As I thank God for the coming year, I am also grateful that I made it to the end of this one. I thank God that each morning His mercy is renewed. This year has been interesting, as I am sure, we all can say. Much chaos in all the areas of life. Blessings also in all areas of life. That said, I would just like to encourage all readers of this post to keep putting one foot in front of the other. Life happens. There is nothing you go through that God won’t bring you through. I tell my daughter “your challenge is only temporary”. She shared in transparency that she doesn’t like that saying. She says it does not help when you’re uncomfortable in a major way. I let her know that I wouldn’t say that anymore. I will say that “I will pray for you, for God’s mercy, grace, and protection.” She said she would take that and I agreed. I will take that as well!
Know that you are not alone, no matter what the challenge. And, the challenge is only temporary. Lol…
I want to take a moment to wish everyone a Happy New Year! Be safe and considerate to others. Don’t let your emotions run away with you.
When you are attempting to do something and you try several different ways yet still unsuccessful, do you conclude that there must be a better way? As I continue to grow and mature, I realize that, for me, Jesus is the better way. This life journey is not easy. It has many twists and turns. After I accepted Jesus, I was still initially challenged. However, I decided_with full transparency_my way wasn’t working for me. I know that each of us have the choice of free will. God doesn’t force us to choose Jesus. He asks us to.
The choice is whether to surrender or not. Surrender. your will for His will. God does know that this is a challenge for us. His mercy and grace is there to help us make this choice. The last several years have definitely been a challenge for us all. They have been stressful. I have not been overly stressed, but blessed. I have been concerned, having no anxiety because I knew that God was in control. That is a freedom I keep.
This freedom of not trying to fix everything in my life and trusting God is truly liberating. He has everything in His hands. In concluding, I will note that I understand it is hard to believe in the deity that you cannot physically see. However, you see evidence of Him everywhere. The sun, moon, stars, nature are all a part of Him. The other note is that it takes faith to believe in God and believe God’s Word for your life.
Hebrews 11:1 – “Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.”
As we close on 2022, evaluate where you are. If you need love, purpose, friendship, provision, protection, etc. choose Jesus Christ. God sent His only Son that we might have eternal life as well as life more abundantly here on earth. Everything may not seem differently immediately. However, God is true to His Word. His promises are real and true. Faithfulness is part of His character.
I pray that God will bless you all continually as we venture into the next year, 2023. Prayerfully, I hope that you choose Him for a better you and a better life. We were created to serve and glorify Him.
John 14:6 – “Jesus said to Him, ‘I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.’”
Beginning with Thanksgiving, this is the season most get excited about. However, as we venture deeper into the season for Christmas, let us remember those who are feeling lonely and desperate. We cannot fix their problems. However, we can let those close to us know that we care about them and are there for them. The tricky part is to remember that we are not able to fix everything wrong in their but to help with the loneliness. Sometimes, being present is the key to helping others get through this time of the year. There is always hope.
God’s mercy and grace is renewed every morning. Today there is a cloud but tomorrow the sun will shine. Our hope is in Jesus. I would like to encourage all those feeling lonely that God is for you and with you. He will never leave you nor forsake you. Have you accepted Christ?
Romans 10:9-10 – 9)If you openly declare that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. 10)For it is by believing in your heart that you are made right with God, and it is by openly declaring your faith that you saved.”
It is good to know that when family and friends are no longer there for you, God is and will always be. I am a believer and truly know that God is real in my life. I believe He will change your life. It is your choice. Choose this day whom you will serve.
Joshua 24:15b – “But as for me and my family, we will serve the Lord.”
Happy holidays to all and remember Jesus is the reason for the season!
In my 30’s, I was told to let go of expectations from others. I remember feeling confused. Really? How could you be in relationship with someone without having any expectations; be it friend, romantic, family, or business? I pondered this for days. I will say this had me for a loop.
Fast forward to more maturity. I understand. To let go of the expectations from others not only put me in a place to focus on meeting my own needs but also changed my perspective of others. As we age, we should come to understand that life happens. When you are expecting something from another person and it doesn’t happen, it leads to disappointment, frustration, anger, etc.
As I thought about this, anything could have happened to that person before their obligation to you could be met. While the initial conversation seemed like reality, now that particular reality cannot be met by the the other person due to grief, loss, medical issues, mental illness and so on. Anything could have transpired that you know nothing about and caused the other person to be unable to meet those expectations.
What am I saying? The only One to truly meet our expectations is God and that is on His terms, not ours. “My thoughts are not your thoughts and My ways are not your ways.” What I see, and truly my perspective, is that we live in an entitled culture whether the expectations are of God or others. I see a need to evaluate ourselves and look at how feasible those expectations are from others. When I look at the magnitude of disappointment, anger and frustration of many, it lets me know we need to change our perspective.
In any given moment, an unmet expectation can cause extreme emotional stress. Hence, the manifestation of mental and emotional anguish. As well, increased stress that can lead to chronic issues. What are you looking for from others that you cannot give yourself? Love? Attention? Validation? God gives us all of these, freely! When you stop trusting in man to meet the needs many are not equipped to provide, and receive the free gift from God, things will change for you.
Love – John 3:16 – “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life.”
Attention – 1 Samuel 2:30 – “Therefore, the Lord, the God of Israel declares: “I promised that your house and the house of your Father should go in and out before me forever, but now the Lord declares: ‘Far be it from me, for those who honor Me I will honor, and those who despise Me shall be lightly esteemed.”
Validation – Psalm 139:13-14 – 13) “For you formed my inward parts; you knittted me together in my mother’s womb. 14) I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.”
My expectations are in God and He keeps His promises. – Psalm 18:30 – This God-His way is perfect; the word of the Lord proves true; He is a shield for all those who take refuge in Him.”
“God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.” The Serenity Prayer
This part of the Serenity Prayer speaks directly to me. Accepting what I cannot change puts me in a place to see what I can change. We cannot change others. We inspire them to change themselves (allowing the transformative power of God to move) as we model what that looks like. It is a part of growth that is necessary because it clears our perspective and allows us to move forward. I truly believe that transformative change comes from God because it begins with humility.
1 Peter 5:6 – “Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time He may exalt you,”
God’s Hand
Surrendering to God that He is the omnipotent power is the beginning; accepting that we cannot change anyone but ourselves. Yet, we need His mercy and grace even for that part.
Once you have a clear perspective, you can then ask Him for the courage or power to change the things you can. What does that look like in your life? We all have areas in which we move for change. I only know what that looks like in my life. You know what that looks like in yours. God knows what that looks like for everyone. The Word of God tells us do not fear but be of good courage. He was clear in speaking to Joshua, telling him not to fear but be of good courage.
Joshua 1:9 – “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”
The Word tells us that He has given us a spirit of love, power, and a sound mind. We can move for change because God is faithful to His Word.
Last, but certainly not least, we need to move in wisdom. God’s Word tells us that:
James 1:5 – “If any man lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.”
True wisdom comes from God. He is the all-powerful, all-knowing, present everywhere God. This prayer speaks truly to who God is on this journey. I would say that speaking this prayer out loud everyday moves us out of the way for Him to do what only He can do. Change us for His glory.
