BACK IN THE GAME

It is not written that every day in your spiritual journey will be easy. In fact, it sometimes may feel as though you are on a rollercoaster ride. You may find one day you are full of joy because of the love of Jesus and the next day so down in the dumps. What is scary about this kind of thing is sometimes you do not immediately recognize the cause of such extremes. You give in and stay down in the dumps. Maybe you cannot find your way out because you accepted lies the enemy has planted in your mind. Maybe you feel comfortable because you have been in this place before. You have allowed the enemy to sideline you or put you in timeout. My friend, if you are in that place right now, it is time you get back in the game.

The feelings you have might not be so easy to overcome, especially after you have accepted them for so long. Ask Jesus for help. Ask Him to help you overcome what you are feeling. Be completely honest with Jesus when you speak to Him. After all, He knows what you are going through, but still, He wants you to communicate it to Him. You will receive such peace when you just give it all over to Jesus. Let Him work it out for you. After you give it over, do not pick it up again. Focus on the Word of God and what He says about your situation and trust Him to do just what He said He will do. Meditate on His Word.

So you had a timeout. Now get back in the game. Let the enemy know you are in it to win it.

Be blessed.

JESUS UNDERSTANDS

Hearing the words, "I understand" sometimes sounds meaningless. When you are going through an unpleasant time in your life for whatever reason, and you decide to discuss your feelings, people often say, "I understand." Do they really understand? Can someone understand what you are feeling if they have never experienced it? Maybe. Maybe not.

Jesus understands what you are going through. Jesus not only understands, but He is concerned about you. He knows what causes you pain. He knows you are feeling lonely. Jesus knows you are bitter. He knows the circumstances in your life that make you angry. Maybe sharing with others will not bring you the comfort and peace you are looking for, but Jesus brings peace. It may be hard for you to speak to Him during these times in your life, but communication is necessary. Just open your mouth and speak straight from your heart. Pick up a pen and write straight from your heart. If nobody understands, remember there is one who understands and His name is Jesus.

²⁸Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. ²⁹ Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. ³⁰ For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30 NKJV

Be blessed.

LOOK BEYOND WHAT YOU SEE

When you are going through the motions of everyday life, it is sometimes hard to think change will come your way. No matter what changes you make or try to make, nothing seems to work in your favor. You see friends and loved ones getting blessed. You see their dreams and desires being fulfilled. You cannot help but ask, "Lord, when? What about me?" Or maybe you do not ask those questions. Maybe you are tempted to throw in the towel.  

It can be hard and sometimes frustrating to trust there is more going on than what you see. Do not lose hope. Some people give up because today looks like yesterday. Others give up because things are not happening according to their timetable but the Lord's timing. If only they knew what the Lord is doing, I do not think giving up would be an option.

You have to look beyond what you see with your natural eyes. Looking beyond what you see means although today looks like yesterday, you see a change today. Looking beyond what you see means the checking account shows a zero balance but you see a cash overflow. Looking beyond what you see means you are unemployed, but you see yourself employed. Looking beyond what you see means your child is misbehaving but you see him well mannered in all situations. Looking beyond what you see means you have loved ones who are not saved, but you see them saved. Looking beyond what you see means you have undesired results but you see desired results.

Begin to look beyond what you see. Not only look beyond what you see, but speak in a way you desire things to be. Do this and watch amazing things begin to transform and take place in your life.

Be blessed.

CLOSED DOORS CAN BE BLESSINGS

What do you do when you face one closed door after another? You have faith. Then you decide to take a leap, and all of a sudden.... BAM!!! You hit another closed door. You're blinded by what you see. By all appearances, everything seems just right. Everything feels just right. It look as though all things are lined up, working in your favor. So why is the door closed? Oh, how I wish I had the answer for you. I can only give you my thoughts on closed doors and provide a bit of encouragement to you.

               

Like most of you, I’ve questioned why things aren't happening for me. I've found myself excited about a new opportunity, relationship, or something else, only to find it's not meant to be. Now, I look at closed doors in a different way. I look at them as blessings from God. Because doors remain closed to me, I can only think God is protecting me from situations not favorable for me. Or maybe the timing is not right for me. Imagine this. Imagine three closed doors. Two of the doors you can open right away or you can opt to wait on the third door to open up to you at the perfect time. Behind door number one is a situation that causes you much pain, although it appears to be one that brings you joy. Behind door number two is something good, but it isn't great. Behind door number three God has such a great blessing for you. A blessing far greater than you ever imagined or could imagine. Now come on, which door would you rather open? I choose number three. Yes, I have to wait longer for it to open, but all of the blessings stored behind the door is worth waiting for, right?

I want you to understand that you shouldn't allow a closed door to discourage you. Look at is God's protection and/or because He has something greater for you at another time or perhaps another place. Closed doors can be blessings. 

Be blessed.