Sometimes tears flow easily from pain and struggles that you wish you and your loved ones could escape. Just this past weekend, I came undone in a flood of tears as sadness washed over me. More so happy tears, victory tears, great is thy faithfulness tears, a sense of peace, joy, love, grace and mercy overflowing ….so overwhelming….
Often times we try to pray our way out of things that God could have completely prevented to begin with. Perhaps we are meant to be in them to learn how to trust God.
When we are close to the Lord, we know His presence is with us even when we lack the evidence of His work but on weary and discouraging days â we grasp for a glimmer of hope. We look for evidence like Thomas did when he asked to see and feel Jesusâ hands and side.
Yesterday I saw this quote on Instagram:
I was quickly reminded of all dead things I nurture over they years? Let the death things die! Prepare to embrace the new things God has for you!
Are you dragging dead branches in your life? I would like to think that we all do. Ihave! Healing take place when we let old things go and make room for the new so we can bear fruits. May be itâs a bad relationship, and old wound from your past or a negative attitude that keeps you from enjoying life to the fullest.
The scripture reminds us in John 15:2 NIV âHe cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes[a] so that it will be even more fruitful.â God wants to take us to the next level in your relationship with Him, but here are some things He wants us to leave behind, past hurts, insecurities, or anything we look to for a sense of security other than God Himself.
The act of letting go is much easier said than done. If you ask me. We all go through periods in life where we try to hold on to memories, people, and things. As wonderful as it is to reminisce the past at times, we must also learn to accept the fact that things change. Life, for all of us, is abundant in experiences, opportunities, and struggles, and without each of these, we cannot grow.
So cherish the memories, forgive the hardships, dismiss who or what is no longer serving you, and look to the future with positivity. To the best of your ability, embrace the beauty of letting go.
Decide today with me that we are going to let go of the past and press on to experience a fuller and richer, more abundant life in Christ.
What do we do now?
Pray.
Worship.
Serve.
Move forward and leave it behind you.
Embrace the beauty of letting go.
Walk with the King.
Leave your prayer requests, Comment and share this post.
We were torn to heal and that is God’s purpose for for our trials and sufferings.
âI consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.â – ââRomans⏠â8:18⏠âNIVâŹâŹ
Suffering?
We tend to think our suffering is because of Satan, and in some cases this is true. But suffering can also be from the hand of God.
God will allow suffering in our lives to expose the sin that we need to deal with. But thatâs not the only reason we encounter hardships.
Suffering. We tend to think our suffering is because of Satan, and in some cases this is true. But suffering can also be from the hand of God.
God will allow suffering in our lives to expose the sin that we need to deal with. But thatâs not the only reason we encounter hardships.
In John 9 we read of the man born blind. Was his suffering due to his sins or perhaps those of his parents? Neither. Jesus said the man was born blind so that the works of God might be made manifest in him.
We may never know why weâve had to suffer. But we can live in such a way that our suffering brings glory to God. Job lost ten children. Paul lost his health. Naomi lost a husband and two sons. Jesus was beaten and crucified. All of their hardships and agony brought glory to God.
Imagine that your friend called you and complained, “My business card was drawn out a fish bowl at the convention and I have won an all-expense paid trip to Paris, but I suffered a paper cut when I opened the envelope announcing the prize. I am very upset.”
You’d say, “why be upset? A little paper cut isn’t worth considering, compared to the excitement of a trip to Paris.”
That’s the argument Hod makes in Romans 8:18. Granted, our trials and troubles in life are after more than paper cuts. But our coming trip to New Jerusalem and the glories to follow are a lot greater than the trip to Paris. The apostles Paul, who wrote these words, has been shipwrecked, flogged, bound in stocks, beaten with rods, chained, stones, and treated like a dog. Yet he said his sufferings weren’t worth comparing with coming Glory.
I face daily life challenges big or small daily. Who doesn’t? What do you do? Sometimes, I truly think the enemy is playing trick on me. Hah! Yeah! The enemyđ and sometimes I wonder whether or not God is testing me. Do I freak out, stress out, give in or do I stand strong and lean on on God’s promises?
See, knowing the certainty of the future glory gives me hope to persevere daily through the setbacks. If we become anxious or depressed in trials and lose hope, itâs because weâve forgotten the absolutely certain outcome: Future glory forever with Christ! Yes, there is present suffering because we live in a fallen world. But God has promised future glory. Keeping that in view will enable you to persevere any suffering with hope.
Glory?
Paul said: In all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.â Even in pain and suffering, we are not losers, we are better than conquerors, because we share in the victory of Jesus Christ. Our prize, our inheritance is the eternal glory of God! The prize is infinitely greater than the cost.
âFor I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lordâ (verses 38-39). Nothing can separate us from the plan that God has for us. Absolutely nothing can separate us from his love! We can be confident in the salvation he has given us.
Friends, In this world we will have tribulations, but those tribulations will not have the final say. The suffering that they bring will not destroy us nor do they have to define us. Our Lord endured suffering on the pathway to glory and He enables His followers to do the same. Christians are âheirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with himâ (Romans 8:17).
That future hope gives us present strength to continue the life of faith with joy.
Whatever you are going through today, we can live in Romans 8:18. For our light and momentary affliction is working for us a mare more exceeding and eternal weight of glory. One second of glory will outweigh a lifetime of suffering. You better believe it and stand firm in faith! Glory is ahead!
I was recently talking to a friend about healing and restoration. I called it âmatters of the heartâ. Remising over some of life huddles of the past and the strengths that I gain because of them. I am an ocercomer. My relationship with God was so far off even though I have been a Christian my whole life. It was easier for me to believe the lies of the enemy instead of focusing on what the word of God says about me. Walking with Christ donât necessarily mean that everything is going to be all right. It means because of Christ we will stand victorious against trials and tribulations. My focus was on me, Me! Me!…Jesus! Jesus?! What about Jesus? Jesus?! His love?! The price?! The sacrifice of The cross? Take my cross?! Nah! Forgive them?! Satan, the author of confusion had me right where he needed me, Confused. Yes, the pain, the tears, the losses, the pride, the guilt, the lies!! Yes, the lies! Did I mentioned the lies!! Those who created and spread â the gossipers! Yes, the gosipers and manipulations, the shame and unforgivness. The church?!! The friends??! family?! The clicks?!….I thank God for my family and friends who stood by me in the middle of the storm. Truth is everyone is your life for a reason and a season. Only Jesus will always be be there. He promised to never leave you or forsaken you. I had to quickly get this in my head. The true and genuine friends aren’t always going to be there when you need them. It’s understood. They each have their own life struggles and responsibilities too. They can’t be there with you late I the midnight hour…. God was with me. So, I remember, a few of my Good Samaritans were the strangers and the unbelievers. They were God sent. Yup! God will use anyone! Yes! Jesus loves them too and showed me His love when and where I least expected.
I had to learn to forgive myself and forgive them and release them in Jesusâs Name! How did I get here? Today, I can smile without the mask …. Yeah the mask! Do you have one? It’s not easy to take off is it? It is easier to trust everyone with it on. Trust me, I know ….It takes one to know one…praying for you…. That’s a whole new post.
He has brought me from a mighty long way. I should have been dead! At least, that I was the enemyâs plan. In our conversation, I was quickly reminded of Godâs love, grace and mercy towards me, his promised and perfect plans for my life.
âDo not be afraid; you will not be put to shame. Do not fear disgrace; you will not be humiliated. You will forget the shame of your youth and remember no more the reproach of your widowhood.” – Isaiah 54:4
And then, I realized that blessed I am because some people have gone through hell and didnât came back but I God preserved me through the storms of life and restored me. I remember reading the following scripture in my quite time and begun to study it.
âRegarding Zion, I canât keep my mouth shut, regarding Jerusalem, I canât hold my tongue, until her righteousness blazes down like the sun and her salvation flames up like a torch. Foreign countries will see your righteousness, and world leaders your glory. Youâll get a brand-new name straight from the mouth of GOD. Youâll be a stunning crown in the palm of GODâs hand, a jeweled gold cup held high in the hand of your God. No more will anyone call you Rejected, and your country will no more be called Ruined. Youâll be called Hephzibah (My Delight), and your land Beulah (Married), Because GOD delights in you and your land will be like a wedding celebration. For as a young man marries his virgin bride, so your builder marries you, And as a bridegroom is happy in his bride, so your God is happy with you.â -Isaiah 62:1-5 MSG
Isaiah prophesied in a time when Jerusalem was still a functioning city, but was spiritually corrupt. Here, he looks forward to the time when Jerusalem is desolate because she has been conquered by the Babylonians, and prophetically speaks comfort and assurance to her discouraged and downcast citizens. The Lord assures them that He will not rest until Jerusalem is restored in a shining righteousness. This prophecy is directed towards Zion and Jerusalem. Although God is concerned with that area as an actual material place, it also stands as a representation of Israel, and in an even more general sense, as a representation of all Godâs people.
The Son of God here assures his church of his unfailing love, and his pleading for her under all trails and difficulties. She shall be called by a new name, a pleasant name, such as she was never called by before. The state of true religion in the world, before the preaching of the gospel, no man seemed to have any real concern for. God, by his grace, has wrought that in his church, which makes her his delight. Let us thence learn motives to holiness. If the Lord rejoices over us, we should rejoice in his service.
Hephzibah: Meaning: my delight is in her⌠A symbolical name of Zion, as representing the Lord’s favor. A New Name representing delight and favor! No Matter where youâve been, No Matter What Youâve Done, No matter what they said about you, that doesn’t define who you are in The Eyes of God, You Can Begin Again! You are the sons and the daughters of The King. “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you…” – Jeremiah 1:5
No one knows you better than the one who created you and knitted you together. He defines you. He knew you will be needed His grace and His mercy. They are available for you today. His user tired love and favor are available for you. There nothing you could ever do to make Him love you less. Ladies and gentlemen, let me remind you who you are and whoâs you are. You are the sons and the daughters of The King of Kings and The Lord of Lords. You are precious in His sight. You are His handiwork. You Are Godâs Most Prized Possession. You are matter to Him. He cares. He sees. He knows. He loves you. He is concerned about you. He just want you to trust Him and surrender your life to Him. I too have faced challenges and doubted God’s love and grace but the scripture reminded me that
“He chose to give us birth through the word of truth that we might be a kind of first-fruits of all he created.”- James 1:18
You belong to Christ and we are to begin operating as such. Don’t let your pass and your current situation define you. Ladies, your crown may have fell along the side walk but pick it up, fix your crown and begin to walk in your purpose! Yes, you may have made some mistake but itâs never too late for grace. Look closely enough and youâll see that theme all through the Bible. Page after page, story after story God delights in turning tragic endings into new beginnings. The barren give birth, doubters become deliverers, and harlots are recast as heroes. In every biblical fresh start, we are reminded that with God, new beginnings arenât the exception; theyâre the rule. The scripture reminds us of God’s promise to us:
“Youâll be a stunning crown in the palm of GODâs hand, a jeweled gold cup held high in the hand of your God. No more will anyone call you Rejected, and your country will no more be called Ruined.”
This passage powerfully demonstrates that God isnât done with you yet. If youâre stuck in a rut, disappointed by an outcome, hurting from a wound, failing in an endeavor, struggling in a relationship, or unsure about the future . . . donât give up. Donât give up on yourself, and donât give up on the God who loves you. If you thought it was too late, itâs not. Itâs never too late for grace. God wants to pick up all of the broken pieces and make you whole again. He wants to give you beauty for ashes. “He heals the broken-hearted and binds up their wounds.”- Psalm 147:3
I remember vividly 4years ago today where I have been and how the enemy tried to destroy me in all aspect of my life, emotionally, physically and financially. I was bound in chains, crippled by his lies and fears, and manipulations. I was in so much pain that I didn’t feel it. I wear the mask really well through it all. I was so blind I couldn’t even see God’s love and purpose for my life. Everything fell apart. My environment became small. I had no one to turn to. No one I could trust. The betrayals, the lies made me questioned my own integrity and my sincere walk with God. Loved one walked away from me. Like Job, I lost everything that was dear to me. My faith was tested. None of it made sense to me. I cried night and days asking “God where are you”? Why me? Why and how did you let this happened? I am doing everything right, Lord? Why? I have allowed doubts, fears to take over my self-worth and self-confidence. I questioned God’s love, His word and His will for my life. I became angry with God and those around me. I was in a deep hole. Deep in hot water. Stuck in a bad place emotionally, spiritually. Felt Lonely, Worthless and Rejected. I looked for all possible ways and excuses to quit everything God has instilled in me and started seeing myself through my own lenses and allowed those that trusted the most to define me. I began to nurture negative thoughts and rejected the fruit of the Holy Spirit. I blamed myself for it all. I allowed culture to define who I am base on where I came from and God’s true purpose for my life. I began to believe the enemy’s lies. But God!! He restored me! He made me whole again! Better than I have ever been! He opened up my eyes!
See, He never left me, was ALWAYS by my side through it all. He became my everything! I also realized that hurt people hurts people. The same thing the enemy used while trying to kill you, God can use that plan and worked all out for your good. Your life will never be the same. You became a different person once youâve gone through hot water and back. I experienced God in a way I have never have before. See, it wasn’t all about me after all. God was pruning me for new seasons. Having stood the test wasn’t easy but my life is no longer the same. He worked it all out for me good.
âFor we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus’ sake. For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the Excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us. We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed; Always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body. For we which live are always delivered unto death for Jesus’ sake, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our mortal flesh.â – 2 Corinthians 4:8
Today, He set me free. I am no longer bound in chains of the lies of the enemy. He equips and qualifies those He calls. I released those who’ve wronged me and I those I have wronged. I know my father’s voice and I know that He loves me. I belong to Jesus, The Author and The Finisher of my faith. I can love and trust again. My faith is stronger than ever. The trials and tribulations came to make me stronger. Today, I stand in awe humbly of His unfailing love and His amazing Grace. I am thankful for His unmerited favor.
As you start to see yourself through Godâs eyes, youâll begin to sense the depth of His love for you and the limitless beauty Heâs placed within you. Let Him replace your emptiness and pain with His rich and deeply rooted love.
Let me remind you that God has a plan for you no matter what things may look like right now. Keep your eyes on Him. Let His Grace abound and let Him take you from glory to glory, grace upon grace! “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” – Jeremiah 29:11
Confession: Thank you, Father, you are a GOOD GOOD Father. That’s who you are!!! Yes! Thank you! Thank you that you are always mindful of me, providing, covering, protecting, thinking thoughts of love, good, and favor toward me. Thank you for your living word. I know you are not finish with me yet but It is wonderful to know yours promises are true. Your words will not return void. Thank you that I am your most prized possession. I am in awe of your love, grace and mercy. My heart bust when I think of how precious I am in your sight and you remember my sins no more. In the eyes of the world, I am worthless but your eyes, I am a stunning crown in the palm of Your Hands, a jeweled gold cup held high in Your Mighty Hands. No more will anyone call me rejected. I am beautifully and wonderfully made by you to fulfill your purpose. I lack nothing. Thank you for the new name. You called me “Delightâ I am your delight, your bride and you are happy with me.
I recorded and released “Neva give up” a few years not knowing what would face the challenges that I faced in the last few years. It is relevant to this post. I pray that it bless you.
It’s available on iTunes and Amazon. Check it out from my album latest album ” Everythinv To Me”
Listen to Everything to Me by Flore on @AppleMusic.
Comparing ourselves negatively with others leads to discontment, discouragement and jealously. Do you struggle with comparison?
Comparing means examining the similarities and differences of two or more things, ideas or people. When we compare ourselves with others, it can be a form of jealousy that results from not trusting in the Lord’s love and fairness.
Job titles, income, social following, successful businesses, free time, attitude about life, physical fitness, excellence at a hobbyâŚ
These are things that I see other people excelling at over myself on a daily basis, and if Iâm not careful, comparing myself to them on one of these metrics can potentially strip me of contentment with who I am, and what I am good at.
Theodore Roosevelt, a president known for his exuberant personality, range of interests and achievements, is quoted as saying: Comparison is the thief of joy.
Be aware of where you are in the current chapter of your life and make no mistake by trading your joy and comparing yourselves with others journey.
I had to check myself more than twice recently. I am so thankful for conviction of the Holy Spirit. Comparison is corrosive. It eats away at my ability to be content and confident. It is a poison that kills the love I have for myself.
Comparison is a thief of joy, and jealousy is often its partner in crime. Whether Iâm comparing my body, abilities, or bank account to someone elseâs, I do harm to myself if I allow that comparison to rob me of my self-satisfaction and engender envy. Itâs a bad habit Iâm still learning to break, but certain truths have helped me to compare and envy less and to thereby do a better job of loving myself.
So don’t hold yourself up to some outside vague standard of greatness. Judge your work by your principles and leave comparison out of the equation.
Comparison is rarely constructive. Envy is a destroyer of joy. I might as well learn to love myself on my own terms who I am, how I look, and what Iâm capable of because Iâm the only me Iâve got.
The scripture reminds us : “Let everyone be sure to do his very best, for then he will have the personal satisfaction of work done well and wonât need to compare himself with someone else.” (Galatians 6:4 LB)
Truth is when you strive to be the person God made you to be, youâll find real meaning, purpose, fulfillment, and satisfaction. You canât focus on your purpose while looking at other people.
True contentment is found at His feet. It is joy unspeakable.
Here are the keys to finding true contentment (and keeping it! đ
Perspective:: We compare by nature, but often to people whom we perceive have better lives. The grass is always greener mentality will only leave us feeling like bad gardeners.
Gratitude:: I find joy in being thankful for all He has given me. Even if sometimes itâs smaller and not as fancy as others. True joy is a reflection of a thankful heart. And in Him, I have it allâeverything that matters.
Recognition:: Every good and perfect gift comes from our Father from God.
Joy is what happens when we allow ourselves to recognize how good things really are. â Marianne Williamson
Donât let comparison steal your joy. Join me in defeating this enemy today!
Ask God to show you ways that you compare yourself to others. Confess your comparisons and ask God to re-direct your heart toward contentment and gratitude.
If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. â James 1:5-6 (NIV)This is a promise that every believer in Jesus Christ can boldly claim. When we face situations that are beyond our understanding, there is a life line: God will give wisdom to those who realize their plight. Notice that first we must come to grips that we lack wisdom, then heavenly knowledge will open up. It may come through the Scripture, a ârandomâ phone call, or a variety of ways, but when it comes we must not doubt Godâs answer. He has promised to give it, but we need to receive Godâs wisdom as boldly as we ask for it. Doubting God’s answer?đ #BibleStudy
