There are many times in life where things seem like they are impossible. You could be experiencing troubled times, sickness, financial difficulties, loss of a loved one! Whatever that tribulation, it will not be that way forever.
Darkness comes but eventually there is a breaking of a new dawn. The light will shine again even if it is a small glimmer. Romans 13:12 states, “The night is far gone; the day is at hand. So then let us cast off the works of darkness and put on the armor of light.”
Can you look for light even amidst the darkness?

Are we finding ways to include God in any and everything we do? Are you making time for him? Are we getting rid of the common distractions of life to focus on Him and His word?
I can admit that sometimes it can be difficult but I am learning in this process to take the moment to see and hear God in everything in my life. Surrender is a hard thing when you always want control. However in life I have to learn to let God lead the way, even when I don’t want to do that. Psalm 46:10 states, “Be still, and know that I am God.”

So I challenge you today to Make room for him in any way you can!

We all want a cheering squad! When we achieve great things in life, we hope for the roaring noise of the crowd! But what happens when there isn’t anyone in the stands? If no one said that You did a good job! You’re a great mother! You’re an excellent father! You’re awesome in your career! Congratulations on that promotion or graduation!  Does that mean the accomplishment was not great? That you did not work hard to cross the finish line!

As much as we need others around, there are moments where we must pat ourselves on the back! Reminiscence when it was YOU pulling that all-nighter! Pushing to complete school when you had obstacles! Working two or three jobs to purchase your first home! Stepping out on faith not knowing the destination! Surviving when you uprooted your entire life to start anew!

And as much as we want people to celebrate with us; life happens, and we need to learn how to validate ourselves. Tell yourself Good job! Proverbs 18:21 states, “Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit.” We must learn to speak to those thoughts that tell us, You’re not good enough! You’re not worthy! No one cares! Self-affirmation is not a bad thing! The root of that fruit is YOU at core! And nurturing the root produces growth, substance, and self-love!

I challenge you to celebrate your RACE today!

I woke up with such Joy and Excitement in my heart this morning! You see the day is finally here! The day my youngest daughter will cross the stage during this pandemic and receive her high school diploma! The state of the world right now can be perceived as dim, tumultuous but our dark times began over two years ago. When she began to deal with anxiety and depression after knee surgery; this achievement was so far in the forefront, we just couldn’t fathom her crossing the finish line.

I try to teach the youth in our church, biblical foundation with real life application. And I realized there were moments, where even I struggled with that myself. Even last week, during the first few days of her new job, she struggled and experienced a seizure at work. I couldn’t get to her! But she told me “Mommy, I am not going to Quit! I am going to push through this!” It is the same strength and tenacity, she showed through this entire process. And the biggest thing that God constantly showed me during this time; that while I can encourage and support her, I also must release her and let her stand on her own two feet.

Proverbs 3:5-6 reads, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge/submit to him and he will make crooked paths straight.” That struggle maybe your crooked path. For us it was battles with anxiety and depression. For you maybe it is sickness, financial struggles, making decisions, or leaving that toxic relationship. Whatever it is, I promise you that you can find Joy, once you surrender and trust the process. Meaning we can’t control everything, but we can walk through it in small victories!

Are you willing to experience Joy today, even when things seem dark?

Sometimes we stay in situations, careers, or relationships because whether right or wrong, they are just comfortable. When we are pushed to step out of our comfort zone, this can cause discomfort! We become afraid of making mistakes, failure, or losing something that we didn’t know we would miss once it was gone. Most people cringe when it comes to change! And it is usually due to a fear of the unknown.

Remember when we were young, our parents or elder would always say, “I got my eye on you!” Well God is the same way. Psalm 32:8 states, “I will instruct you and show you the way to go; with my eye on you, I will give counsel.” When I read this today an immediate thought came to my mind; that even when I am uncomfortable, God will direct me. Even when it is difficult and I am afraid, He will guide me. Life will always bring uncertainty, but I cannot stay dormant. Life is about chances and advancement. But in order to advance, we not only must grow but SHIFT in different directions. And the best time to do this is when you are uncomfortable!

What can you SHIFT today to not stay stuck?

This morning parts of North Carolina experienced a rare 5.1 earthquake. Of course, earthquakes are not normal in this part of the country. Some people felt it and some didn’t. I know my daughter and I felt the house rattle and shake. In fact, it woke us up out of our sleep!

But it got me to thinking about the nature of an earthquake. Something in the earth’s inner core shifts and causes not only movement but the earth shifts to another side. It also made me again think some people felt it and some didn’t!
Ironically its the same way with Jesus! Some believe and some don’t! So if those that didn’t feel the earthquake on this morning, does it mean it did not exist? Just because you can’t tangibly see, feel, or touch Jesus, does that mean He doesn’t exist?
Romans 12:2 states: “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.”

So the news, Facebook statuses, Twitter and the world said the earthquake happened! Some people verified and also confirmed it! So even if you didn’t personally feel it, you can’t discount that it occurred. Why can’t we also transform our minds and thoughts to believe in a God that we may never see physically but experience the same way the rare earthquake shifted parts of the southern region today!

Are you will to shift your thoughts to the other side today?

Have you ever just been stuck? Stuck in your thoughts! Stuck in an old mindset! Harboring on the things you used to do or the way you behaved in the past!

You may have made strides to make changes! I’m not going to be angry today! I am going to operate in Peace! I refuse to respond the way I have in the past. I will forgive those who have hurt me! But have you forgiven yourself?

John 8:36 states, “So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” Jesus has already offered you freedom when He was sacrificed on the cross! He paid the price for your sins! In order to move forward, you have to let go of the strongholds in your life!
Are you willing to be free today? Jesus says you already are!

What are the things that have been laid on your heart? Are you feeling led to speak? Is your spirit telling you to write? Maybe it’s time to start that business! Whatever that desire that is haunting you in your dreams, could it mean that it is time to make movement. Start slow! Write every day! Come up with that business plan! Till that garden or build that fence! Your internal guide is speaking to you! What can be lost at this point if you don’t try! How many times or years have you put it off? What are the fears that are holding you back?

Habakkuk 2: 2-3 reads, “And the Lord answered me, and said, Write the vision, and make it plain upon tables, that he may run that readeth it. ³ For the vision is yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak, and not lie: though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry.”

The definition of tarry is to not remain the same or stay in the same place. Another meaning is to not delay or wait! For God to partner with us to fulfill whatever your dreams, there must be movement on your part! You must start somewhere! Even if you make mistakes or fail, the result is you can’t achieve success if you don’t start! Take the step today! You never know the doors that will open, once you are obedient to His voice!

What are you partnering with God for today?

When we are born, our parents take care of us. They feed us, nurture us and offer guidance over time. They try to teach us lessons of life that they may have experienced. Then there comes a time, where they get older and the roles reverse. We may have to be there to take care of them.

Doctor’s appointments, surgeries, and possibly severe illnesses or death. If you have experienced the loss of a parent, my heart truly goes out to you. But this made me think about my own parents and begin to release any resentments, hurt, anger, or betrayal that may have been stored in my heart. Proverbs 23:22 reads, “Listen to your father who gave you life, and do not despise your mother when she is old.”

Father in that verse resonated to me that since God knew me before I was born, he gave me life. And that my parents were the vessels. And although they were not perfect; as a parent today, I realized there is no handbook for parenting. They did the best they could with the information they had. Not only that maybe they were not taught along the way. Maybe my own children feel like there were many mistakes that I made or despise things I did. How can I hold that against them? As much as we think time is forever, we all will grow old. And someone may have to take care of us.

Are you willing to change your perspective to look at things differently?

Sitting here typing this, there was no choice but to sit back and reflect on my past and my current walk with God. As a young girl, I can recall knowing that there was something higher than me carrying me through life; otherwise, I would not have made it! They say that internally; when in tune, you can hear the Spirit of God. It can reach you in various ways, because God communicates with everyone differently.

Some will hear a voice, see messages, hear a song, and some meet people who are sent from God. Others can just sit with him while it is quiet, and he speaks to them. For myself, I think I have received a combination of them all. God visits me in my dreams and through visions. Sometimes it is messages that are sent from individuals I meet. And most definitely when I am quiet, I can recognize his voice.  

Matthew 6:33 says “But seek first His Kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added unto you.” It was then that my entire life was centered on my desire to seek God, and that joining with him results in my ultimate completion.

See wherever there is an operation of the flesh, things are sure to go wrong. If your decision is being made without seeking God first, then somewhere down the line your circumstances become misaligned.

I challenge you to seek God today! Let him show you who you are in him!