Life isn’t hard as it seems. It’s our choices that make it feel that way. We strive to walk in God’s will but when we stray from His path, there’s always a lesson to be learned. But be encouraged, God will always use them for our good.
The Lord directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives. Though they stumble, they will never fall, for the Lord holds them by the hand. Psalm 37:23-24 (NLT)
For every bad thing, there is at least ten good things happening all around us. When we keep our minds on the bad things, we become negative. All that negativity affects our daily life and those around us. Stop focusing on the bad and concentrate on the good. When we do, our day will change and maybe even for the people around us. Never know, all those good thoughts might even change the world!
Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may be innocent and pure as God’s perfect children, who live in a world of corrupt and sinful people. You must shine among them like stars lighting up the sky. Philippians 2:14-15 (GNT)
Over the past few weeks I’ve noticed there seems to always be a battle going on in my life. It feels like one ends and another is there staring me in the face trying to steal my happiness.
Scripture tells us we WILL have battles. So we may as well try to be happy in the moment. Try looking for the positives that come with it. Battles are molding us to be more like Jesus. It’s also building our faith. Life’s battles are tough but when we trust Jesus and let him do the fighting, our peace and happiness will outshine anything we face. Spoiler alert…Jesus wins in the end!
Consider it a sheer gift, friends, when tests and challenges come at you from all sides. You know that under pressure, your faith-life is forced into the open and shows its true colors. So don’t try to get out of anything prematurely. Let it do its work so you become mature and well-developed, not deficient in any way. James 1:2-4 (MSG)
I’ve told you all this so that trusting me, you will be unshakable and assured, deeply at peace. In this godless world you will continue to experience difficulties. But take heart! I’ve conquered the world.” John 16:33 (MSG)
Guest post by my best friend who is also a talented christian author. Thank you Michelle for allowing me to share.
I’m tired. I’m weary. I’m exhausted. It’s 1am. And I’m listening to a woman yell, “nurse” at the top of her lungs. I feel for her. My heart goes out to her. And I understand. But at the same time, it’s stressing those in similar situations. Those waiting. Hoping. Praying for an answer. Desperately wanting the help that we need. Calling out for a solution to our problem that we simply don’t have the ability to provide ourselves.
You press the button. Your light goes on to alert the nurse that you need something. And you wait.
Sometimes help comes quickly. Sometimes it takes a little while. And sometimes, they just don’t answer when you think they should. It takes patience. It takes faith. It takes trust to know that your light is on, and that your assistance is on the way.
That’s what prayer is. A call to One mightier than you. Someone who is in control of all creation. You are asking for help with a seemingly insignificant thing, really, in comparison to holding the universe together. A fever to break. A job to come through. A good grade on a test. Assistance with your life’s journey through this harsh, cold world.
Rest assured, my friend: if you have called out to Him who made you, He hears. His ears are attentive to our calls, tears, and distress. He doesn’t hesitate to save you from your problems because He is indifferent to them. He answers each call in His way and in His timing. We have to believe He sees our light and is working out our individual, unique answer. The one we need that will help us grow. Learn a lesson. And be able to pass on wisdom and understanding to those who will also trod behind us in the path.
Is your light on?
I’m tired and I’m weary. But I’m learning to lean on Jesus more and more each day. And less and less on my own understanding. I don’t want to complain that my prayer hasn’t been answered yet. I don’t want to discourage you by yelling that I am still waiting. I want you to be encouraged in your faith and trust that the Maker of the stars knows your name. And your pain. And that while I’m waiting on my answer, I’m praying for yours.
Why am I going through this? What is the purpose? It may be so we can know God better. Sometimes the only way He can get our attention is to take us through stuff that makes us turn to Him. Maybe He takes us through stuff so we can help someone else.
Whatever your situation, go to God with it. When we pray, we talk to God. When we get in his word, He talks to us. The answers are there.
Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal. 2 Corinthians 4:16-18 (NIV)