Tag Archive for: Faith

Never Give Up

Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” (Matthew 19:26)

Are you facing the impossible? Are you tempted to give up? I have talked to a few different people this last week who are facing what they think is impossible. My heart aches for them and I pray that their eyes will soon get fixed on the Lord who never sees anything as an impossibility.

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The Greatest Expectation

My heart is full with hope and expectation!  Filled to overflowing.

I caught a glimpse of heaven
and I don’t want to let it go.

I know it might seem trivial or even completely off-base to some, but The P.T. Barnum-inspired movie musical The Greatest Showman is full of powerful insights if you’re looking for them.

Barnum’s ticket to success was using his human ability to bring his imaginative impossibilities to life. For him, this would provide his audiences some joy and an escape from the drudgery of everyday life (and provide an income for his family). But it ended up doing more than that. The “circus” he created overwhelmed and flooded the senses of his audiences beyond their wildest expectations in light of seeing the unimaginable come to life. That feeling of amazement in seeing and feeling the spectacular makes your heart pound. Being surrounded by the impossible – It leaves you speechless. In awe and wonder. That, my friend, is what we are headed for!

“No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love Him.”

1 Cor. 2:9 NLT

And the message gets even better in the film. All those who had been hidden away in shame and darkness were able to come out and find their value and purpose. That was for the movie characters. But what about us? Those of us who are broken. Who have lived with secrets and shame. The flawed and imperfect. We have value in Christ. We find our purpose in Him. And there’s more – as He brings us out into the light of truth and grace, we find healing and wholeness. Everything we have lacked, is freely given to us.

My friends, when we accept the concept of seeing the impossible become reality and then find ourselves included in the impossible, we get a glimpse of what heaven is going to be like. All of our wildest dreams are going to come true in Him – the fullness of everything we’ve been waiting for and ever dared to hope for, the King of Glory! Every tribe, every nation will be represented before His throne. Everyone will bring their best, their differences, their scars, their everything and find it completely perfected in Him (Rev. 7:9). Can you even begin to imagine how mind-blowing this is going to be?

The reflection of God,
expressed through humanity,
completely perfected in Him.

 

This is a day I can hardly wait for!

But here’s why it matters right now. In the “Lord’s Prayer,” Jesus teaches us that we are to be praying for God’s will to be done here on earth just like it is in heaven. Do you see, Dear One? We can dare to believe the impossible is coming because it really truly is. What are you looking for? What impossible things are you dreaming of, that God can start living out through you just because you’re simply willing to believe. Wait in eager expectation for Him and watch how He shows you impossible things. Things He has desire to accomplish through you. The things He planned from before the creation of the world (Eph. 2:10). They are already starting to come true because you believe He is who He says He is and can do what He promises He will do.

“God will make this happen, for He who calls you is faithful.”
1 Thes. 5:24 NLT

When you see it – let your heart swell. Recognize it! Revel in it with the greatest expectation of what He has yet to do.

So what impossible thing has He called you to today? Withholding judgement so that you can extend some grace in that family situation? Self-control with that little one who already needs one more reminder? Maybe it’s a good attitude when the project is running behind deadline. Or perhaps it a mountain you’ve been buried under for years and you’re just trying to hang on to the will to keep going. You aren’t alone. Keep your eyes on your Father and as you step out in faith, look for the impossible to become your reality. I dare you to join me in dreaming with our eyes wide open!

Love,

 

Seeking a Heart Like Nehemiah

O Lord, God of heaven, the great and awesome God, who keeps his covenant of love with those who love him and obey his commands. (Nehemiah 1:5)

In the next several weeks, I’m going to take some time to share my thoughts on the book of Nehemiah with you. Let’s take it chapter by chapter and glean from God’s Word. There is so much to learn from the steadfast spirit that Nehemiah possessed and his strength of character. I would love the opportunity to walk through this book with you and discover what the Lord has waiting for us. This week, please try to find time to read Nehemiah 1. If you know anyone who could benefit from this study, please feel free to share this with them.

I have been studying Nehemiah for a few weeks now. Often when I’m reading God’s Word, there will be times I just camp out in a certain passage. Right now, that passage is Nehemiah. I’m wanting to glean as much as I can from this man who had an unwavering spirit. He was so steadfast. His character was put to the test and he passed. He kept his eyes on the Lord.

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What to do When Life Hurts

Peace I leave with you; My [perfect] peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be afraid. [Let My perfect peace calm you in every circumstance and give you courage and strength for every challenge.] (John 14:27, AMP)

This morning I was meditating on a verse, reflecting on God’s faithfulness. The following verse has brought me comfort in a very difficult time right now.

O Lord, You are my God; I will exalt You, I will praise and give thanks to Your name; For You have done miraculous things,
Plans formed long, long ago, [fulfilled] with perfect faithfulness. (Isaiah 25:1, AMP)

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Taking the Next Step of Faith

Now faith is the assurance (title deed, confirmation) of things hoped for (divinely guaranteed), and the evidence of things not seen [the conviction of their reality–faith comprehends as fact what cannot be experienced by the physical senses]. (Hebrews 11:1, AMP)

This last week, I was struck by the concept of faith over and over again. I took a step of faith in developing a team for a new book that will be completely designed for women in the sex traffic industry. My experience and knowledge of this industry is very limited, yet God wants me to be a part of creating something specifically designed for this rapidly growing dark spot in our world.

I took the step of faith not knowing what the plan is or how this book will come together. You see, I’m a planner. I like to think through things before I do them. That can be a good thing, but it can also be a bad thing. God wants me to be obedient to Him when He says, “Move forward.” Sometimes I need to lay logic down and trust Him with the details. This is one of those times.

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