Category - faith

Hope for Today

5 days ago

I desperately needed coffee! In line to get one at a store, a man rolled up next to me. I noticed his leg. It rested on a leg crutch with wheels. In my mind, I stood at high alert. Why? Because the last time I got coffee from this place, the exact same thing happened. A man rolled up on the same sort of crutch cart. It was odd. The other man’s leg was pulled back just like this man’s leg. Both men were directly in front of me.

What’s the chance?

When I see things repeat themselves like this – in a way that defies norms – I usually take heed and pray to see if God wants me to realize something or do anything.

In this case, I prayed and didn’t know why this was happening, so I decided to talk to the young man.

I asked him, “Is your leg okay?”

“Yes,” he stated. “I am in the army. I fell out of a helicopter, hit the ground and crushed my leg in the fall.”

Ouch. Oh my….

He went on, “But, it’s actually great because I get to spend time with my family.”

I couldn’t help but notice his radical optimism.

“Wow,” I said.

He went on to tell me that he’d had multiple surgeries, and was healing from the latest one, but that he was “thankful to have grown a beard through all this.”

His blind optimism was shaking me to the core.

Here was a man who was serving his country. Here was a man risking his life for our freedom. Here was a man giving his very best. And, here was a man who had a terrible accident, a leg out of order and in pain — and he was giving thanks?

Wow.

I asked him where his optimism comes from.

He said he calls it, “reframing”. Meaning, he sees the good in the bad.

I wonder if he knew that what he was doing – was biblical…

“Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” (1 Thess. 5:18)

With God, there is always a silver lining to be found. There is always a new way of seeing things. There is always a hopeful vantage point. Do we run to see from this place? I can’t say I always do, but this man inspires me.

In Christ, there is always hope!

Prayer: Father, thank you for the continual hope we find in Jesus Christ. Thank you that there is no person or situation too far gone. Thank you that all things are possible for those who believe. Thank you that you can always do the impossible. Give us eyes to see your goodness. Give us spiritual understanding in all the small happenings of our lives. May joy overflow from our thanksgiving. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Facing The Hard Truth

4 weeks ago

purposefulfaith

attack, awe, faith

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Blog Post: When Admitting Truth Is Hard

Standing on the tarmac, getting ready to launch off on my bike with my family, I made a random comment to my husband. Friends, I can’t remember exactly what it was now, but I do remember asking myself right after, “Man, what in the world is wrong with him?”

His reply to my random comment was both off and condescending. And, frankly, his anxiety was causing me anxiety. I didn’t like it; I didn’t like it at all! I wouldn’t have it. My husband needed to pull himself together. I wanted to enjoy this bike ride, not have it go sideways because of him. So, I arrogantly barked out, “Whatever you’re dealing with, pull it together already!”

Almost at the same time I released this behemoth demand, God tugged on my heart. It was as if He traveled me back to all the mornings that I’ve had with Him lately…

Instantly, I remembered how He revealed to me that I can sometimes project onto others what I, myself, am feeling. Why? To protect myself from having to deal with the awkwardness of myself. To keep the problem about them. To avoid embarrassment, shame, or having to change. It’s easier that way.

“Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? 4 How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? 5 You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.” (Mt. 7:3-5)

Ick. What if the problem is not him at all, but it is actually all about me?

Am I feeling anxious? I was.
Could I be projecting? Yes.
Could I have made it about him, because it’s easier than handling me? Oh gosh. That could be…

Ick.

Hiding truth keeps the problems on them and projecting keeps the horrifying spotlight off me…but neither of these are God’s way.

On that tan tarmac, I quickly snapped back to reality, and I pulled my whole family together, along with my husband.

I said, “Family, can I admit something to you? I feel anxious. I am nervous about whether we will all have fun on the ride. Can you pray for me?”

They did.

Of course, I’ll never really know if my husband was anxious or not. But what I do know is that it is not my job to fix him; it is my job to be honest before the Lord, and man, about me. It is my job to be honest. If I want freedom for my family, I must be truthful, for it is the truth that sets one free.

In this, I don’t have to hide my inadequacies; I can admit them to others and to the Lord. I don’t have to pretend I have it all together, I can admit fear and be healed. I don’t have to run away from telling others I am sorry; I can apologize.

Is it awkward? Absolutely. Who likes standing there naked?

Is it embarrassing to make a mistake? Yes. In our culture we hold up perfection like it is a statue of David.

Is it humbling? Yes, but perhaps that is the point.

We don’t worship some perfect version of us; we worship Jesus who gives us grace in our time of need. We don’t have to have it all together; His grace is enough. We don’t have to hide who we really are or tuck away from learning; confession is an integral part of being a Christian.

Who are you blaming? How are you hiding? What feels embarrassing? Perhaps, as you bring that to Him — He will give you the power to walk in humility before them.

I know it isn’t easy. But if you are looking for freedom – only truth sets one free. Ask God to protect you, ask God to lead you, and ask God to help you. Their response belongs to them, but your obedience, and the joy that comes with it, belong to you.

It’s never easy to change, but it is always worth it. What would it look like for you, today, to see the things you’ve been trying to hide away? How can you take responsibility for them before the Lord? How might you have gotten things wrong? How can you make things right? What would it look like to walk in humility?

My friends, I know it is tough to see all this. Trust me, I know. But, let’s be encouraged — God doesn’t reveal these things to chide us; He reveals these things to heal us. For then, after we have learned, we can walk in relationship in ways we have dreamed of, and we can see the hope we have searched for. We let God heal us and help us in all His ways. We find new roads and grace open to us.

It’s worth it.

The price of admission opens to us new gates of personal freedom.

Prayer: Father, I don’t like admitting things that embarrass me. I don’t like getting things wrong. I want people to think highly of me. I want to come off a certain way. Forgive me for having pride. I have defended myself too long. You are my Defender. You are My Savior. Forgive me for taking your work into my hands. I am sorry. I am guilty. Will you forgive me? Will you help me? In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

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Handling Broken Things…

1 month ago

purposefulfaith

attack, awe, faith

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The plant wasn’t even real; it was plastic. Maybe that’s why it wouldn’t stand upright. At the slightest sign of wind, the dang plant, and the pot it was in, would crash over. I’d walk outside and see it, yet again, knocked over. And, day after day, I picked it up.

Except for this morning… Staring at a triangular piece broken off the side of the pot from the raging war of hard winds and repeated falls, I wondered what in the world I was doing.

I decided, I can either watch this thing fall 1,000 more times, or I can get up and do something about it. Sometimes, we are waiting on God, when God may be waiting on us. God gave us two feet and two hands. With this, we always have a God-given ability to move our feet and to use our hands. To take a stand. To do something new. To use new words. To steady ourselves in God’s Word. Or, we can keep observing our own fall, and see only a defeated spirit.

With all this, I knew it was time to stop watching the falling decline of this plastic plant and my own internal defeated spirit.

So, I drove with my husband to Walmart this morning! I walked myself right into the outdoor section, studied the small variety of foliage, and I bought myself a real, sturdy, and beautiful plant.

It felt powerful.

“For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.” (2 Tim. 1:7)

I am not powerless to effect change in my life; I am powerful. The spirit that I walk in is powerfulness in Christ! And that plant, I knew, would be a continual reminder of this fact!

I am powerful to change bad habits.
I am powerful to obey God in moments of temptation.
I am powerful to exchange my barren mentalities to see God’s lush growth in my life.
I am powerful to stand strong and to resist the enemy.
I am powerful and I make progress spiritually by the power of God’s Word.
I am powerful to trust God, who is at work in me!

He is at work in you too!

What would it look like to make powerful progress in your life today? What, in the natural, may be powerfully symbolic as you make a greater move towards God?

Maybe you clean out a drawer and in the spiritual it reminds you continually of the new space you are clearing out for time with God.

Maybe you ditch the junk in your closet and it represents letting go of the shame of the past.

Maybe you buy yourself a piece of jewelry that continually reminds you of how much God loves you.

Small progress counts big. Progress doesn’t have to be a giant leap to be tremendously and spiritually impactful.

For instance, now, when I see that leafy green, knee-high plant? I see my ability to effect change through the strength God is affording me. I realize — I am not a victim in any way, shape or form; I am powerful in Christ Jesus.

I do new things and take action!

In the end, I got tired of watching that pot fall over 1,000 times. What may be falling over in your life time and time again? What small act of progress could God be calling you to that might make giant leaps in your life? What small move may encourage you to stay strong in heart and mind?

Make that move, today! And, tell me about it! I’d love to hear.

Prayer: Father, I want to thank You that You don’t leave us helpless and hopeless. We have inside of us the Hope of all Glory, Christ Jesus. Help us to stand up, to stand firm, and to fan the flame within us. We want to be strong in faith and heart. Give us power to change and grow. Give us grace to take new steps. Encourage us in all Your ways. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

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When Worry Makes You Restless

2 months ago

purposefulfaith

awe, faith, hope

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What are you worrying about? Is there something that you can’t stop rehashing?

I’ll admit it! I’ll raise my hand to say — I’ve had some worries lately, friends. Will the kids be ok? Will their future be good? Will my future be good? Will I get them in the right school? Will my daughter’s hurt leg be okay? Will I connect and find new people in the new city I find myself in? Did I act right?

There are nights where I run circles around these questions, like a runner on a track. Round and round, I fashion and figure things out to the point of tiredness. Eventually, I fall asleep.

What a waste.

What does it serve me to do this? What does worry accomplish? Worry is a like a rocking chair. It looks like it is going somewhere, but actually moves us nowhere. Back and forth we go — thinking we’re getting somewhere. But all we’re really doing is fashioning a mental rut that we can’t get out of.

“Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to your life? Since you cannot do this very little thing, why do you worry about the rest?” (Lu. 12:25-26)

So, what else are we to do?

“You can ask for anything in my name, and I will do it, so that the Son can bring glory to the Father.” (Jo. 14:13 NLT)

While the worry-er gets caught up rehashing and wrestling with impossible situations — the warrior starts praying and letting God handle the impossible.

Note here, in this verse, Jesus said we can ask for anything.

You know that impossible thing? That perfect solution you can’t seem to wrap your mind’s arms around? God knows how to do it.

You know that horrible situation? The one where it looks like you’ve been completely ruined? God has your way out.

You know that person that you just can’t change? God has a plan at the ready; what if prayer unleashes it?

Jesus not only tells us we can pray; He instructs us that when we do pray, we can ask for anything! Wow. He will do it!

“You can ask for anything in my name, and I will do it, so that the Son can bring glory to the Father.” (Jo. 14:13 NLT)

Not only that, but when we pray and see God make a way — He, then, gets all the glory! He gets all the praise. We give Him thanks because we know it was Him. Only He could do it!

In the end, prayer increases praise and ceases all worrying. God gets all the glory. God gets the thanks.

What if, today, you took what you were worrying about and started praying about it?

Let’s pray!

Father, I repent of worrying and wrestling with things I cannot fix. Father, only you have the way. Help me to surrender my fear. I give to you all the things I cannot work out. I lay them into your hands. Will you help me, lead me and guide me? You are the Creator. I am the created. You can make a way! I thank you and praise you for your Son. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

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Handling People Who Keep Hurting You

2 months ago

purposefulfaith

faith, grace, hope, Love & Health

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I sent her a text. I waited days for a response. Finally, a somewhat monotone sounding voice-text would come through, perhaps asking me a question. A month later, something similar would happen again. Two months after, I’d do it all over. Usually, an “I’m-sorry-I’m-busy” reply would show up from the recipient. The first time this happened, that kind of reply made sense. The fifth time? Not as much.

Overlooking offense, like an excited puppy, I kept ignoring her repeatable pattern. After all, I love this woman; I really do. I care for her a lot and have wonderful memories with her. So, I overlooked the fact that she kept pushing me off, that she was not honoring my time, and that she was often replying in a distant monotone voice. Add that to the fact that, after I listened to her message and quickly replied back with my own heart-wide-open response…

…I got no response back from her. Dead air. Silence.

That is hard. Why do I keep subjecting myself to this?

This morning I woke up with a question that hit like a brick: “What am I, a fool?”

To keep repeating the same cycles to one’s own injury is foolish. To keep subjecting oneself, like an indebted servant, to someone else’s passive-aggressiveness is foolish.

“As a dog returns to its vomit, so a fool repeats his foolishness.” (Pr. 26:11)

Why do I keep partaking in the foolishness of winning this woman over when she’s making it clear as day that she’s not interested?

I’m like a fool returning to its idiotic folly. But, why? Why do I return? Why do I keep seeking to win over people who don’t want me?

During my prayer time, I sought the Lord. “God, why do I act like a fool, continually subjecting myself to repeated pain?”

I felt the answer come clear as day, “Kelly, you believe what they are doing is a proclamation or a reflection of who you are. You have to fix that, or else…”

I understood then and there that I feel I have to change them to feel good — about me. I have to win them over. I have to make them love me. I have to stick with them until I am worthy so I feel worthy. I have to make sure they see me as a something so I don’t have to feel like a nothing. I have to make sure they never treat me as impersonal or distant, lest I be unwanted.

Wow. When did I allow man’s words and actions to have more power than God’s Word and actions? When did I give man so much power over me? When did I lose the calling of God to make my mission to win over the affection of man?

Ick. Jesus didn’t do this.

Jesus went to the cross, despite man’s criticism of Him as the Son of God. He carried on with His mission despite the condemnation about how He healed on the Sabbath. Jesus remembered He was the Son of God, despite the name-calling He experienced. But, imagine? What if Jesus allowed other people’s actions to define Him? He likely would not have fulfilled HIs destiny — crucifixion, resurrection, and salvation for all the believers in the entire world. We cannot look at man! But, do we?

Have we given in to man’s words in such a way that we have subtly given up on God’s cause? Have we become a slave to winning people over more than trusting Jesus who won all freedom on the cross? Have we become a victim to a slave master who tells us we have to fix people in order to be loved or to be happy?
God gives us another way. It is:

Forget what they say!
Forget what they do!
People’s actions are no proclamation over you!
For it is God — who speaks over you!

You are wanted!
Chosen!
Called!
Forgiven.
Empowered by grace!
Equipped for every good work!
Valuable.
Wanted.
Loved.

Today is the line-in-the-sand day when we:

Forget all the foolishness! If that person doesn’t love you, want you or choose you — so what?! That’s not your issue, that’s their issue! God still loves you, wants you and chooses you.

Even more, He is lining up new relationships and new horizons that will speak volumes over those old hurts. Hope again. He has good things for you.

You are His special child. He cares so greatly for you that you don’t have to go chasing after people who keep hurting you.

Prayer: Father, I forgive those who keep hurting me. I also ask you to forgive me for serving and catering to man over you. Forgive me for making a mission out of trying to win people over. I release and surrender these people to you. I serve You and Your will first and foremost. I repent of subjecting myself to continual hurt when You haven’t called me to. I come under Your truth about me (I am loved, wanted, called, helped, not left as an orphan), more than I absorb other people’s words and actions as proclamations of my worth. I am loved and adored. Please help me to know this and help me to be more and more in love with You. May Your love fill every hole in my heart. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

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Do you Look Foolish Trusting God?

September 20, 2024

purposefulfaith

faith, hope, Love & Health

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What looks like foolishness to man can actually be radical obedience to God.

“But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise…” (1 Cor. 1:27 NIV)

Friends, in the swoop of a two-week span, we packed up all our home goods, sold our furniture, and moved by faith to a new area.

I know some may call us “hasty”. I am aware that by natural eyes it looks foolish; it was so quick. However, after prayer and seeking, I know this move is of the Lord.

I know it is of the Lord even though bedbugs awaited us at our first Airbnb (Ick! We got out of there fast!).

I know it is of the Lord even though the first school we put our kids in was a complete bomb and we had to disenroll them on the first day.

I know it is of the Lord even though we can’t yet find a home to settle in.

I know it is of the Lord even though we are traveling around towns, praying and seeking, with stuff packed in the back of two vehicles.

God never said faith would be easy. God never said faith has everything all together. God never said faith looks neat and tidy, easy or simple. God said to go and do it anyway.

“Take nothing for your journey,” he instructed them. “Don’t take a walking stick, a traveler’s bag, food, money, or even a change of clothes.” (Lk. 9:3 NLT)

God’s grace steps in as we step out. As we step out on the water to walk, grace empowers our steps in the miraculous. It doesn’t always feel good though. We may do it weak. We may do it scared. Friends, still do it.

But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong. (2 Cor. 12:9-10)

God never said we wouldn’t be tried; He made it clear we would come out as gold, to His glory!

“These trials will show that your faith is genuine. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold—though your faith is far more precious than mere gold. So when your faith remains strong through many trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world.” (1 Pet. 1:7)

We are proven as gold, and trials purify us by fire — to His glory!

My friends? I think it is important for us faith-full followers to know — our faith is still working out its perfect end! It doesn’t matter what it looks like. It doesn’t matter how hard it feels. It doesn’t matter how opposed it looks. Jesus was opposed and kept walking.

So, don’t give up. I’m not! We will find a great school for the kids. We will land in the right home (pray for us!!!). Most of all, we will be positioned in the ideal will of the Lord, in the place where He wants us to be for such an hour as this. It will be good. He makes all things beautiful in His time. Until then, faith can feel hard. Extreme. Outside of the understanding of others. But, does it please the Lord? Always.

“And without faith it is impossible to please God…” (Heb. 11:6)

Prayer: Father, help me not to judge, in fear, what I have done, in faith. Keep me strong in faith regarding the decisions I have made. Give me strength, endurance, and perseverance to carry on. May all I do be to your glory. May all I walk out be done with love, joy, peace, patience, gentleness, faithfulness, and self-control, no matter how hard it is! In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

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When A Friend Ditches You

August 22, 2024

purposefulfaith

doubt, faith, hope

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When I saw on Facebook that it was her birthday, my heart jumped out of my chest. I was so excited to celebrate her, to love her, to pray for her, and to give to her. I knew I had to honor her; it required a change in my morning plans to get her a gift!

I rerouted my car, drove to a boutique, and selected something perfect. I got in my car and, when I got to her house, I ran the package up to her porch like a giddy little dog! I placed it in a perfect position. Afterwards, I texted her celebratory words, letting her know about my love, the gift, and my willingness to set up a birthday dinner on her behalf. I was way excited. I prayed for her all year! I was giving her my very best!

When I got home, I jumped into mom duties, joyfully. Soon after, though, I escaped to Facebook, just for a moment. Then, I saw it…

A picture of this friend, with her friends…without me.
The birthday balloons next to the table.
The smiling faces.
The subscript birthday post, celebrating her.
The happiness happening, without me.
The fact that I was — not invited.

My heart thumped nearly audibly. I cried.

At the same time, my insides spoke up, “Kelly, you are such a fool, running up there to her front porch all giddy and happy! You are such a fool to think she was your friend. You are like a stray dog that no one wants. Look at you!”

The worst part of it all is that (I think) she pulled her car into her driveway at the exact moment I ran up to her porch like a lapdog. Ick.

I cried again. I’m such a fool for thinking she was actually my good friend. She was not.

I cried throughout the day. I had done so much for her behind closed doors. Now, I felt embarrassed, openly.

Until God surfaced a question in me that hit like a hammer, “Kelly, did you love her — for her, or did you love her — for Me?”

The question cut deep…

If I love her — for her, I expect things from her. I expect she will do something, she will recognize me, she will value me or she will acknowledge me. However, if I love her for Him, unto Him, because of Him, My God, then I love without strings attached.

“Umm…” God was bringing up a good point.

People spat at Jesus (Mt. 26:67), struck Him (Mt. 26:67), name-called Him, taunted Him, misunderstood Him, did not invite Him, questioned Him, and He still died for them anyway…gave to them even so…

“But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8)

For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life. (Jo. 3:16)

Do I love them to get from them or do I love them to love Him? That was the question — and heart — God was really after…

I am not a fool for loving her, I am a fool who is in love with Him. I felt the shame leave and a need to consider things more deeply arise…

Many times, I say I do something for God, but I wonder — do I really do it for me? So, people love me?

I am glad this lady didn’t invite me, because God invited me to something deeper, to something stronger: He invited me to learn what wholehearted, love-like-Jesus love, really is.

And, while I bless her, and will continue to pray God’s very best for her, I now let go and see who else God might have me to walk with. Where there is grace, there is greater ease. I will look for the relationships God has graced, knowing that God has other great friends for me.

He has great friends for you, too.

Prayer: Father, help me to love as You love. Help me to love without strings attached, without pressures added on to people, and without needing to feed my own flesh. Help me to love honestly, truly, and deeply because You have loved me this way. Give me power to be selfless in friendship and honoring to You within me. Teach me to discern the difference between acquaintances and true friends. Teach me to understand how You want me to love others or how You might want me to step back. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

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How Do We Understand Suffering?

August 9, 2024

purposefulfaith

awe, event, faith, fear, grace, shame, suffering

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I didn’t know my friend and I were about to have this discussion; however, we’re known for having hard discussions. And, she’s going through a lot, and I am too. So, I suppose, her question made great sense.

She asked me, “Kelly, what do you make of attacks and suffering? I’m not sure of my theology about them.”

Are attacks and pain from God or the enemy? Are they something we wish away or gain victory over? Are these situations working for us or are they solely schemes set up against us? Do we have victory over them or do they win our heart over to God? Do we fight or submit to them?

I understood her question. As people, we want to make sense of things. We want our mind to understand. We want every ‘i’ dotted and every ‘t’ crossed when it comes to our theology so that we can stand on it without questions. We want order to what feels chaotic. We want to harness down suffering and trials because they are so wild and reckless. I get it.

I answered her with this: “We cannot put God in a box.”

When it comes to suffering — it is not either/or (Ex. Either, God is good or God is bad.)
When it comes to suffering — it is yes, and…

Yes, this light and momentary affliction is horribly hard and it is producing for us an eternal weight of glory.

“For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.” (2 Cor. 4:17)

Yes, the devil attacks and we can be strong in God’s mighty power.

“Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.” (Eph. 6:11)

“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.” (Eph. 6:10)

Yes, it looks bad and ruined and, yet, God is still working all things together for our good.

“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)

Yes, there are trials and we are becoming fortified with perseverance and character that produces great hope (a very important substance for mountain-moving faith).

“Not only that, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.” (Ro. 5:3-4)

”Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” (Heb. 11:1)

Yes, the devil has power over the world and Jesus is victorious.

“Satan, who is the god of this world…” (2 Cor. 4:4)

“No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us.” (Ro. 8:37)

Yes, we persist through the trial and God also opens doors through persistent prayers.

In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” (Jo. 16:33)

“Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened. (Mt. 7:7-8)

A preeminent and omnipotent God cannot – and should not – be boxed in.

We cannot say: “He either works like ___” or, “He works like ___.”

Frankly, as much as we can’t nail down all His ways, God has every right to work anyway He wants (see: Is. 55:8-9). Humility knows, with God all things and all miracles are possible. It also knows, with God, His grace is enough to give us the power to stand through any storm.

God is always faithful.

Yes, He is infinite, all-powerful, all-knowing and, always, He is working out His best plans for us. He is always able.

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When You’re Angry At Yourself

July 23, 2024

purposefulfaith

attack, failure, faith, guilt

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I sat there before the person. I knew what I should say, but I couldn’t say it. I had to defend myself. I had to set the record straight. Rather than take the high road and trust God to defend me — I burst out with a reactive come-back! And — boom — the word-bomb landed with its intended effect, blowing up the whole conversation.

Seconds after, I knew I had royally messed up. I did not keep my cool.

Have you ever been there? Have you ever royally messed up? Cheated? Lied? Done something repeatedly that you knew God didn’t want you to do?

Friend, you are not alone.

Even the incredibly holy and wonderfully anointed, biblical-great, Paul said, “For I do not understand my own actions. For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate.” (Romans 7:15)

Ahh! The aggravation of it all! We do what we don’t want to do, so often.

Maybe, like me, you have done something you knew you should not… Maybe you knew how you wanted to talk, but didn’t talk that way… Maybe you wanted to be loved, but ended up speaking differently…

What do we do with that? When strong emotions override our best intentions? When we get so caught up in a moment, we go the wrong way? When other people douse us with the kerosene of our past mistakes? How do we move on?

Paul also said, “No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it, but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us.” (Phil. 3:13-14)

How can we effectively move ahead when we are mentally looking behind?

If Paul had to let the past be the past, so do we. Only then can we love others, as we love ourselves (see: Mt. 22:39)

If we are to love ourselves — in order to love others — we must forgive ourselves and release all records of wrongs.

“(Love) is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.” (1 Cor. 13:5)

What record of wrongs do you have against yourself? Might you consider forgiving yourself as God has forgiven you?

Prayer: Father, I thank you that when you forgive, you move my sins as far as the east is from the west. I thank you that you remember my sins no more. Father, today I give you the whole record of wrongs I have against myself and every accompanying feeling of hatred towards myself that goes with it. I release all that to you. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

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The Snare When We Compare…

July 8, 2024

purposefulfaith

Comparing, faith, hope

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I didn’t like my house. My house was a townhouse. My friend’s lived in actual houses. My house was a rented house. My friends’ houses were owned. I couldn’t paint my walls. I couldn’t move a wall if I wanted to. They could.

Rather than seeing what I did have, I saw all that I didn’t have – when I looked at all my friends had.

Because I compared, I found myself ensnared in defeat and self-pity.

Ever been there? Maybe you can’t understand why life is so hard for you? Why God hasn’t given you more? Why your friend continually has jaw-dropping opportunities open before her? Why it’s been so hard with your health and so easy for others? Why everyone online is so happy and you are not. Why your lot is troubled?

The grass is always greener on the other side, you think. I understand, my friend, I’ve been there too…

I remember, one day, I literally stared at my yard. There was no grass on that rented plot of land. The shrubs were droopy. The ground was dark and dry mud. I didn’t like it. Ick.

Day after day, I felt a little annoyed at that land as I rushed out the front door to go wherever I was going…

But, one day, rather than continually look at what I hated, I decided to rise up and to make my land beautiful. God inspired me! Hope welled up in me. He was giving me vision.

I went to the nursery and bought a whole bunch of beautiful plants. In time, they would bloom! I would have something to enjoy! There was something good actually coming for me at my house.

“Yet God has made everything beautiful for its own time. He has planted eternity in the human heart, but even so, people cannot see the whole scope of God’s work from beginning to end.” (Ec. 3:11)

What might God still be beautifying in your life? How can you powerfully take a small action to plant a seed that might grow into something beautiful (ex: send a card of love to a hard relationship, start a new hobby, etc.)? What joy and thanks might return to your heart if you stop comparing your lot against others and start thanking God for what you do have?

After those plants were planted, and time was given for them to bloom, I saw that God gave me something good! Everything didn’t have to be so bad after all! God really does make all things beautiful in HIS TIME.

Joy gives thanks (not only for what we have, but for the beauty that is coming)!!

Prayer: Father, rather than counting and tallying all that we do not have, give us eyes and a heart to see all that we do have, in You. Help us to be thankful. Help us to take action where we have ability. Help us not to be powerless, but powerful in you. We love you. We thank you that you are making all things beautiful in Your time. You are always faithful. We love you. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Exciting News! Friends, I launched a podcast. It is named, “Hear God’s Voice.” New podcast episodes release every week. Listen today!