A Word of Encouragement

Life...sometimes life is hard. Often it's hard...there's big challenges and daily problems. Relationship struggles and financial troubles. Illness and accidents. Death of loved ones, death of relationships, death of dreams. Sometimes these situations are our own fault and others they are beyond our control. Regardless of the reason, they create pain and can lead to worry.

Are you in a hard place right now? Does life have you down? Is Satan on the attack? 

If so, please know you are not alone...I've been there. My heart hurts for you. My prayers go out to you. I hope my words encourage you.

Today in this dark place can I offer a suggestion? Make a choice. Choose to trust God. Choose to embrace His love. Choose to remember His faithfulness. Choose to believe His plan is best. 

In 1 Kings 18:21, "Elijah went before the people and said, "How long will you waver between two opinions? If the Lord is God, follow Him; but if Baal is God, follow him." 

Friend, I doubt your struggling with choosing between Baal and God, but what about comfort and God? Self and God? Familiarity and God? Man and God? Sometimes when I'm in a hard place these things can be a struggle for me. I may not like the hard place, but sometimes staying there is easier than doing the work it takes to leave. But maybe that's just me. 

Other people can hurt us and life can bring us down, but God is in control. If His Spirit is inside us we have the power to overcome whatever life, people and Satan throw at us. Easy? No. Possible? Yes. 

I'm trying to put myself in your (my hurting friends in hard places) shoes right now and I know when I'm there sometimes I don't need one more person telling me what to do. Friend, I don't want to be a noisey gong, but I want to share what God put on my heart. It's His Word that has the power to transform, so please join me for a minute and reflect on a few important Truths.

 “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33

"Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour." (1 Peter 5:8)

"What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?" (Romans 8:31)

"You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world." (1 John 4:4)

"Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it." (Proverbs 4:23)

"Therefore, with minds that are alert and fully sober, set your hope on the grace to be brought to you when Jesus Christ is revealed at his coming." (1 Peter 1:13)

"Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus." (Phil. 1:6)

" 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." (Romans 8:28)

"Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses." (1 Timothy 6:12)

"So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." (Isaiah 41:10)

Friend, what do you take from these Truths? Which one did God bring you here to hear? Life around us can and will change, but God is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow. He has the same plan for you today that He had when time began. Chances are it doesn't always look like you expect, but He knows. And He is working. 

My heart has really been burdened for those who are hurting and that's a good thing...we are to bear one another's burdens, but I know I can't change them, fix them or remove them. Only God can do that, so I'm casting my cares to Him. Will you join me in doing the same? 

Below you will find a message from my heart to yours...I haven't done this much, but really felt God prompting me to use my mouth not just my words to encourage you. So asking Him to do just that. Friend, if I can pray for you specifically leave me a comment or send me an email at jillberan@yahoo.com and I'd be happy to lift you up. Until then, may our loving and faithful Father renew your mind and restore your joy!