, I was trying not to think about their painful words so that I wouldn't have any bitterness towards this person.
I tried my best to suppress the feelings and didn't even bother to bring up the pain to God.
Why? Because I knew as a Christian, we shouldn't get easily hurt or offended. I thought to myself, "Why bother God with this, I know what he's going to say anyway."
As soon as I said that, tears started running down my face. As much as I didn't want to admit I was in pain, I was in pain.
But it was in that moment when God opened my eyes to see that I'm human, and I'm not God. God never expected me to go through life perfectly without any emotions. He knows I'm not perfect, but that's why I have a perfect God to lean on.
We are not perfect but we have a perfect God to lean on.
Philippians 4:13 says, "I can do all this through him who gives me strength." The reality is we aren't strong enough, but that's ok because God is strong enough. If we could go through life perfectly strong, then why would we need God?
God never asked us to do things in our own strength but in His strength. He never expected us to go through life without needing his help and comfort. God wants us to come to him with our brokenness.
Psalm 62:8 says, "Trust in him at all times, you people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge." God wants to be your place of refuge. A refuge is a place of shelter and comfort from trouble. God wants to be the place where you find comfort from the troubles this world may bring. There's no better place to find healing and peace than going to God.
Where are you running to in the midst of trouble and pain? Are you allowing God to be your place of refuge and strength?
When we are faced with anxiety, anger, or hurt, we either run to something or we try to suppress the feelings by not bringing them up. We may think that forgetting our pain will do us no harm, but it actually will.
Suppressing our pains is like taking painkillers when we should be taking medicine. Painkillers will temporarily numb the pain, but it will never completely heal the pain. The pain will soon come to pass and in a larger capacity.
When we suppress our emotions, it will only get worse in time. Hiding our pains will not heal us, but bringing them to Jesus will. Bring your worries and hurts to Jesus and He will heal your pain and fill you with his peace.
Philippians 4:6-7 says, "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."
Once I opened up my emotions to God, he comforted me with his words. His presence brought peace to my heart that was beyond my comprehension. I couldn't understand how the pain went all away, but it did. Jesus brings a perfect peace that surpasses all understanding.
Will you open up your heart to God and allow him to speak life over your situation?
God can't fix what you don't give him. He can only heal those who are willing to come to him with their brokenness. Confess your struggles and weaknesses to God, because it's only then that he can transform and strengthen you.
It's ok to have weaknesses because it's then that we can see God's strength displayed in the midst of our shortcomings. God reminds us in 2 Corinthians 12:9 "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." So remember, open up to God.
Prayer: Lord, I thank you that I can come to you with my weaknesses and leave strengthened.
As a mature Christian, I knew how I was supposed to respond.
I was deeply hurt by the words someone spoke to me. I knew I shouldn't let their words hurt me, but they did.
I didn't show my hurtful feelings to the person and honestly, I was trying not to think about their painful words so that I wouldn't have any bitterness towards this person.
I tried my best to suppress the feelings and didn't even bother to bring up the pain to God.
Why? Because I knew as a Christian, we shouldn't get easily hurt or offended. I thought to myself, "Why bother God with this, I know what he's going to say anyway."
As soon as I said that, tears started running down my face. As much as I didn't want to admit I was in pain, I was in pain.
But it was in that moment when God opened my eyes to see that I'm human, and I'm not God. God never expected me to go through life perfectly without any emotions. He knows I'm not perfect, but that's why I have a perfect God to lean on.
We are not perfect but we have a perfect God to lean on.
Philippians 4:13 says, "I can do all this through him who gives me strength." The reality is we aren't strong enough, but that's ok because God is strong enough. If we could go through life perfectly strong, then why would we need God?
God never asked us to do things in our own strength but in His strength. He never expected us to go through life without needing his help and comfort. God wants us to come to him with our brokenness.
Psalm 62:8 says, "Trust in him at all times, you people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge." God wants to be your place of refuge. A refuge is a place of shelter and comfort from trouble. God wants to be the place where you find comfort from the troubles this world may bring. There's no better place to find healing and peace than going to God.
Where are you running to in the midst of trouble and pain? Are you allowing God to be your place of refuge and strength?
When we are faced with anxiety, anger, or hurt, we either run to something or we try to suppress the feelings by not bringing them up. We may think that forgetting our pain will do us no harm, but it actually will.
Suppressing our pains is like taking painkillers when we should be taking medicine. Painkillers will temporarily numb the pain, but it will never completely heal the pain. The pain will soon come to pass and in a larger capacity.
When we suppress our emotions, it will only get worse in time. Hiding our pains will not heal us, but bringing them to Jesus will. Bring your worries and hurts to Jesus and He will heal your pain and fill you with his peace.
Philippians 4:6-7 says, "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."
Once I opened up my emotions to God, he comforted me with his words. His presence brought peace to my heart that was beyond my comprehension. I couldn't understand how the pain went all away, but it did. Jesus brings a perfect peace that surpasses all understanding.
Will you open up your heart to God and allow him to speak life over your situation?
God can't fix what you don't give him. He can only heal those who are willing to come to him with their brokenness. Confess your struggles and weaknesses to God, because it's only then that he can transform and strengthen you.
It's ok to have weaknesses because it's then that we can see God's strength displayed in the midst of our shortcomings. God reminds us in 2 Corinthians 12:9 "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." So remember, open up to God.
Prayer: Lord, I thank you that I can come to you with my weaknesses and leave strengthened.
Thursday, March 29, 2018
Jesus Is Alive
We've all heard that Jesus is alive, but do we understand what that means to our lives today? Have we truly grasped the meaning of Easter? Some may see Easter as any other day, but it's a day to remember that Jesus is alive.
I went grocery shopping the other day and decided to ask the cashiers in line if they were excited for Easter weekend.
I was expecting an "of course!" but to my surprise, I received the total opposite response.
With an exhausted voice, one lady said, "no, I have to work." Another cashier said, "no it's just going to be another busy weekend taking care of the grandkids."
To these cashiers, Easter Sunday was just like any other Sunday, and maybe it is for you too. But I want to encourage you that this Sunday is not an ordinary Sunday.
This Sunday is a day to remember the greatest miracle that ever happened in history: Jesus is alive.
Jesus died for our sins and rose again after 3 days so that we could have everlasting life with God.
What does this mean to us? It means that we have real hope because Jesus is alive. We serve a powerful God who is alive and active in our lives today.
In Luke 24 we read about the women who went to visit Jesus's tomb in the morning to find it empty without His body. They then encountered two angels who said, "Why are you looking in the place of the dead for someone who is alive? Jesus isn't here! He has been raised from death.."(Luke 24:5-6).
While this happened thousands of years ago, we still get to remember and celebrate Christ's victory today. Christ's victory also brings our victory.
Because Jesus overcame death, we too can overcome death through His spirit. Romans 8:11 says, "And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies because of his Spirit who lives in you."
When we accept Jesus as our savior, we are no longer destined to go to hell because of the perfect sacrifice that Jesus offered for us. We have victory over this life and for eternity by proclaiming Christ as our savior and submitting our lives to Him.
The fact that Jesus was able to overcome death also shows that He can also do miracles for our lives today. Nothing can hold Christ down, not even death. All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Jesus (Matthew 28:18).
Whatever you may be facing, know that Jesus is alive and is for you. He rose again not only to give you eternal life but to also allow you to experience life to the fullest (John 10:10).
Will you accept Christ as your Lord and Savior and submit your ways to Him?
Maybe you have accepted Christ as your savior but haven't completely surrendered everything to Him. Can I encourage you to let go and trust Him?
The best decision you can ever make is to follow Jesus. Jesus didn't die and rise again for you to still be held in bondage. He died and rose again for you to live in complete joy and freedom. Jesus is alive and wants to be real in your life.
Ever since I completely surrendered my life to Christ, I have seen Him use me in supernatural ways. I've seen miraculous healings take place, prophetic words spoken by others and myself, and my life has changed for the better. Jesus has set me free and given me a life of freedom and peace.
Jesus has transformed my life, and I know he wants to transform yours.
A life following Jesus is a life full of adventures. If you want to see the power of Jesus's resurrection over your life, you must surrender your life to Him. Jesus is alive and waiting for you to follow Him.
Jesus has the solution for any difficult situation you may be facing. He's alive and promises to be with you wherever you go. Jesus says in Matthew 28:20, "..And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." You never have to live in fear because Jesus is with you through it all. So remember, Jesus is alive.
Prayer: Jesus, I thank you that through you I have victory now and for eternity.
I went grocery shopping the other day and decided to ask the cashiers in line if they were excited for Easter weekend.
I was expecting an "of course!" but to my surprise, I received the total opposite response.
With an exhausted voice, one lady said, "no, I have to work." Another cashier said, "no it's just going to be another busy weekend taking care of the grandkids."
To these cashiers, Easter Sunday was just like any other Sunday, and maybe it is for you too. But I want to encourage you that this Sunday is not an ordinary Sunday.
This Sunday is a day to remember the greatest miracle that ever happened in history: Jesus is alive.
Jesus died for our sins and rose again after 3 days so that we could have everlasting life with God.
What does this mean to us? It means that we have real hope because Jesus is alive. We serve a powerful God who is alive and active in our lives today.
In Luke 24 we read about the women who went to visit Jesus's tomb in the morning to find it empty without His body. They then encountered two angels who said, "Why are you looking in the place of the dead for someone who is alive? Jesus isn't here! He has been raised from death.."(Luke 24:5-6).
While this happened thousands of years ago, we still get to remember and celebrate Christ's victory today. Christ's victory also brings our victory.
Because Jesus overcame death, we too can overcome death through His spirit. Romans 8:11 says, "And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies because of his Spirit who lives in you."
When we accept Jesus as our savior, we are no longer destined to go to hell because of the perfect sacrifice that Jesus offered for us. We have victory over this life and for eternity by proclaiming Christ as our savior and submitting our lives to Him.
The fact that Jesus was able to overcome death also shows that He can also do miracles for our lives today. Nothing can hold Christ down, not even death. All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Jesus (Matthew 28:18).
Whatever you may be facing, know that Jesus is alive and is for you. He rose again not only to give you eternal life but to also allow you to experience life to the fullest (John 10:10).
Will you accept Christ as your Lord and Savior and submit your ways to Him?
Maybe you have accepted Christ as your savior but haven't completely surrendered everything to Him. Can I encourage you to let go and trust Him?
The best decision you can ever make is to follow Jesus. Jesus didn't die and rise again for you to still be held in bondage. He died and rose again for you to live in complete joy and freedom. Jesus is alive and wants to be real in your life.
Ever since I completely surrendered my life to Christ, I have seen Him use me in supernatural ways. I've seen miraculous healings take place, prophetic words spoken by others and myself, and my life has changed for the better. Jesus has set me free and given me a life of freedom and peace.
Jesus has transformed my life, and I know he wants to transform yours.
A life following Jesus is a life full of adventures. If you want to see the power of Jesus's resurrection over your life, you must surrender your life to Him. Jesus is alive and waiting for you to follow Him.
Jesus has the solution for any difficult situation you may be facing. He's alive and promises to be with you wherever you go. Jesus says in Matthew 28:20, "..And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." You never have to live in fear because Jesus is with you through it all. So remember, Jesus is alive.
Prayer: Jesus, I thank you that through you I have victory now and for eternity.
Friday, March 23, 2018
You Are Valued By God
We tend to find our worth and identity by what others speak of us, but what happens when people speak negatively about us? It's risky to put our value in the hands of another. Your value is not tied to the words spoken of you. You are valued by God.
I get a lot of encouraging messages from people about myself, but one message from someone close ruined it all.
I didn't understand.
How could one negative comment from a loved hurt me despite all the positive messages I was receiving from others?
I went from feeling valued and loved to feeling worthless and not good enough in just seconds.
But it was in my alone time with God that He revealed to me how this what happens when we place our value in the hands of anyone other than God.
Many times we look for validation from those closest to us, but even that is wrong. No one is perfect. We should never place our identity in the hands of imperfect people, including our loved ones.
Our identity becomes shaken when we place it in the hands of imperfect people. But when our identity is in the hands of a loving and perfect God, nothing can move us.
Ephesians 2:10 says," For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago."
Who can put a value on you when the Most High God made you? God calls you His masterpiece. The God of this universe who made this earth calls you His own. When you place your value on what others say about you, you are like a famous painter asking a person who doesn't even have the skills to paint what his painting is worth.
No one is qualified to put a value on God's creation because no one can compare to His magnificent power. We don't have the power to create the earth and the people in it, so who are we to put a value on others?
No one can place a value on you when God has already placed a value on you.
You were bought with a high price. God sent His son Jesus to die on the cross so that you could be saved and have a chance to be with Him for eternity. Despite our faults, God still loved us because He made us. Romans 5:8 says, "But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners."
Don't let your mistakes define who you are when God himself isn't defining you by your mistakes. While you were a sinner, God still loved you and He still loves you now.
With the understanding of your value in Jesus, live your life to the fullest. Choose to live the life God created you to live. You will find most satisfaction by being the person God created you to be.
Jesus says in John 10:10, "The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full."
Jesus wants you to enjoy life to the fullest. The enemy will try to steal this beautiful life you were made to have by clouding your identity. He will use fear and the things of this world to pull you away from your identity in Christ so that you will never realize what you have been missing this whole time.
Will you choose to live God's version of your life? Have you taken advantage of God's grace and mercy to make your life right before God? Are you living life to the fullest?
Every day we must make the choice to remember that we are a new creation in Christ and highly valued. 2 Corinthians 5:17 says, "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!" The enemy will try to accuse us that we are just who we were before Christ, but we must have faith that when we accept Jesus, we are a new man.
God has a special purpose for your life. Don't let the enemy take your purpose away from you. God made you because you matter to God. Before you were even born God chose you for a special purpose (Jeremiah 1:5). So remember, you are valued by God.
Prayer: Lord, I thank you made me with purpose and I am valued by you.
I get a lot of encouraging messages from people about myself, but one message from someone close ruined it all.
I didn't understand.
How could one negative comment from a loved hurt me despite all the positive messages I was receiving from others?
I went from feeling valued and loved to feeling worthless and not good enough in just seconds.
But it was in my alone time with God that He revealed to me how this what happens when we place our value in the hands of anyone other than God.
Many times we look for validation from those closest to us, but even that is wrong. No one is perfect. We should never place our identity in the hands of imperfect people, including our loved ones.
Our identity becomes shaken when we place it in the hands of imperfect people. But when our identity is in the hands of a loving and perfect God, nothing can move us.
Ephesians 2:10 says," For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago."
Who can put a value on you when the Most High God made you? God calls you His masterpiece. The God of this universe who made this earth calls you His own. When you place your value on what others say about you, you are like a famous painter asking a person who doesn't even have the skills to paint what his painting is worth.
No one is qualified to put a value on God's creation because no one can compare to His magnificent power. We don't have the power to create the earth and the people in it, so who are we to put a value on others?
No one can place a value on you when God has already placed a value on you.
You were bought with a high price. God sent His son Jesus to die on the cross so that you could be saved and have a chance to be with Him for eternity. Despite our faults, God still loved us because He made us. Romans 5:8 says, "But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners."
Don't let your mistakes define who you are when God himself isn't defining you by your mistakes. While you were a sinner, God still loved you and He still loves you now.
With the understanding of your value in Jesus, live your life to the fullest. Choose to live the life God created you to live. You will find most satisfaction by being the person God created you to be.
Jesus says in John 10:10, "The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full."
Jesus wants you to enjoy life to the fullest. The enemy will try to steal this beautiful life you were made to have by clouding your identity. He will use fear and the things of this world to pull you away from your identity in Christ so that you will never realize what you have been missing this whole time.
Will you choose to live God's version of your life? Have you taken advantage of God's grace and mercy to make your life right before God? Are you living life to the fullest?
Every day we must make the choice to remember that we are a new creation in Christ and highly valued. 2 Corinthians 5:17 says, "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!" The enemy will try to accuse us that we are just who we were before Christ, but we must have faith that when we accept Jesus, we are a new man.
God has a special purpose for your life. Don't let the enemy take your purpose away from you. God made you because you matter to God. Before you were even born God chose you for a special purpose (Jeremiah 1:5). So remember, you are valued by God.
Prayer: Lord, I thank you made me with purpose and I am valued by you.
Friday, March 16, 2018
Rely on God's Strength
The worries of life can be burdensome when we're relying on our own strength. We will break down at some point. So how do we persevere through hardships without breaking down? The key is to rely on God's strength.
I thought I was doing good until I found myself worn out with tears.
I was facing a situation where I needed someone to change. Everything was looking good and the evidence that the person needed was all there. But despite everything pointing to my favor, this person still wouldn't change.
I did my best to convince this person to change but the outcome stayed the same.
At one point I felt exhausted and told God, "I can't do this anymore."
I then ran into Philippians 4:13 which says, "I can do all things through him who strengthens me."
It was in that moment when I realized that I can't do this because I've been doing it in my own strength and not God's strength.
Our greatest strength means nothing without God.
God opened my eyes to show me that it's not by my power, but by his power that my situation can be changed. I could give my all and best, but it would mean nothing without God.
God told me, "This was never your battle to begin with. It was never your task to change this person's heart."
God isn't asking us to fight our battles, He's only asking us to be still and trust that He's got this.
We know we are leaning on our own strength when we find ourselves exhausted and worn out. But God never intended us to live this way. He wants us to enjoy His presence and not live in anxiousness no matter what we face.
What does it mean to rely on God's strength? It means taking our hands off our situation and giving it to God.
Philippians 4:6-7 says, "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."
God isn't asking us to fix our problems, but in every situation to bring it to Him in prayer and petition with thanksgiving.
When we learn to give our worries to God, His peace will guard our hearts and minds. No situation can cause us to be anxious when we bring our situations to God.
In Judges 6, we see Gideon winning His battles because of God's strength, and not his.
Gideon said to God, "How can I save Israel? My clan is the weakest in Manasseh, and I am the least in my family." The Lord answered, "I will be with you, and you will strike down all the Midianites, leaving none alive." (Judges 6:15-16)
God assured Gideon's victory by His presence. He promised Gideon that He would be with him. Just as God's presence was the assurance that Gideon needed to win the battle, God is also the only assurance you need to fight your battles.
God never asks us to carry our burdens and fight our battles in our own strength. He asks us to give our burdens to him. Psalm 55:22 says, "Cast your burden upon the Lord and He will sustain you; He will never allow the righteous to be shaken."
When we give our burdens to God, he will sustain us through any storm. There will be nothing too difficult for us to overcome because we know that God is always in control.
Just because things are out of control does not mean it's out of God's control.
If God is in control, what do we need to be afraid of? God wants us to enjoy the journey. He wants us to go through life with joy and laughter no matter how bad our situation may be. Proverbs 31:25 says, "She is clothed with strength and dignity, and she laughs without fear of the future."
We can find joy even in the midst of trials when we recognize that God is with us and is in control. Peace will always follow us when we simply bring our requests to him and trust him to take care of it all.
Do you find yourself exhausted and worn out? Have you been fighting your battles in your own strength or God's strength? Will you surrender your situation to God and trust that He will take care of your needs?
We don’t have to be anxious about anything because no one can ruin God’s plan – He is sovereign above all. The enemy has no power over God's sovereignty. We have the assurance that nothing can harm us because our almighty God is for us and not against us. Romans 8:31 says, "If God is for us, who can be against us?"
Fear flees when we know the kind of God who is with us and for us. So remember, rely on God's strength.
Prayer: Lord, I thank you that I don't have to live in fear because you are always for me.
I thought I was doing good until I found myself worn out with tears.
I was facing a situation where I needed someone to change. Everything was looking good and the evidence that the person needed was all there. But despite everything pointing to my favor, this person still wouldn't change.
I did my best to convince this person to change but the outcome stayed the same.
At one point I felt exhausted and told God, "I can't do this anymore."
I then ran into Philippians 4:13 which says, "I can do all things through him who strengthens me."
It was in that moment when I realized that I can't do this because I've been doing it in my own strength and not God's strength.
Our greatest strength means nothing without God.
God opened my eyes to show me that it's not by my power, but by his power that my situation can be changed. I could give my all and best, but it would mean nothing without God.
God told me, "This was never your battle to begin with. It was never your task to change this person's heart."
God isn't asking us to fight our battles, He's only asking us to be still and trust that He's got this.
We know we are leaning on our own strength when we find ourselves exhausted and worn out. But God never intended us to live this way. He wants us to enjoy His presence and not live in anxiousness no matter what we face.
What does it mean to rely on God's strength? It means taking our hands off our situation and giving it to God.
Philippians 4:6-7 says, "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."
God isn't asking us to fix our problems, but in every situation to bring it to Him in prayer and petition with thanksgiving.
When we learn to give our worries to God, His peace will guard our hearts and minds. No situation can cause us to be anxious when we bring our situations to God.
In Judges 6, we see Gideon winning His battles because of God's strength, and not his.
Gideon said to God, "How can I save Israel? My clan is the weakest in Manasseh, and I am the least in my family." The Lord answered, "I will be with you, and you will strike down all the Midianites, leaving none alive." (Judges 6:15-16)
God assured Gideon's victory by His presence. He promised Gideon that He would be with him. Just as God's presence was the assurance that Gideon needed to win the battle, God is also the only assurance you need to fight your battles.
God never asks us to carry our burdens and fight our battles in our own strength. He asks us to give our burdens to him. Psalm 55:22 says, "Cast your burden upon the Lord and He will sustain you; He will never allow the righteous to be shaken."
When we give our burdens to God, he will sustain us through any storm. There will be nothing too difficult for us to overcome because we know that God is always in control.
Just because things are out of control does not mean it's out of God's control.
If God is in control, what do we need to be afraid of? God wants us to enjoy the journey. He wants us to go through life with joy and laughter no matter how bad our situation may be. Proverbs 31:25 says, "She is clothed with strength and dignity, and she laughs without fear of the future."
We can find joy even in the midst of trials when we recognize that God is with us and is in control. Peace will always follow us when we simply bring our requests to him and trust him to take care of it all.
Do you find yourself exhausted and worn out? Have you been fighting your battles in your own strength or God's strength? Will you surrender your situation to God and trust that He will take care of your needs?
We don’t have to be anxious about anything because no one can ruin God’s plan – He is sovereign above all. The enemy has no power over God's sovereignty. We have the assurance that nothing can harm us because our almighty God is for us and not against us. Romans 8:31 says, "If God is for us, who can be against us?"
Fear flees when we know the kind of God who is with us and for us. So remember, rely on God's strength.
Prayer: Lord, I thank you that I don't have to live in fear because you are always for me.
Thursday, March 8, 2018
Don't Limit God
There are many things in life where we could say, "there's no way that could ever happen", but what if those things could happen? What we can comprehend in our mind is not even close to the extent of what God can do. Don't limit God.
God told me at the beginning of this year that miracles would happen to those willing to believe. When I heard this, I thought to myself, "I'll have no problem with believing in God."
But not too long after that, I found myself saying, "I doubt that could happen."
I was facing a situation where I needed God to move into my parent's heart about a certain matter. But I just couldn't see it happening. As much as God was revealing things to them, it didn't seem to be moving them to take the actions that I knew were of God's will.
Without me realizing, I was at a point where I didn't believe God could change their hearts.
But during my alone time with God, I was drawn to Isaiah 40:25 which changed my perspective completely: “To whom will you compare me? Or who is my equal?” says the Holy One."
The Holy Spirit convicted me that I have been comparing Him to my own capabilities. But who am I to compare God to myself and what I can comprehend?
God cannot be compared to anything or anyone. He created the heavens and the earth, including you and me. Isaiah 40:26 says, "Lift up your eyes and look to the heavens: Who created all these? He who brings out the starry host one by one and calls forth each of them by name."
God's power is greater than our greatest strength. Who are we to limit what God can do?
1 Corinthians 1:25 says, "For the foolishness of God is wiser than human wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than human strength."
Are you lacking faith in God's power to move in your situation? Have you limited your expectations of God based on what you can comprehend?
We can't grasp God's ways because His ways are always outside our ways. God has immense power, so why would he limit his ways to the mere power of humanity? God loves taking us through impossible situations so that His power can be seen. We should praise God when we find ourselves in a situation where there seems to be no hope because it's in those moments when God wants to show off in our lives.
Isaiah 55:9 reminds us, "As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts."
In John 11 we see Jesus doing the impossible. He raises a man by the name of Lazarus who has been dead for 4 days. Everyone around Jesus saw no hope for Lazarus. Their minds couldn't even fathom Jesus raising a dead man.
Martha says to Jesus, "by this time there is a bad odor, for he has been there four days" (John 11:38). Jesus replies, "Did I not tell you that if you believe, you will see the glory of God?" (John 11:39). Jesus then calls Lazarus to come out, and Lazarus who was once dead came out.
Just as God was able to do the miraculous in Lazarus's life, He is able to do the same with your life. The only thing we need to do to see God's glory in our lives is to believe and take the step of faith.
It never came to the minds of Martha and the others that Jesus could raise Lazarus from the dead - but He did.
What situation in your life are you saying, "that can't happen"? Will you believe that God is able to do the impossible?
God's job is to do the impossible and our job is to believe.
Don't box God up by what your mind can understand. Isaiah 40:28 says, "..The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom."
Believe that God will do the impossible no matter how impossible your situation may be. So remember, don't limit God.
Prayer: Lord, help me to not limit your ways. There's truly none like you.
God told me at the beginning of this year that miracles would happen to those willing to believe. When I heard this, I thought to myself, "I'll have no problem with believing in God."
But not too long after that, I found myself saying, "I doubt that could happen."
I was facing a situation where I needed God to move into my parent's heart about a certain matter. But I just couldn't see it happening. As much as God was revealing things to them, it didn't seem to be moving them to take the actions that I knew were of God's will.
Without me realizing, I was at a point where I didn't believe God could change their hearts.
But during my alone time with God, I was drawn to Isaiah 40:25 which changed my perspective completely: “To whom will you compare me? Or who is my equal?” says the Holy One."
The Holy Spirit convicted me that I have been comparing Him to my own capabilities. But who am I to compare God to myself and what I can comprehend?
God cannot be compared to anything or anyone. He created the heavens and the earth, including you and me. Isaiah 40:26 says, "Lift up your eyes and look to the heavens: Who created all these? He who brings out the starry host one by one and calls forth each of them by name."
God's power is greater than our greatest strength. Who are we to limit what God can do?
1 Corinthians 1:25 says, "For the foolishness of God is wiser than human wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than human strength."
Are you lacking faith in God's power to move in your situation? Have you limited your expectations of God based on what you can comprehend?
We can't grasp God's ways because His ways are always outside our ways. God has immense power, so why would he limit his ways to the mere power of humanity? God loves taking us through impossible situations so that His power can be seen. We should praise God when we find ourselves in a situation where there seems to be no hope because it's in those moments when God wants to show off in our lives.
Isaiah 55:9 reminds us, "As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts."
In John 11 we see Jesus doing the impossible. He raises a man by the name of Lazarus who has been dead for 4 days. Everyone around Jesus saw no hope for Lazarus. Their minds couldn't even fathom Jesus raising a dead man.
Martha says to Jesus, "by this time there is a bad odor, for he has been there four days" (John 11:38). Jesus replies, "Did I not tell you that if you believe, you will see the glory of God?" (John 11:39). Jesus then calls Lazarus to come out, and Lazarus who was once dead came out.
Just as God was able to do the miraculous in Lazarus's life, He is able to do the same with your life. The only thing we need to do to see God's glory in our lives is to believe and take the step of faith.
It never came to the minds of Martha and the others that Jesus could raise Lazarus from the dead - but He did.
What situation in your life are you saying, "that can't happen"? Will you believe that God is able to do the impossible?
God's job is to do the impossible and our job is to believe.
Don't box God up by what your mind can understand. Isaiah 40:28 says, "..The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom."
Believe that God will do the impossible no matter how impossible your situation may be. So remember, don't limit God.
Prayer: Lord, help me to not limit your ways. There's truly none like you.
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