Your Daily Cup of Inspiration!

Keep Believing!

You've been doing all that praying... are you still believing? Or have you let doubt creep in and choke out your faith? Are you weary from long, arduous,  hard-fought battles, that seemingly never  end?

Remember what  I talked about yesterday? ... That feeling of being forgotten and forsaken? When your brightest dreams and greatest hopes remain unfulfilled for too long, you begin feeling adrift, lost, purposeless... alone. Quite honestly, there may have been  times when you quit believing altogether.

You may have  thought your  life's path would be much smoother.  You probably didn't have any inclination that your journey toward purpose would be wrought with pain, struggle, heartache, and numerous setbacks.

But don't fret if things look bleak today. Just remind yourself that God has your tomorrow firmly in His grasp. Believe me when I say, I know how it feels to wait in earnest expectation of  good things to come, and watch time pass by... days, weeks, months, years... and still, things look not-so-good. 

During these moments, no matter how much you try to be optimistic,  it's not easy to continue believing.

Trust me, I've been there. But after coming through  this dark place time and time again, I now know with a surety that, GOD WILL BRING YOU THROUGH IT.

Instead of getting all bent out of shape, find you a quiet place to seek God. Steal away and take some time for just you and Him. And what should you do during this time? I'll tell you:  "Cast all your cares upon him, for he cares for you" (1 Peter 5:7).

Lay your burden at His feet,  dig down deep, and refuse to give up on His promises to you!  In His presence is where you'll find the strength to face difficult realities with a positive outlook.

Tell yourself, "I don't care where I am today. My present reality does not undermine, nor does is negate my future destiny."

God is able to do the impossible. Are you willing to wait... AND trust Him WHILE you wait?

Listen, don't give up the fight. Don't stop believing. Don't stop praying. Don't stop trusting. Don't stop thanking God  in advance for what He's already done.

Stop complaining. Stop worrying. Stop stressing.  Most of all... STOP WAVERING.  If you're going to believe God, then believe.

Until next time... may you be empowered to prosper!

Dianna Hobbs
www.eewmagazine.com

God Knows Where You Are

Do you ever feel lost, like, perhaps God may have forgotten about you? Do you sometimes feel like you're just floating aimlessly through life, with no inclination as to what in the world is going on? Whether you know it or not, this is a pretty normal feeling to have while you're trusting God for the unseen. I told you yesterday, during times of difficult transition, weeks can feel like years.

But during these  uncomfortable periods of stagnancy, when we feel like we're not making any real progress, we have to remind ourselves that God knows where we are. Even when there is no apparent movement or forward progression in your life, God is still at work.

Sometimes, while we're begging Him to change our circumstances, He responds by FIRST WORKING TO CHANGE US. So, really, although your world may seem to be at a complete standstill right now, it's not. Something is, in fact, happening.

Things are taking place inside of you, that will eventually manifest on the outside. You see,  every good thing about your future that you've been given a glimpse of, won't happen  all at once. But that doesn't make the plan of God null and void.

And certainly,  the delay in no way indicates that  He's forgotten about you.

I think many of us subconsciously feel that God is somehow absent-minded... like He forgets His word and His promises. When things don't come together as quickly as we think they should, we frequently go into a slump; we get down in the dumps. We begin questioning if God is really there... if we really heard Him speak to us... if He's really going to do what He said... if... if... if...

And as the "ifs" pile up, our faith takes a beating. As a result, we feel dejected, without any semblance of peace anywhere in sight. Oh, but I want to encourage you today. There's more going on than meets the eye. God is working things out, and moving obstacles out of your way.

Not only does He know where you are,  He also knows that His work is being performed in you, right where you are. 

Remember, you are where you are for a reason; and although the reason for this season may be  unknown, there's yet a purpose for it. If God hasn't seen fit to deliver you from this trial yet, then there's a lesson that must be learned before your release.

Hear me today. You have a bright future ahead of you and that hasn't changed just because of a momentary setback. I cannot stress enough that there is purpose in your storm. God is working some things out of you... while He's working some things out for you.

Know that He loves you and He has only the best laid up for you. You're on God's mind and in His plans.  "...he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion..." (Philippians 1:6) Just be patient... God is not through with you yet! The best is yet to come in your life.

Until next time... may you be empowered to prosper!

Dianna Hobbs
www.eewmagazine.com

When Weeks Feel Like Years...

How many times have you heard me say, "The seasons of our lives must take their course...we can't rush our process?" Even though we know this to be true, why do we struggle to accept God's timing? Why do we have such difficulty resting and know that God truly is in control?

I know that weeks of waiting can sometimes feel like years of waiting. Even still, the passage of time does not negate the word God has spoken over your life.

I remember, only a couple of months ago, watching the leaves fall from the trees during my favorite season--autumn. Now, the leaves have disappeared, and the cold of winter has set in. No amount of wishing will bring   autumn back around... not until the time is right.

All-too-often, we lose heart and lose hope in our in-between time. But know that better days are ahead. Just accept the season you're in now, and  be confident that God will bring you through it.

If you're in a season of waiting, it's okay. Don't let that worry you, because the wait won't last forever. Karen Hardaway recently commented on a post, and talked about waiting and believing through her husband's sickness. I want you to know that I am praying and standing in faith for the full recovery of your husband Karen.

My husband and I also have been believing God for something for the past several weeks. We prayed about it; we waited--all the while, refusing to let doubt get the best of us. Well, this morning, out of the blue, we received a phone call. Lo and behold, the answer to our prayer was on the other end!

I cannot tell you how excited we were to get the news confirming what we had been believing God for. As you might imagine, we were both beside ourselves with excitement! Well, after we celebrated for a while, we both realized something else.

The thing we were waiting for only took a few weeks to manifest. But while we were waiting, oh my goodness, it felt like an eternity... especially because things looked uncertain. Can you relate to that feeling?

When you're trusting the Lord to work something out in your favor, the passing of a few days can feel like forever. But I want to encourage you to KEEP TRUSTING... even when weeks feel like years, and months feel like decades.

God's ways are not like ours. And He doesn't work on our timetable. Nevertheless, you can rest assured that we serve an absolutely faithful God who never fails.

So, instead of being obsessed with the time line, make up in your mind that you'll wait patiently on the Lord and trust His timing. Trust His methods. Trust His plan. But most importantly, trust His word.

You can always count on Him to make good on it! Be resolved that, however long it takes, you'll stand in faith eagerly anticipating the manifestation of His promise and provision.

Until next time ... may you be empowered to prosper!

Dianna Hobbs
www.eewmagazine.com

Free Yourself to be Yourself!

Are you feeling good about you lately? If not, that's all about to change. You see, I know of a definite secret, or not-so-secret way for you to begin living a happier, more fulfilled life. It's one of those simple, yet profound rules to live by, that far too many people ignore.

I want you think of how many times you've compared yourself to other people, and ended up feeling miserable as a result of the comparison. Don't deny it. We've all done it at some point, right? Of course we have. It's instilled in us from the time of our childhood.

Your relatives compare you to your sister, brother, cousin, friend...

You would hear things like: They (Not you) are  so smart... that one's pretty... this one's sweet...that one's evil. The comparing and contrasting of characteristics took its toll. And inevitably, you fell short in some category--at least according to the views of the self-appointed judges in your life. If you happened to be named the not-so-sweet, not-so-cute, unflattering one...your self-esteem took a major beating, didn't it?

Over time, you, like many others reading this blog, learned to categorize yourself according to the critiques and judgments of others. As a result, you felt inadequate in specific areas, and in many cases, attempted to change certain of your natural qualities, in order to fit into a more acceptable mold.

I want to help you break out of that unhealthy mold and free yourself to be yourself, because at the end of the day, all you have to work with... is all you have to work with.

Of course, there are areas in all of our lives that need development. And there are certain healthy changes we can make too. But changing merely for the approval of others is not only unwise, it is also destructive.

You know why? Because change must emanate from a true inward desire to enhance your life, not from outward pressure to conform to some false standard.

Today, I want you to begin embracing your uniqueness and celebrate who you are.

Until next time... may you be empowered to prosper!

Dianna Hobbs
www.eewmagazine.com

The In-Between Time

 

Ever feel stuck in a valley with large mountains on either side, and no idea how God is going to manifest His purpose and provision in your life? I've been there plenty of times before!  After coming through these difficult seasons victoriously, I can tell you, it's just a phase. You'll make it out all right, but don't panic.

As you may know by now, whenever God reveals his plan and purpose for your life, He doesn't give you immediate insight into what will happen during-- what I like to call--your "in-between time." Essentially, it's the intermediate period when you're somewhat in limbo.

During these seasons of your life, although you have God's word to hold onto, there is often little, if any evidence, of the promise anywhere in sight.

These are the moments that try your faith. But be encouraged. We all have our own personal meantime experience. Perhaps you're waiting on God to help you launch your business, heal you or a loved one, connect you with your soul mate, or even reconcile a broken relationship. Whatever it is, He's able to do it. But there's no way to circumvent the period of uncertainty we must all go through.

Even though God IS faithful to fulfill His word, you can't instantly leap out of the valley and onto the mountaintop. Inevitably, there is a climb you must be willing to make. Sometimes you'll get tired; you'll feel weary; there will be moments when you'll even question whether it's worth the wait at all.

But hold on anyway. Remember that one day, you'll look retrospectively and see that, there was purpose in your wait all along. Just refuse to stop believing... no matter how long it takes.

Today, ask God to give you "The 3 P's": Patience, Peace, and Perseverance, as you push through to your promise.

The race is not won by the swift (See Ecclesiastes 9:11), rather, by those who endure to the end. If you don't give up, you'll reap an abundant harvest of joy and blessings.

Until next time... may you be empowered to prosper!

Dianna Hobbs
www.eewmagazine.com

The Power Is Yours

A good friend of mine called me today extremely excited about some great news she had to share. You see,  at the beginning of the year, she decided she wanted to get healthy and take control of her weight.

She's wanted to do it for years, but this year, she made a decision to stop wishing and start acting on her desire. 

Turns out, that after only her second week on Weight Watchers, she lost got rid of (At Weight Watchers they say anything you "lose," you'll go looking for it again), 11 pounds! I was so happy to hear the news, because I know how focused and disciplined she's been. And although it hasn't been easy every moment, she's been sticking with it... eating right... working out at the gym...and changing her entire lifestyle. I'm fully confident that she'll reach her weight goals.  

And you know, her triumphant accomplishment got me to thinking--not just about losing weight, but about the power we possess to make a major difference in our lives if we put our minds to it!

Don’t you get tired of going through life feeling powerless? Don’t you want to be in control of your life? Don’t you want more? Don’t you want to stop living life on “auto pilot” and take the power back?

Well, you can. The power is yours! It all begins with opening your eyes and seeing what’s right in front of you. What do I mean? There are countless opportunities to become the master of your own fate. Certainly, that doesn’t mean you should forego your relationship with God and try living life on your own. That would be a terrible mistake. However, you must harness the power already stored up on the inside of you to realize your dreams.

 I know I talk about going after your dreams a lot. It’s because I want to see you happy. I want you to live the life God intends for you. You see, you have a choice. You can choose to settle or you can choose not to. Only you can determine the route you’ll take. No one else has the power to make that determination. So, what’s it going to be? You have Kingdom authority to write your life’s script.

 God has given you the aptitude, now you need the right attitude.

 Your attitude has to be one of optimism and positivism. You can’t hope for the best until you believe the best about your abilities. Do you know who you are? Do you realize your capabilities? Do you really see what you have to offer the world?

 Until you can answer yes to every single one of those questions, you won’t get busy moving toward your life’s purpose. You’ve got to open up your eyes. Explore the world of possibilities that lie before you. Tap into them.  Make connections. And always, always, trust God as your source.

 Surely He’s given you the power, but only He is all-powerful. Only He knows the end from the beginning. Only He can make ways where there are none. Only He can open those doors that are securely closed.

So, never fail to let God be God. And yet, don’t make the mistake of failing to do your part to activate the unique gifts, talents, and resources He’s dropped in your lap. After all, they’re all for His glory. He wants to use you. That’s why He takes every occasion to inspire you, speak to you, and minister to your needs. He wants you to know that you don’t live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds out of His mouth. (See Deuteronomy 8:3)

It is the word that He’s spoken over you that makes the difference. He said, “So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth; it shall not return to Me void, but it shall accomplish what I please, And it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it” (Isaiah 55:11 NKJV).

You have to recognize that He is with you. He is the one who has given you both the power and the responsibility to make things happen in your life. When you work toward your goals you honor Him. When you begin taking the power back in your life, He smiles upon it. Why do you think He created you in His image and likeness? He desires for you to walk in dominion, authority, and power.

So today, begin doing what pleases God by maximizing your potential.  The power is yours. Now is the time to activate it!

Until next time . . . may you be empowered to prosper!

Dianna Hobbs

www.eewmagazine.com

 

 

Procrastination=Barrenness

Like an overgrown garden full of weeds, briers, and thorns, any area in your life that you leave unchecked for too long, will yield only the fruit of chaos. Productivity and growth is reserved only for the diligent. There's no way around that.

Procrastination will lead to fruitlessness and barrenness. And that's not what God wants for any of His people. He desires for us to live life abundantly. "...I have come that they might have life, and that more abundantly" (John 10:10b).

But often, we don't think about the ramifications of our actions, or lack thereof. Let's examine this from a very simplistic and practical perspective. In most cases, problems usually begin simply enough, right?

For example: The room needs to be straightened;the laundry needs to be washed; the closet needs to be cleared out; you need to study for that exam; you need to make those sales calls; you need to finish those reports; you need to pay those small bills on time... let me sat that one again! YOU NEED TO PAY THOSE SMALL BILLS ON TIME... otherwise, they grow into BIG bills. Can I get a loud amen right there?

I think, sometimes, we operate under the faulty notion that we can overlook minor issues and situations, and they will somehow rectify or work themselves out. And I'm here to tell you from experience, this is a colossal mistake...a great misnomer. Far too many of us fall into a pattern of being inconsistent and undisciplined, all the while, expecting that things will still turn out all right in the end.

But positive fruit is reserved only for those who plant seeds and cultivate the ground in which those seeds are planted. Then, through hard work, and "stick-to-it-ive-ness" or tenaciousness; things work out favorably, and the ground produces a bountiful harvest.

Unfortunately, we find it difficult not to procrastinate. Yet, procrastination causes  small problems to grow into major crises.  Here's another way I like to express this idea and you can quote me: "Today's molehill is tomorrow's mountain."

Napoleon Hill said, “Procrastination is the bad habit of putting off until the day after tomorrow, what should have been done the day before yesterday."

Someone else said, "If it weren't for the last minute, I wouldn't get anything done."

I know that last quote sounds a bit comical, but how many of us really do live our lives that way? In truth, I think we all have been guilty of procrastinating at some point. But this year, do something different. Set goals for yourself and fulfill them. Be diligent and persistent. Don't quit. Even when you don't feel like staying on course, do it anyway.

Don't let anything deter you from working toward your dreams. As long as God is at the center, and  you remain  in His will, while striving to achieve His purpose for your life, He'll manifest His favor. Before you know it, you will have arrived at your place of destiny and promise. 

Listen, 2008 is a changing year for you. It really is your new beginning. God has good things on the horizon for you... as long as you do your part! If you take one step... you know the rest... He'll take two!

So, get to steppin'...

Until next time... may you be empowered to prosper!

Dianna Hobbs
www.eewmagazine.com

An Important Life Lesson

Do you want more peace in your life and less drama? If so, keep on reading! Many times, it's easy to look at other people and things as the source of our greatest tests and stresses in life. And sure... to a degree, they can be. But I want to propose something to you: If you would allow God to direct you and show you the character of people BEFORE you get too deeply involved, you'll avoid lots of undue heartache.

This important life lesson carries over into business, ministry, career, and every critical area in your life. You have to be careful, because everyone's motives are not pure. Sometimes, it's easy to be naive and fall into traps--especially when you're a genuine person of integrity. Why? It's because you have a natural tendency to believe the best about everyone.

If you're coming from a place of honesty, concern, and purity, you expect that other individuals are doing the same thing. Undoubtedly, it's human nature to see a reflection of ourselves in others, but nothing can be more deceiving.  Human nature can lead you down the wrong path if you're not wise.

As I said earlier... be careful. Seek God for wisdom and insight. "If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally... and it will be given to him" (James 1:5 NKJV).

I want you to think about the last time you were hurt and blindsided by someone you trusted. Come on. Get it in your mind. Now, I don't want you to conjure up negative feelings from your past; that's not what this is about. Instead, I want you to be reminded of what can happen when you're not led by God. As you navigate your way through this world, you have to allow your past to teach you, but never let it hinder you from moving ahead.

I'm sure you know that, there are few things worse than leaning on your own understanding and being deceived and betrayed in the end. I want you to take heed to what you're reading today. This message is to assist you along the road to blessings and prosperity. Know that there will be all kinds of people that inhabit your place of promise. But if you adhere to God's instructions and heed His warnings, you never have to worry about being caught off guard.

Remember, God ALWAYS sends warnings. Now, whether or not you hear and heed... well... that's totally dependent upon you. Prayerfully, you will always choose God's instruction above all else. Never be guided by emotions; they'll pull you off your set course.

My prayer is that, as you move closer toward your destiny, you be led by the Holy Spirit in all the matters and affairs of life.

Until next time... may you be empowered to prosper!

Dianna Hobbs
www.eewmagazine.com

Hurry Up and Wait...

I recently spoke to two best friends and they shared an interesting story, which I, in turn, want to share with you. It's a great example of how impatient we can be when waiting on God to  fulfill His promise in our lives. The process of seeing the manifestation of His word sometimes feels like a "Hurry Up and Wait" scenario, right?

I know you must be able to relate to this feeling!

Well, so can Lisa Powers, a young woman who shared her testimony with me. She and Sheena Wilson have  been friends for years and they are faithful blog readers. Well, Lisa is a 27 year old executive at a NYC firm. She's the first black woman in her company to occupy such a high position  at her age.

Months prior to being notified by her bosses, Lisa  received a prophetic word saying, she would be approached about a major opportunity in her company.

Now, at the time, there was no opportunity in sight. In fact, prior to this, Lisa had been told that she didn't have enough seniority to climb any higher on the corporate ladder  for a while. 

Before receiving divine insight, truthfully, Lisa had settled into her position, without expecting anything to change--at least not any time in the near future. However, once hope for bigger and better things was ignited in her soul through the prophecy, she couldn't wait to see how things would pan out!

Sure enough, one day, Lisa was called into an impromptu corporate meeting. At first she thought she was in trouble. To her surprise, quite the opposite happened. She was finally given the good news! She had been chosen for a major promotion. Everything was already set to change over on the 1st of the year.

As you might imagine, Lisa was beside herself with ecstasy. She praised God and couldn't wait for 2008... her new beginning! She was certain that she would never doubt God again... after all, He had really proven Himself with this one.

Well, after the first and second week of the New Year rolled by without any news, Lisa quickly grew  doubtful. Why hadn't she heard anything from those who promised the promotion?

When she got home from work one evening, she called up her girlfriend Sheena.

"Huhhh! I can't take all this waiting. This was supposed to be done by now... I'm so frustrated!" Lisa slumped down on her black leather sofa with her phone sandwiched between her shoulder and her ear, gabbing away, with a gallon of ice cream in one hand, and a big tablespoon in the other.

"It'll be fine," Sheena tried to reassure her friend. But  Lisa was pretty bent out of shape.

"No, it's not fine," Lisa  retorted, shoveling a spoonful of cookies and cream ice cream in her mouth. Lisa always eats when she feels depressed. 

According to Sheena, Lisa can be really, really,  impatient at times. And Lisa doesn't deny that this is a real character flaw. When she wants something, she wants it-- and I quote--"like yesterday."

Sheena, on the other hand, is calmer, more level-headed, and not as easily rattled.  She always tries to help allay Lisa's anxieties, which is why she originally introduced Lisa to this blog several months ago.

As they sat on the phone, Sheena continued trying to help. "You just have to let the situation take its course Lisa. It'll all work out in the end. I know how you feel, but I also know that panicking about it won't change anything."

Lisa couldn't help wondering: Had she been passed over? Had her bosses misled her? Could she possibly have misunderstood? Had she been a fool to believe that she--one of the least likely candidates for promotion--really had a shot? All kinds of thoughts ran through her mind... none of them was positive, that's for sure

The real problem was that, Lisa was haunted by the fact that she was one of  the least educated, least experienced, and least connected executives in her organization. She already felt inadequate in so many ways. This hurry up and wait process sure wasn't helping her faith any. Why should she believe anything good would happen for her?

So, when Lisa and Sheena hung up the phone that night, Lisa had no way of knowing exactly what was waiting for her the very next day. 

Turns out that, there had been a  slight delay with the paperwork, and upper management needed to pull some strings to complete the process. The position was given to Lisa as promised with retroactive pay!

All that time, Lisa was worried for nothing!

How often do we get frantic and bent out of shape just like Lisa? And for what?

I know it can be tough to hold onto your faith when things look like they won't happen. But, oh my friend, everything God has promised, HE WILL PERFORM IT! He cannot lie. Everything He's spoken is coming to pass. "God is not a man, that He should lie, Nor a son of man, that He should repent; Has He said, and will He not do it? Or has He spoken, and will He not make it good?" (Numbers 23:19 NAS)

Don't get weary while you're waiting.

Instead, rest in His promises and know beyond a shadow of doubt that delay is not denial. God has great blessings in store for you;  learn to trust Him while you wait! "They that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint" (Isaiah 40:31).

Until next time... may you be empowered to prosper!

Dianna Hobbs
www.eewmagazine.com

It's About Emotional Independence!

Ever had the rug pulled out from under you at a crucial time in your life? Have you ever been betrayed or neglected by those you depended on for viability? Have you ever wondered why things like this occur--often when you  feel that you're in dire straits?

Well, I've got the answer for you. Sometimes, we become too emotionally dependent upon people and things outside of ourselves to make us whole. We begin trusting in them more than we trust in God. So, God, in His infinite wisdom, will allow something to happen that causes an upset in our daily routine. He'll stand silently by and let things "go South" while we look on in dismay.

"...The Lord your God led you all the way these forty years in the wilderness, to humble you and test you, to know what was in your heart... So He humbled you, allowed you to hunger...that He might make you know that man shall not live by bread alone; but man lives by every word that proceeds from the mouth of the Lord" (See Deuteronomy 8:2,3).

Now, this may seem like cruel and unusual punishment, but it isn't. Actually, it's one of the greatest blessings you'll ever get. You see, once you learn that your economic solvency, emotional stability, and complete wholeness does not rest in anything or anyone except the Lord; you'll handle your storms better.

Understand that God is growing you up. That's right. He's maturing you and letting you know that you have the ability to stand on your own two feet--with His help of course. You don't have to depend upon anyone but Him for satisfaction and well-being.

When you grasp that lesson, then He'll allow things to regulate in your life. Situations will once again return to normal; BUT this can only occur when you become free of unhealthy co-dependency issues.

Once God can trust you not to panic when things look uncertain; once He sees that you're strong enough to stand... even when you have to stand alone; once you begin depending upon Him as your source instead of returning to old vices and crutches... then and only then will He unleash all He has for you.

Remember what I told you yesterday? You have to ask yourself, "What should I be learning? What is God trying to teach me? What am I supposed to carry away from this test, that will keep me from ending up here again?"

Don't fret. Rather, rejoice, because every troublesome experience takes you to new levels of growth, maturity, and productivity. You get closer to that place of emotional independence where you no longer look to the left or to the right for your help. Instead, you make up your mind that, "I will lift up my eyes to the hills—from whence comes my help? My help comes from the LORD, who made heaven and earth" (Psalm 121:1 NKJV).

Until next time... may you be empowered to prosper!

Dianna Hobbs
www.eewmagazine.com